balk!

[UmpJM]

Tim,

What would you call this?

R1 only. RHP, who has legally come set, turns and throws to 2B in the mistaken belief that the R1 was attempting to steal 2B. However, the R1 is still at 1B and never even faked that he was going to go to 2B.

Reference:

"8.05
If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when_ ...(d) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play; ... "

Personally, I'd call it a "balk to second base". I think "almost" (or "nearly", or something like that) is required for the aphorism to be correct.

JM