balk towards 2nd base

[mick]

Originally posted by CVLLBlue
Babe Ruth 13-15 yr olds. Runner on 2nd. F1 spins on pivot foot towards 2B as R2 breaks towards 3B. R2 stops 1/2 way to 3B and Pitcher, without disengaging from the rubber, and pumps his arm with the ball three or 4 times trying to get R2 to commit in one direction.

I know that F1 does not have to throw the ball to 2B. Does that give him the right to stand on the rubber and feint a throw?

I was an observer at this game so no call on my part. I think it was a balk when F1 did not disengage and still as, a pitcher, was deceiving R2 by pumping his arm. Neither the PU or BU called it.

What's the call?

It is a balk if a pitcher steps (ie, steps and throws, or steps and feints a throw, or steps only) to an unoccupied base unless a runner is advancing toward and trying to acquire such base.

What was the free foot doing? Still planted or was direction and distance being applied?

mick