Pardon my frustration, but how hard is this to understand?
8.01 (b) says the pitcher may "...step backward off the pitchers plate with his pivot foot."
Any normal definition of a step does not include someone bringing their knee up to meet their chest.
That is not a step!
A step is when someone lifts their foot up enough to avoid dragging it on the ground. Maybe even a few extra inches, but no more. Watch anyone take a step and that is what they do.
Therefore, I'll say it again, the pitcher did not
step backward off the pitchers plate with his pivot foot he brought it up to his chest first which is not a step backward. It is an exagerated lifting of the leg, followed by a step. That is a balk!
Also, since he lifted his leg up to his chest, he was now not in contact with the pitchers plate. Since he was not in contact and was simulating a pitching motion while not in contact with the pitchers plate,Balk!
Either way.
Quote:
Originally posted by cbfoulds
Quote:
Originally posted by Kaliix
Matt,
Here is why a balk should be called. The rules say the pitcher can step backward off the pitchers plate with his pivot foot. The rule does not say that the pitcher can lift his leg up to his chest, simulating a pitching motion, to disengage the rubber.
The pitcher didn't step backward off the pitchers plate, he lifted his leg two feet up in the air and then back.
Therefore he violated the rule and it is a balk.
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Remind me: WHICH rule says how high F1 can/can't lift his [pivot] leg when moving it from in front to behind the rubber?
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