Quote:
Originally posted by CDcoach
I got a question about a call at one of my boy's games I thought you guys would be good to answer.
Runners on 2nd and 3rd. Pitcher sets up on the rubber from an "open stretch". (front foot at about a 45 degree angle from the rubber towards 1st base, hope you can picture that.) He then takes a small step in to come set (still slightly open) then he drags his foot towards himself and pulls back and fires home. They called a balk. I questioned thier reasoning. They said that his drag of his foot was illegal. I could understand that if he went towards third but he went ahead and threw the pitch. The umpires after I started talking to them and fixing the pitcher acted kinda confused like they weren't even sure if they were right anymore. So I figured you guys could let me know if it sounds legal...hope you can picture it.
Thanks for your time.
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Sounds kinda iffy to me Coach. Guess I had to see it. I'm sure you know the rule, but I'm gonna state it anyway cause I'm bored.
NFHS 6.1.3
He shall come to a complete and discernible stop (a change of direction is not considered an acceptable stop) with the ball in both hands in front of the body and his glove at or below his chin. Natural preliminary motions such as ONLY ONE STRETCH may be made.
It sounds to me it looked weird and there was a pause in there somewhere, and therefore a balk call was made.