Quote:
Originally posted by SMEngmann
I am enjoying the discussion of this issue and based on the discussion it seems clear that the rule is not only poorly written, but it's a classic example of rulebook minutia that makes a game more difficult to officiate. I think the reasons why this rule exist have been well explained, but really the only situation in practice where a violation of this rule can be considered deceptive is the hands over head move with a runner on third. The point of the balk rule is to prevent deception. I don't understand why, though, other clear attempts to deceive, such as the "3-1" move are legal and the minor movement of 2 hands to a stop in front of the body is considered deceptive enough to call a balk. Lefties practice moves to deceive runners at first. I agree that they are part of the game, but I don't see the sense from a rules perspective in allowing blatant attempts to deceive and to punish largely unnoticed movements by the pitcher. Rather than wording the rule in general language, the rule should be clear. If the rules committee wants to stop a pitcher from doing something specifically deceptive, they should ban that specific action, not speak in generalities.
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Your'e missing the FED's point, which is: Why should F1 be able to deceive R3 about when he intends to wind up?
Since movement of both hands is
defined as the start of a pitch, then movement followed by a stop is more than deceptive.
Wouldn't you agree?
The point: We write rules all the time to deal with one specific situation. Interference with a double play possible, malicious contact, running lane, running the bases in reverse order, etc.