Fake to Third / Throw to First
 

Can't remember this one, although I 've read it in past years here...

With runners on first and third, a right handed pitcher executes the 'double move' - fake a throw to third, pivot and throw to first. This particular pitcher's stride toward third was very short, his fake throw was quick and not convincing, and his pivot to first was on a right foot that never left the rubber!

Does the right foot have to leave the rubber for this move to be legal?

Thanks!

A pitcher can fake to any base except first base (without stepping off). So this move in theory is completely legal. I have never seen a pitcher not disengage with the plate after faking to third in this type of play. It is legal at least in NF and NCAA that I am aware of as long as there is disengagement with the plate.

Peace

If he doesn't disengage during the fake, then if he turns toward first he must step toward first and throw toward first. (While if he DOES disengage during the fake to third, he's no longer required to step in any particular direction nor throw the ball) But other than that restriction, there's nothing illegal here.

BRD 362

FED: He may do that "with or without disengaging the pitcher's plate". The feint does not require arm motion.

NCAA: IIf a pitcher feints to third, he must disengage teh pitcher's plate during the feint before he will be allowed to throw (or feint) to first. Arm motion is not required.

OBR: Same as NCAA.

See Jim Evan's balk video for a good discussion and demonstration of this. Arm motion not required.