batter steps on plate

[haynesd]

I do not disagree. I guess my point is why have it in the book. If you call the balk everyone is going to argue that the pitcher stepped off the rubber legally. The move happens very fast and its unlikely anyone is looking at the pitcher's feet once he steps toward 3rd. I just find it potentially confusing just like the original posting. I say this because our chief umpire, a former minor league umpire and college umpire, said that stepping on the plate is not a dead ball. Of course maybe that's why he is no longer in the minor leagues.