Another balk question: Babe Ruth rules

[rhinolith]

Question 1: R2. Pitcher in stretch position. Runner takes off for 3B but pitcher does not know that. Pitcher spins and throws to 2B thinking he is holding the runner who is now half way to 3B. Is this anything?

Question 2: Could the pitcher step and throw directly to 3B in an attempt to get the runner coming into 3B, or does the pitcher have to step off. I believe he can step directly to 3B. My partner thinks not.

Thank you very much for your answers in advance. I love this site!

 

[Replacematt]

Neither are balks. A base is occupied until that runner acquires the next base, and it is legal to throw to any base while engaged with the rubber for the purpose of making a play.

[maven]

11 hours ago, rhinolith said:

Question 1: R2. Pitcher in stretch position. Runner takes off for 3B but pitcher does not know that. Pitcher spins and throws to 2B thinking he is holding the runner who is now half way to 3B. Is this anything?

Yes, a stolen base.

11 hours ago, rhinolith said:

Question 2: Could the pitcher step and throw directly to 3B in an attempt to get the runner coming into 3B, or does the pitcher have to step off. I believe he can step directly to 3B. My partner thinks not.

I'd guess that your partner's rationale is that it's illegal to pick to an unoccupied base. If so, he knows the general rule, but not the exception. Legal to throw from the rubber in order to make a play.

[Senor Azul]

The Foreword in the 2021 Babe Ruth League Rules states, “As in all divisions of Babe Ruth League, Inc., Cal Ripken Baseball strives to play under rules as close to the Official Baseball Rules as possible.” So I think that would mean any OBR interpretations would also apply to Babe Ruth League play. The following is taken from the 2021 Minor League Baseball Umpire Manual (section 6.27, p. 118):

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(4) provides that the pitcher be charged with a balk if, while in contact with the rubber, he throws to an unoccupied base except for the purpose of making a play.

Play 1:  Runners on first and second, pitcher in set position. Runner breaks for third base and pitcher throws to third base.

Ruling 1:  Legal play.

Play 2: Runners on first and second, pitcher in set position. Runner bluffs going to third base and pitcher throws to third base. However, runner did not go.

Ruling 2:  Balk under OBR 6.02(a)(4).

The key to understanding the above two plays is for the umpire to use good judgment in deciding whether or not the runner on the previous base demonstrates or otherwise creates an impression of his intent to advance to such unoccupied base…(this comes from OBR 6.02(a)(4) Comment which the Babe Ruth rule book has not added)

Rule 6.02(a)(4) Comment: When determining whether the pitcher throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base for the purpose of making a play, the umpire should consider whether a runner on the previous base demonstrates or otherwise creates an impression of his intent to advance to such unoccupied base.

[Velho]

2 hours ago, Senor Azul said:

Play 2: Runners on first and second, pitcher in set position. Runner bluffs going to third base and pitcher throws to third base. However, runner did not go.

Ruling 2:  Balk under OBR 6.02(a)(4).

The key to understanding the above two plays is for the umpire to use good judgment in deciding whether or not the runner on the previous base demonstrates or otherwise creates an impression of his intent to advance to such unoccupied base…(this comes from OBR 6.02(a)(4) Comment which the Babe Ruth rule book has not added)

Rule 6.02(a)(4) Comment: When determining whether the pitcher throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base for the purpose of making a play, the umpire should consider whether a runner on the previous base demonstrates or otherwise creates an impression of his intent to advance to such unoccupied base.

Do we interpret Play 2 as meaning if  "runner bluffed but is clearly not going and pitcher throws to 3rd anyway" it's a balk. But "if the runner bluffs really well such that pitcher reasonably thinks he going and throws to 3rd" that's not a balk?

[Richvee]

16 hours ago, Velho said:

Do we interpret Play 2 as meaning if  "runner bluffed but is clearly not going and pitcher throws to 3rd anyway" it's a balk. But "if the runner bluffs really well such that pitcher reasonably thinks he going and throws to 3rd" that's not a balk?

Umpire judgement. Rule of thumb,  a head fake or a step isn’t enough. Two-three steps….that’s an attempt to advance.