Quote:
Originally posted by wpiced
Did I blow it?
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Sounds like it.
Step towards third is a feint and surely not a pitch - once implemented F1 is no longer a pitcher but just a fielder. As he turns back to 1st he will have removed his pivot foot from the rubber and it does not need to have stepped backward (away from home toward 2nd). As you noted there is generally very little deceipt in this move and the runners get back easily. Balk is the wrong call unless the pitcher began a pitching motion towards home (separated hands and began leaning as if going to home) and then bailed out to go to 3rd.
When going to 1st the pitcher does not need to step back; he can pivot (wheel, as someone said) and step toward 1st. In this case F1 is still a pitcher (contact with the rubber is maintained when the motion to 1st began). As a pitcher making a move to 1st, a throw must be made. If that throw goes out of play, runners get one base. If a throw is not made from this motion, balk is the right call.
The pitcher can also begin a motion to 1st by stepping backward off of the rubber (now he is a fielder) and now pivoting to 1st. As a fielder a throw is not necessary. If a throw is mode now and it goes out of play, runners get two bases.
Right handed pitchers will often try to blend these moves by wheeling (jumping, turning toward 1st, and stepping off in one motion). This guy is still a pitcher and must make a throw.
Hope this helps.