Answer to second one-question test

[Carl Childress]

Originally posted by Hayes Davis
You found a small "loophole" which really wasn't a problem. PBUC will correct this problem in their book and the whole umpiring world will be righted again thanks to you setting them straight. Thank you, thank you, thank you! One more piece of "loophole light" has forever been dimmed. However, umpires will NOT need retraining (at least in OUR area) as they've been doing it right all along.

Whatever position you played, it certainly wasn't catcher or pitcher. The issue of whether a pitcher must step when he feints is all important when you consider the timing of pickoff-attempt vis á vis pitch. You refer to it as a "loophole." If so, there is at least a loaded rifle sticking out to trick the wary runner.

IF the pitcher can feint a throw without a step, he can bluff the runner back to a base without disengaging his pitching stance. Then, while the runner falls back toward the base, the pitcher can deliver; and he has thus gained an advantage not intended by the rules.

Since the OBR "text" is very clear (step required for a throw, but not required for a feint: 8.05d), you and the umpires in your area have just been kicking that call all along. Now, you and your colleagues are no longer in that camp of umpires who simply make up the rules as they go along.

It's also apparent that until this thread arose, you had never heard of this oft-discussed controversy. BTW: In case you're interested as to what the purpose of the question was, re-read the final four paragraphs of my second post. It, too, will show that I have had a consistent goal and message from the beginning.

BTW2: I accept your three-fold thanks for getting this area of the book cleared up. You're quite welcome, I'm sure.