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-   -   Question from a fan that actually had me thinking (https://forum.officiating.com/baseball/13425-question-fan-actually-had-me-thinking.html)

TwoBits Wed Apr 28, 2004 01:23pm

The question was can a right-handed pitcher turn over his right shoulder, do a 180 degree spin while maintaining contact with the rubber, and attempt a pick off at first?

My response was that there was nothing in the rules saying that this could not be done, but in reality there would be alot of places to screw up this type of move, i.e. faking to third or second in mid-motion...failing to maintain contact with the rubber...losing balance...failing to step directly toward first on the throw, etc.

What do y'all think? Interpret in all codes.

3appleshigh Wed Apr 28, 2004 02:48pm

I may be wrong,
 
But doesn't it say something about breaking the back plane of the pitchers plate can only occur on a move to second base. I believe the situation you described would be a balk if at all possible to achieve.

Baseball_North Wed Apr 28, 2004 03:35pm

I would call it a balk.

Simply because it has the intent of deceiving the runner, obviously.

jicecone Wed Apr 28, 2004 07:05pm

Quote:

Originally posted by TwoBits
The question was can a right-handed pitcher turn over his right shoulder, do a 180 degree spin while maintaining contact with the rubber, and attempt a pick off at first?

Sure he can. Is it legal? Probably not, for the reason you have already mentioned. Failing to step.


DG Wed Apr 28, 2004 07:27pm

Breaking the back plane would be a key problem with this move.

TwoBits Wed Apr 28, 2004 10:06pm

Great point, 3Apples and DG. I hadn't even thought of that. Thanks!

bluezebra Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:00am

"The question was can a right-handed pitcher turn over his right shoulder, do a 180 degree spin while maintaining contact with the rubber, and attempt a pick off at first?"

1..180 degree turn will have him facing 2B.

2..180 degree turn will mean his non-pivot foot breaks the plane of the pitcher's plate.

3..Can you say, "BALK"?

Kaliix Thu Apr 29, 2004 08:30am

Quote:

Originally posted by bluezebra
"The question was can a right-handed pitcher turn over his right shoulder, do a 180 degree spin while maintaining contact with the rubber, and attempt a pick off at first?"

1..180 degree turn will have him facing 2B.

Typically, with a runner on first, pitchers work from the stretch, with their foot parallel to the rubber and back facing first base.

So a 180° turn would have him facing 1B.

greymule Thu Apr 29, 2004 01:04pm

<b>So a 180° turn would have him facing 1B.</b>

But he's facing <i>home,</i> not 1B, when he throws to first. He's facing 3B when he's in the stretch.

I admit to having a little trouble understanding the original question. Does it involve jumping and spinning in the reverse direction from normal? Wouldn't that be a 270°?

Not easy.


DG Thu Apr 29, 2004 08:05pm

270 degree turn is what I took his question to mean, in a counter-clock spin, around the pivot foot. Can't see this as anything but a balk, because the left foot went past the plane of the rubber and you sure can't pick anybody off with this move, unless the move tricked 'em.

TwoBits Fri Apr 30, 2004 09:54am

Re: I may be wrong,
 
Quote:

Originally posted by 3appleshigh
But doesn't it say something about breaking the back plane of the pitchers plate can only occur on a move to second base. I believe the situation you described would be a balk if at all possible to achieve.
Guys, the discussion is over. The above quote was the information I was looking for.


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