Legal or not??

[jhelbling]

Coach of 10 year old seeking an answer to question.

Runner on 1st

Is RH pitcher allowed to lift front leg up (straight-not toward home) and spin and throw to 2nd - as if he is trying to pick someone off 2nd even though there is only a runner on 1st?

[mbyron]

No, unless R1 is stealing or bluffing AND the umpire judges that the throw is to make a play on the runner.

Otherwise, throwing to 2B would be a balk for throwing to an unoccupied base.

[jhelbling]

So if the R1 is stealing - then it would be OK.

At our level - the Runner is going pretty much everytime. This would be a way to help control the running game.

If I have my pitcher raise his leg straght up and hold for a second and the R1 attempts a steal - my pitcher can spin and throw to 2nd (as long as he steps toward 2nd before he throws)

[UmpJM]

jhelbling,

Not so fast there!

Originally Posted by jhelbling

If I have my pitcher raise his leg straght (sic) up and hold for a second ...

If he comes to a complete stop during this move, he will have balked for failing to meet the "..without alteration or interruption..." requirement.

If he does it smoothly and continuously - and the runner is advancing to 2B - he is fine.

JM

[cbfoulds]

Originally Posted by jhelbling

So if the R1 is stealing - then it would be OK.

At our level - the Runner is going pretty much everytime. This would be a way to help control the running game.

If I have my pitcher raise his leg straght up and hold for a second and the R1 attempts a steal - my pitcher can spin and throw to 2nd (as long as he steps toward 2nd before he throws)

Um... probably not ....

Problem is the "hold for a second..." part. One F1 begins his move to pitch or pick, he must continue without interruption. Now, if SOMETHING on F1 remains "in motion" while the leg hangs up, he is technically OK, but relying on LL-level umps to notice that or make the fine distinction required ... risky at best. Have your pitcher do the move without the "hang" when they start to steal - getting the out is far better than detering the attempted steal.

Edit> As usual, JM got there first!

[jhelbling]

Thanks - I understand.

Something to practice. I would not mind giving up a balk if the R1 does not attempt to steal because the % at our level is that they are going to steal. I know we steal EVERY time when on 1st.

[cbfoulds]

Originally Posted by jhelbling

Thanks - I understand.

Something to practice. I would not mind giving up a balk if the R1 does not attempt to steal because the % at our level is that they are going to steal. I know we steal EVERY time when on 1st.

I don't get it: R1 steals 2d vs. F1 balks and R1 is awarded 2d... why do you prefer the balk over the steal?

[DG]

Originally Posted by jhelbling

At our level - the Runner is going pretty much everytime.

You need a pitchout sign.