Pitcher comes to set position, lifts his head up and down, not truning to look at first, like he is nodding, then stops, and throws to first, the nodding was an indication he was throwing over to first.
Is this a balk?
Same senario, but throws home,
Is this a balk?

Nuttin' on either scenario.

If you are going to call a balk, you should have a rule to cover it. I can't think of anything that prohibits a pitcher from merely nodding (or shaking) his head.

Chappy
 

I was always taught that it was impossible for a pitcher to balk with his head, do you agree?

Re: Chappy
 

Ummmm. Delivering the ball to the batter without facing the batter??? You wanna count that as balking with his head??? It's the only thing I can think of!!!

Re: Re: Chappy
 

Not the same. Many pitchers are looking at second base when starting the delivery. I take not facing the batter to mean he originally set up not facing the batter...such as wind up position facing second base.

<i> Originally posted by kkid091 </i>

<b> Pitcher comes to set position, lifts his head up and down, not truning to look at first, like he is nodding, then stops, and throws to first, the nodding was an indication he was throwing over to first.
Is this a balk? </b>

As Tee said you cannot balk with one's head.

When F1 comes set as an umpire I do not even look at F1's head. I make certain he is in contact with the pitcher's plate, and look for any illegal shoulder movement or separation of the hands. He can look up and down all day long for all I care.

If your runner gets picked off because of F1 moving his head up / down - Poor Baserunning / Coaching

Pete Booth

Re: Chappy
 

IIITBWOH?

Re: Re: Chappy
 

HTBT, but still ROTFL :D

Re: Re: Chappy
 

I would go so far as to suggest that neither "almost" nor "nearly" is required to make <b>this</b> one true.

JM

Nodding is allowed, 360 degree turns and ear movement is deceptive and therefore illegal, unless the pitcher steps towards the base, prior to his head stopping in the direction of that base. OBR 8.05n

:) !!!