Last night, Seattle vs. Cleveland, the first base umpire called a balk against the Seattle pitcher for the first baseman not being on the firstbase bag when the pitcher threw to first on a pick-off play. Where is this rule in the OBR? I can not find it. Thanks........Foulball

The various parts of Rule 8 refer to the pitcher throwing to a base, NOT to the player covering the base.

As you MUST throw to first, the throw must be to the base.

For bases other than first base, the interpretation/logic is that, as you are not required to throw to begin with the throw, if made, does not have to be to the base.

OBR 8.05(c) somewhat covers this although it is not explicit.

What it means is that when a pitcher steps and throws TO first (only) it must be directly to that base OR to such a place where a play could be made on the runner. G.

From PBUC item 6.5(a). "The pitcher shall be charged with a balk if he attempts a pick-off at first base and throws to the first baseman who is either in front of or behind first base and obviously not making an attempt at retiring the runner. However, there is no violation if the pitcher throws the ball directly to first base in this situation. Also note that there is no violation if te pitcher attempts a pick-off at second or third and throws to an infielder who is in front of or behind either of these bases (ie this violation is only in reference to pick-offs at first base)."

This same question is covered in the following thread: http://www.officialforum.com/thread/14548

[Edited by DG on Jul 18th, 2004 at 06:36 PM]

Isn't that what we said? G.

Yes, but FoulBall was looking for an OBR rule, and 8.05(c)somewhat covers it, but PBUC 6.5(a) clarifies substantially.

What is the PBUC?

Professional Baseball Umpire Corp produces a PBUC manual for minor league umpires. http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/pages/?id=20

"SNIP'

"Professional Baseball Umpire Corp produces a PBUC manual for minor league umpires."
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Since the OBR makes very few changes and MLB rarely tells you what they are doing, the PBUC is pretty active and a worthy resource.

You must remember that the PBUC is for Minor Leagues and not necessarily applicable to MLB or the OBR. G.