Double Set with NO Runners on Base

[Vikki]

14U Babe Ruth (OBR). Visiting pitcher (RH) was working from the set with NO runners on base. He started in a normal stretch, then drew his free foot back with his shoulder quite open and came to a full and complete stop. From there he lifted his free foot and came set again with his shoulder now in a traditional closed position. Then he delivered to the plate. I’d never seen this before.

 

I called his coach over and told him that even though there aren’t runners on base, he is still violating the rules of the set position. Once he sets, he has to deliver or step off. (And he doesn’t have to set at all…he just can’t do it twice.)

 

The pitcher made an adjustment so that he only rocked off his free foot on the first movement, staying in one continuous motion, and then came fully set.

 

Coach asked me if it’s an automatic ball if he did it again. I told him no, it’s not an illegal pitch, I’m just going to kill it and it will be a no pitch. But there were no issues the rest of the game.

 

Did I get that right?

 

This was a fall ball tournament so I was surprised that he may have been doing that the entire year and not been called on it.

[BigBlue4u]

On 10/4/2025 at 9:18 PM, Vikki said:

14U Babe Ruth (OBR). Visiting pitcher (RH) was working from the set with NO runners on base. He started in a normal stretch, then drew his free foot back with his shoulder quite open and came to a full and complete stop. From there he lifted his free foot and came set again with his shoulder now in a traditional closed position. Then he delivered to the plate. I’d never seen this before.

The first problem is that a number of major league pitchers have unusual motions. (Kenley Jansen of the LA Angels for example) So, you now have a trickle-down effect.  As far as your situation, I would allow the pitcher's motion with no runners and here's why:  First, the spirit and intent of the balk rule, which is to protect the runner and batter.  Second, it would appear he is not gaining an advantage not intended by rule. So, unusual as it is, I would allow it with no runners on base.

[noumpere]

On 10/6/2025 at 10:26 AM, BigBlue4u said:

The first problem is that a number of major league pitchers have unusual motions. (Kenley Jansen of the LA Angels for example) So, you now have a trickle-down effect.  As far as your situation, I would allow the pitcher's motion with no runners and here's why:  First, the spirit and intent of the balk rule, which is to protect the runner and batter.  Second, it would appear he is not gaining an advantage not intended by rule. So, unusual as it is, I would allow it with no runners on base.

FIFY

[BigBlue4u]

On 10/12/2025 at 3:09 PM, noumpere said:

FIFY

noumpire: My reference intent involving the batter was directed to a quick pitch.

[umpstu]

1 hour ago, BigBlue4u said:

noumpire: My reference intent involving the batter was directed to a quick pitch.

Guess you FIFY.

[BigBlue4u]

On 10/17/2025 at 2:16 PM, umpstu said:

Guess you FIFY.

🙂