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Originally Posted by RPatrino
DG, please explain the difference between (TOP) "time of pitch" and "when the pitch leaves the hand". In the case of my question, I was unsure if the rule implied that the catcher can't move until the pitcher has started his pitching motion vs. on release of the ball.
I called a balk this past season because the catcher, prior to the pitcher beginning any pitching delivery, moved toward second base and recieved the "pitch" in the vicinity of the top line of the left handed batters box. Of course the coach insisted it was a pitch out, and I told him I saw it differently. Maybe I was splitting hairs, but my thought process revolved around that if every catcher was allowed to move prior to a pitch and receive it 5-10 feet in front of the plate, then no runner would ever steal second again.
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TOP is when the pitcher makes his first move that commits him to pitch. Picture the pitcher in the windup position with hands together in front of his body. When he starts a movement to raise his hands towards his head TOP has occurred because he is now committed to pitch. Quite a few movements later is when the ball leaves the hand.
On your balk call, the catcher can leave before TOP except when an intentional walk is being given, such as for a pitchout. The catcher can not catch the ball in front of the plate, that would be interference with the batter's right to swing at a pitch and batter is awarded 1B and any runners stealing on the pitch are awarded the advance base if not forced to do so by BR award to 1B. It sounds like in your case he did not so the balk does not appear appropriate in this case. In your case the pitch was in the other batter's box so it does not sound like he caught it 5-10 feet in front of the plate. You took a defensive tool away from the defense.