Quote:
Originally posted by thumpferee
IMO, if the pitcher has been taking one step backward and one step forward previously, then all of a sudden just lifts his leg forward and delivers the pitch, it deceives the batter! BALK!
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The "balk" rules are designed for actions that (illegally) decieve the runner -- deceiving the batter is not a balk.
He can join his hands one time and not join them the next.
He can pump once, pump twice, not pump at all.
He can throw sidearm, overhand, underhand, three-quarters.
The pitcher can step back once and not step back the next. "During delivery, he MAY lift his non-pivot foot in a step forward, OR in a step backward and a step forward ..."