NFHS Lodged ball - casebook plays

[David B]

Originally posted by Carl Childress

6.1.1j: With R1 on first base, F1, from the set position and prior to bringing his hands together while in contact with the pitcher's plate, (a) abruptly and quickly turns his shoulders toward first base in an attempt to drive back the runner; or (b) casually turns his shoulders to observe the runner at first base. RULING: Legal in both (a) and (b).

Have I been teaching this wrong all these years?

The pitcher can feint without arm motion. Right? In our area OBR pitchers always step off as they whirl their shoulders toward first. MLB pitchers do the same thing, don't they?

Wouldn't I call a balk if a play such as 6.1.1j -(a) happened in an MSBL game? [/B]

this is crazy. If he does what is in (a) above its still going to be a balk or we're going to have lots of "splaining" to do and probably an ejection to follow.

I see the point of (b) but (a) makes no sense at all.

Thanks
David