faking to first

[ozzy6900]

Originally posted by joyce
In our (Pony) league, the umpires allow right handed pitchers to "fake" to first base from the stretch position. Their rationale is that the pitcher has removed his foot from the rubber as he turns to first, and that he is therefore no longer in contact with the rubber. Thus, he can "fake". I guess I'm wondering why if this IS actually true, in 40 years of watching baseball I've never seen a major leaguer "fake" a first base pickoff. Is a righty's pickoff to first considered a "jump turn" and therefore to be considered as actually being in contact with the rubber for the purpose of the pickoff/balk rule?

I don't believe what I am reading!!!!!

Okay, a pitcher may not fake to 1st. Again, a pitcher may not fake to 1st. If he steps off the rubber with his pivot foot, he is no longer a pitcher, he is an infielder. An infielder may do anything that he wants.

A jump turn is a different animal altogether. The pitcher (to keep it simple) jumps into the air with both feet, spins toward 1st, lands with both feet and throws. If done correctly, he satisfies the "distance and direction" rule also.