Quote:
Originally posted by Kaliix
What exactly is the reasoning behind making this a balk? Is there some advantage gained by the pitcher by having his hand hanging down versus at his side or behind his back?
I am honestly not trying to be argumentative, I am just trying to understand the reason for the rule.
|
The reasoning is simple: FED wants the runner at first to be able to tell where the ball is, hand or glove. If it's in the glove, the runner can lead off a small step farther because of the transfer time lost. That's why a well-trained pitcher always has the ball in his hand. If it's not at the side or behind his back, it's a balk.
The "gorilla" stance has ALWAYS been a balk by black-letter law; we've just never called it.
Until now.