[mbyron]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

HS Varsity - R2. F1 didn't step, step off etc he just did a "shoulder jerk" toward 2B. I didn't call it b/c he didn't have to throw to 2B - did I miss it? Did he have to step toward the base anyway or disengage?

For the record HC went ape $%#& b/c I didn't call it.

HC was right. This is a balk all day: F1 may feint to 2B, but must step toward 2B first (or step off first).

Originally Posted by Rule 8.05

Rule 8.05(c) Comment: Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a
base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping
or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk. A pitcher is to step directly toward a base
before throwing to that base but does not require him to
throw (except to first base only) because he steps.