Balk or Not Part 2

[Gre144]

Originally posted by joemoore
Situation 1 is legal. His front foot does not have to be directly in front of the rubber, it can be in an open stance. (Casebook 6.1.3A)

Situation 2 if he steps toward third and then without stepping off the rubber, he must throw to first base. If in the fake to third he comes off the rubber, he is then a fielder and may fake or throw to first. If you consider the initial step toward third and the step toward first to be one continuous motion it is a balk.

Situation 3 - (Casebook 6.1.3I) jump turn where F1 lands with non pivot foot closer to second than the pivot foot is legal. The jump turn is considered a step. Once he does this he becomes a fielder and may make any play.

Situation 4 - I don't believe an actual fake is required, the step is all that's required. I believe the step and the non-throw is considered a feint.

Situation 5 - The step is required before the throw. A throw followed by a step is a balk.

The pitcher cannot while in contact with the rubber step anywhere but toward a base. However, for practical purposes, wherever he steps is closer to one base than another. If he is closer to first base and fakes (does not throw), then that is a balk. If he steps at a runner closer to home and does not throw, then that is a balk.

Situation 1

In situation 1, I was wondering if it is ok that he has his shoulders turned towards first base as he comes set. He does not turn his shoulder after he has come set but actually has it turned at the moment he comes set. Is this ok?

Situation 2.

Could you tell me why it would be a balk if his step towards third and then towards first in one continuous motion? In other words, what would you say to the coach?

Situation 4- I know it says in the rule book that you must make a feint but I don't belive the term feint is ever defined. What would constitute a legal feint?