Pitcher side step

[LDUB]

Originally posted by Dean Strong
OBR does not allow this: "With his "free" foot the pitcher may take one step backward and one step forward, but under no circumstances, to either side, that is to either the first base or third base side of the pitcher's rubber" [8.01a, comment]. Yet I have never seen this called a balk.

It is not a balk. Balks are listed in rule 8.05 not 8.01.

Originally posted by Dean Strong
What about from the Set Position? I am seeing younger pitchers, who have learned bad form as Little Leaguers, continue using this side rocker step, after they have come set, and are delivering to the plate. My training was that they have to either deliver the ball to the batter, step toward an occupied base, or throw to first after having come to a complete stop.

Unless this it the kids first ever game on a big field, then I don't see this coming up. Once a runner steals because he is taking 5 seconds to deliver the ball, the pitcher will realize he needs to speed up and he will cut out the step to the side.