RHP in stretch facing 1st base (balk or no balk)

[Az.Ump]

4. Pitcher steps off with his pivot foot towards second base and immediatly throws to pick off runner. R2 was safe however the opposing coach wanted a balk.

The Pitcher's PIVOT FOOT is that foot which is in contact with the pitcher's plate as the pitch is delivered. Which foot did he use to deliver pitches? It does not change unless he puts the glove on his right hand and holds the ball in his left hand.


I stated that no where in the rulebook does it state how the pitcher should engage the rubber relative to his throwing hand and therefore is legal.

How about:
(b) The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when that pitcher stands facing the batter with the entire pivot foot on, or in front of, and in con-tact with, and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and the other foot in front of the pitcher's plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of the body.

Balk

Paul

[RPatrino]

FED defines pivot foot as being on the same side as the arm he pitches with.

NCAA defines it as the foot in contact with the rubber when the pitcher delivers. ( I'd like to see this pitcher throw the ball!)

OBR, same as NCAA. BUT according to J/R, professional umpires use the FED interp.

Clear as mud? Carl....HELLLPPP!!!

[Forest Ump]

From the J/R (page 131):

The stretch Position [8.01b]

A. Initial Stage

When taking the stretch position, the pitcher must stand with his gloved side toward home plate. His hands must be obviously seperate; his throwing hand (with or without the ball) at his side in view from all three bases. His piviot foot must be parallel to and touching the pitching rubber.

From this description, I would consider that in the above case the glove hand is not on the side of home plate. The second base runner can not see the ball in his hand. Illegal pitching position. Balk.