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Spepping Back off the rubber a Balk??
8.01 There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and the Set Position, and either position may be used at any time. Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher
while standing on the rubber.
(e) If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the pitcher's plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw
from that position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw by any other infielder.
Official Notes - Case Book - Comments: The pitcher, while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, such throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the rules covering a ball thrown by a fielder.
This rule is quite specific. The Umpire ruling in last nights game is Protestable.
The vague rules in the Balk section never refer to the pitcher legally stepping off the rubber and THEN delivering a Pitch. Once he steps off the rubber, it CAN'T be a pitch.
Dave
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