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There seems to be a lot of controvesy lately on here abut the 45, and it's origin. The rule says that the pitcher must step more toward first than home plate during the pick-off attempt. It's really not that confusing as it's been made out to be. If you simply imagine a straight line from the pitchers foot to the plate, a 90 degree angle...then cut it in half...hence your 45 degrees... if the pitcher steps more toward first..that is on the first base side of that imaginary line, he's OK. If he stepped more toward home, that is, his foot was more toward the home plate side of that line.. he balked. remember, the rule says he must step toward the base he intends to throw to. The 45 is a tool to help you determine if he did or didn't step more toward the bag or home. No it's not written, it's an umpires tool to help you determine if he's cheating.
edited to note, sorry for the hijack... as for the op question, it's a foul ball
Last edited by justanotherblue; Sat May 16, 2009 at 12:09am.
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