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Originally Posted by dddunn3d
SanDiegoSteve,
The move NAPBL is mentioning is when the RH F1, in order to make a strong throw, "jabs" the ground with his pivot foot a few inches towards 3B, then makes a step towards 1B with his non-pivot foot and throws. This is not a feint. He must throw with this move or it's a balk.
The feint to 3B involves the non-pivot foot first (stepping towards 3B), then wheeling around to check R1. Once F1 feints to 3B, he is considered to have disengaged, no matter where his feet actually are in relation to the rubber. There is no balk.
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Exactly!
The only thing I would add is that OBR considers it a balk if the pitcher fakes to 3rd while in contact with the rubber
-and- maintains contact with the rubber
-and- pivots around toward first while
still in contact with the rubber. It doesn't matter if he feints or throws in this case. It's a balk by interpretation.
I imagine, the reason OBR considers this a balk is that they view this style of maneuvering as being an all-in-one type of maneuver - which is strictly forbidden. And I understand why they are concerned about this. To be fair to R1, F1 should not be allowed to make a move toward 3rd and, all in one fluid motion, continue making a move toward 1st.
Under OBR, the pitcher cannot make a very token and abbreviated motion toward 3rd as a prelude to throwing toward 1st
unless he breaks contact with the rubber.
In any case, if F1 executes the 3-1 move legally, there is not going to be any instance of a one base award should F1 throw the ball out-of-play when when throwing to 1st. He's an infielder and it has nothing to do with whether he stepped BACK off the rubber or not. He's already made a play to 3rd.
I think I'm finally understanding the FED view on this play. They allow the pitcher to execute this maneuver while maintaining contact with the rubber
OR while
not maintaining contact. Either way is legal.
However, if the pitcher
remains in contact with the rubber the pitching regulations apply. If he feints toward 1st ... it's a balk. If he throws the ball into DBT, it's a one base award.
If the pitcher does
not remain in contact with the rubber and he feints toward 1st ... legal! If he throws the ball into DBT, it's a two base award.
It think what I've written above is all accurate and brings this to a conclusion.
If I have some element of this incorrect, somebody please correct me.
Thanks!
David Emerling
Memphis, TN