Balk

[Middleman]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If his hands were joined, and he separated his hands (to touch his hat) and didn't continue a motion to pitch, then it's a balk.

What rule set are you using? This is legal in FED, as long as the movement is "not associated with the pitch."

See Casebook 6.1.2 Situation D.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Middleman

What rule set are you using? This is legal in FED, as long as the movement is "not associated with the pitch."

See Casebook 6.1.2 Situation D.

Look at situation F. Once the hands are together (and not just to momentarily adjust the ball), he can disengage or pitch. That's it.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Middleman

What rule set are you using? This is legal in FED, as long as the movement is "not associated with the pitch."

See Casebook 6.1.2 Situation D.

I was assuming OBR, as specified in the OP. This particular ruling, though, is (substantially) the same.

In the case you cite, we must assume that the hands were not yet joined, otherwise the separation would be a "movement associated with the pitch."

See also rule 2-Pitch where "any movement" after the hands are joined is the TOP.