[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I guess I'm wondering how "the leg moving towards home plate" is a balk. If the leg doesn't go past the 45 degree line between home and third, how is this anything but a good pickoff move? The step was always "towards third" since that foot never crossed that line.

Here's why, Rich.

From the J/R:

It is a balk if a pitcher -

2 Commits to pitch but fails to do so.

Set Mode: The pitcher is committed to pitch when, after coming set*, he shows movement toward home plate. Such movement includes leaning his body toward home plate, and beginning or rotating his free leg toward home plate.


Tim.