Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle_12
Right handed pitcher, R1, NCAA rule set (prob. doesn't matter though)
This is strange, never seen it before, I was in the stands but the other four umps on the field (champ. series) didn't call anything and were questioning it themselves during and following the game. Like I said, I've never seen a pitcher ever do this move.
RHP come set. pauses/holds R1. F1 then takes his free foot (left) and reaches back with it towards first. It would be like a reverse LHP step, but heel first or as if he was doing a backwards lunge. As the foot lands he turns and throws to first. He didn't pick his foot up in the air like a normal delivery and then open up towards first. He just lifted and slid his foot straight back towards first.
Is this legal but just strange to see? He did get the runner to take off for second and they finished him off there.
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I believe that is legal, since he "stepped" toward first base. But he has to throw to first or be guilty of a balk. If he didn't throw to first, but second base instead, (without disengaging) I would balk him. And once he does that "slide-step" to first, he can't disengage--he has to throw to first....IMHO