[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by newump

R1, LHP in the set position. F1's left foot(pivot foot) is parallel to the rubber and on the first base end of the rubber. F1's right foot (free foot) is on an angle from his left foot and closer to first base. no part of the right foot is in front of the rubber. the right foot looks as if he already took a small step towards first. this is how F1 starts from the set position. he then goes into a stretch and slides his right front a little closer to the rubber - but also closer to first base. he then stops there until he delivers the ball. it looks very awkward, but F1 always does it this way.
Is this a balk? The following rule indicates that this is not a legal set position, but it doesn't provide any penalty. am i missing something? is this a "don't do that"? thanks.

(b) The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his pivot foot in contact with, and his other foot in front of, the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set Position he may deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot. Before assuming Set Position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary motion such as that known as “the stretch.” But if he so elects, he shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball to the batter. After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption.

I'm confused by your description, but "in front of the rubber" means "in front of a line through the front of the rubber". The free foot need not be *directly* in front of the rubber (that is, it need not be within a line through either end of the rubber).