Balk?

[DaveAM]

New member and just joined this site. Got 2 separate questions that happened this year at the younger travel age level (12U-13U). 

Runner on 2B, pitcher comes set, runner takes off for 3B before pitcher begins any motion, pitcher steps towards 3B with non-pivot foot and throws out runner. Balk?? Coach said yes because he threw to an unoccupied base. My question is does the pitcher need to step off rubber or is this a legal move? My understanding the base does not need to be occupied, so the coach argument does't matter. 

Here's the other situation... pitcher comes set at different spots... first pitch he sets at his chin, next pitch he comes set at his waist, next pitch comes set back at his chin, and so on. His set position was never consistent and changed on each pitch. Balk? I thought once set position was established need to stay consistent and can't come set at different spots. 

Any clarification much appreciated. 

[maven]

The second is also not a balk. Provided he comes set legally (codes differ about where the glove may be), he can vary his set each and every pitch of the game.

That he has to "pitch the same way every time" is a standard myth.

Regarding the first move: people remember "may not throw to an unoccupied base" but forget/never knew "except for the purpose of making a play."

Also, as you're learning the balk rules, it's worth remembering what's allowed when F1 is engaged: he may do one of three things (in general),

1. Pitch to the batter
2. Disengage legally
3. Step and then throw/feint to a base

Notice that #2 and #3 are independent: that is, neither one requires the other. Stepping + throwing is legal from the rubber, provided it meets the restrictions on "stepping" and "throwing to a base" (or feinting). One of those concerns unoccupied bases, and that one has the exception already mentioned.

[Jay R.]

The first play is not a balk. A throw from the rubber must be to an occupied base, or an attempt to make a play on a runner stealing. From OBR Rule 6.03(a)(4):

"[If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when:] The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play;"

[wolfe_man]

19 hours ago, maven said:

The second is also not a balk. Provided he comes set legally (codes differ about where the glove may be), he can vary his set each and every pitch of the game.

That he has to "pitch the same way every time" is a standard myth.

Regarding the first move: people remember "may not throw to an unoccupied base" but forget/never knew "except for the purpose of making a play."

Also, as you're learning the balk rules, it's worth remembering what's allowed when F1 is engaged: he may do one of three things (in general),

1. Pitch to the batter
2. Disengage legally
3. Step and then throw/feint to a base

Notice that #2 and #3 are independent: that is, neither one requires the other. Stepping + throwing is legal from the rubber, provided it meets the restrictions on "stepping" and "throwing to a base" (or feinting). One of those concerns unoccupied bases, and that one has the exception already mentioned.

Correct, if you think of MLB pitchers Oliver Perez and Johnny Cueto for example, they vary their set and delivery each time.

[DaveAM]

Thanks everyone for the feedback... the first situation I got right , the second I was wrong, but now know for future reference. 

[BT_Blue]

11 hours ago, DaveAM said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback... the first situation I got right , the second I was wrong, but now know for future reference. 

Don't feel bad. The second one is a common myth that many umpires get wrong.

[LRZ]

19 hours ago, DaveAM said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback... the first situation I got right , the second I was wrong, but now know for future reference. 

I apologize if this seems pedantic, but the critical point is to be right--for the right reason. That is, get into the rule book often, especially after something occurs about which you may be uncertain.