Quote:
Originally Posted by mbyron
As Bob points out, a jump turn IS a step to a base, since the front foot gains "distance and direction" toward the base.
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Not necessarily, because a pitcher doesn't always "gain ground." He must do so for it to be legal. If he does not gain ground, it's a balk. I had this occur last week in a D3 NCAA game. The pitcher did his jump turn, but his nonpivot foot (left foot, since he was a righty) just spun in its place as he turned toward first.
The NCAA has emphasized that its umpires watch this, as I guess they believe too many pitchers are, in fact, spinning and not really jumping and turning and gaining ground.