Answer to second one-question test

[Bfair]

Originally posted by Gre144

Is the 45 degree and from the halfway point between second and third back to the pitcher's mound and the up to second base? What I really want to know is the following: Is there any situation between first and second or second and third where F1 is not considered as stepping towards the base? [/B]

First, regarding the 45 degrees allowable: To third it will be 45 to either side of base from center of rubber. Same definition for 2nd. That is why in your scenerio with the runner advancing to third he can merely step. Since it is legal for him to step to either base (and he need not throw), when he brings his nonpivot foot backward it should land in either of those quadrants. Both quadrants would be legal. Now, if he were to step in one quadrant and deliver to the opposite base, that would be a balk for not throwing to the base he stepped to. Seldom, if ever, does that occur on the play in your scenerio. Usually F1 steps and merely disengages without throwing.

Certainly it is possible to step to one area while throwing to another. No different than LH F1 stepping toward home and delivering the throw to 1st. On rare occasion I have seen R2 only and RH pitcher brings nonpivot foot back and rather than continuing toward 2nd he will kick his foot downward and toward third (more off the end of rubber than really behind it toward 2nd). He is trying to deceive the runner hoping the foot has not tipped off the throw to 2nd.

In both scenerios, this action results in an very open and awkward shoulder turn whereby F1 must open his body significantly in order to "twist" so as to deliver the ball on target to the base. When you see this awkward twist in F1's throwing motion, it should be a tipoff to you that he is not stepping where he is throwing. Just "how far" off the direct step is your judgement.

Try it yourself sometime. If you are LH, step to home and deliver to 1st. If RH, step to home and deliver to 3rd. You will feel and see the "shoulder twist" I discuss. Now, step direct to where you want to throw. No shoulder twist. Don't use it to determine a balk, but it should highlight to you he may not be stepping where he is throwing.

Finally, I will list a play I have seen on several occasions that is illegal:
With R1 and R3, righthanded F1 steps TOWARD HOME while faking the throw to 3rd as in the 3-1 move. Pretending and hoping the officials think he stepped toward 3rd, he then turns to try for the runner at 1st. This is highly deceiving to an R1 considering advancing to 2nd. R1 sees F1's foot go to home and breaks for 2nd. F1, with the illegal fake to third, holds ball on the fake throw and typically R1 becomes meat. It takes concentration and gonads on behalf of the officials to make the proper call and balk the pitcher. I believe this is a taught play at higher levels that will really test the officials and their willingness to make a call. The defense is risking, of course, balking in a run. I have seen it not called moreso than I have seen it called.

Just my opinion,

Freix