balk?

[bbman]

1. Right handed pitcher, runner on third. From the stretch/set, pitcher steps toward third, but does not throw to third. Balk?

2. Right handed pitcher, runner on third. From the stretch/set, pitcher does not step toward third, but does throw to third. Balk?

Thanks in advance

[ilyazhito]

Both 1 and 2 are illegal. A pitcher must step to a base prior to throwing if he is on the rubber. Official Baseball Rule 6.02 (a)(2) prohibits faking a throw to 1st base or 3rd base, and 6.02(a)(3) requires a pitcher to step to a base prior to throwing to a base.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

Both 1 and 2 are illegal. A pitcher must step to a base prior to throwing if he is on the rubber. Official Baseball Rule 6.02 (a)(2) prohibits faking a throw to 1st base or 3rd base, and 6.02(a)(3) requires a pitcher to step to a base prior to throwing to a base.

Some rules codes (and some local leagues have a league rule) still allow the fake to third. I agree that it's a balk in OBR.