Legal pickoff?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by mj

It is very similar to how a lefty would freeze but when his leg is in the he then pulls the leg backwards and spins and throws to first.

If the pitcher lifts his foot in any manner similar to his delivery to home, it is a balk. Although a RHP may step and throw to first, it is difficult to do legally. Most pro camps and clinics instruct that the RHP pitcher needs to make a continuous "glide step" to first with no hesitation and no leg lift to throw without balking.

That is why, if you watch major league games, most RHPs either step off or utilize the jump turn or jab step. LL level coaches seem to prefer to do things the hard way. Some even think if they do the move slowly, that makes a difference. It does not.

OBR 8.01 (b)...After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption.

OBR 8.05 If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when-
(a)The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery;