Fed Balk ruling

[bob jenkins]

SITUATION 2: While in the set position, F1 has his pitching hand hanging straight down in front of his body, swinging back and forth, as he gets the sign from the catcher. RULING: This is not legal and is an illegal pitch or a balk if there are runners on base. While this “gorilla” stance is legal if the pitching hand is stationary, it is illegal if the arm is swinging back and forth. (6-1-3)

Emphasis added

[thumpferee]

Where does it say anything about the glove, as in the OP?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by thumpferee

Where does it say anything about the glove, as in the OP?

It doesn't. But in my mind as they consider the swing as a start of the motion to get to set and as you have to bring your hands together to get to set then moving the glove is also part of starting the motion.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

It doesn't. But in my mind as they consider the swing as a start of the motion to get to set and as you have to bring your hands together to get to set then moving the glove is also part of starting the motion.

The umpire judges whether it is the start of coming set and if not it is not a balk:

"6.1.2 SITUATION D:

F1, while on the pitcher’s plate in either the windup or set position, (a) adjusts his cap or (b) shakes off the signal with his glove, or (c) shakes off the signal with his head.

RULING: In (a) through (c), these are legal actions if these movements of the arms and legs are not associated with the pitch."

[DG]

The gorilla arm is an interpretation, from 2005 I think. As long as the pitching arm is not swinging back and forth considerably it is not a balk. It is a FED interpretation.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by umpjim

The umpire judges whether it is the start of coming set and if not it is not a balk:

"6.1.2 SITUATION D:

F1, while on the pitcher’s plate in either the windup or set position, (a) adjusts his cap or (b) shakes off the signal with his glove, or (c) shakes off the signal with his head.

RULING: In (a) through (c), these are legal actions if these movements of the arms and legs are not associated with the pitch."

Please read Post #10