balk call?

[Dave Hensley]

Originally posted by livtrav
Quick question.

Right hand pitcher from the set position initiates gather move to pick R1 off second base. When he spins runner breaks to third. He fakes to second stays in contact with the rubber and then steps to and throws to third.

That is not a balk. Comments

I have a balk. The step to 3B was not a "direct" step to third, because it was preceded by a step to 2B without breaking contact with the rubber.

Had the step to 2B resulted in a step off of the rubber, then the move to 3B would be legal.

This is no different than the famous "3rd to 1st move," in which, in OBR, the pitcher is required to break contact on the step to 3B in order to then be able to feint or throw to 1B without balking. If he does not break contact, then the move to 1B - with or withoutu a throw - is a balk, by professional interpretation.