Is there a point that is too far? Balk?

[Xtopher_66]

Runner on first base. Left hand pitcher picks right leg up, doesn't cross over the rubber with it then throws to first. His right foot plants somewhere closer to the direction of home base than towards first base. Close enough towards home that some lefthanders that throw across their body might pitch like that.

This reminds me a little of the Andy Pettite move and seems left completely a judgement call.

Balk, or no balk?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Xtopher_66

His right foot plants somewhere closer to the direction of home base than towards first base.

Balk. You identified the "point."

[JR12]

On the home plate side of that imaginary 45 deg line. BALK.

[Xtopher_66]

What about 8.05(c)? Doesn't it say you need to step directly towards the base you are throwing to? Seems like this rule is not really taken literally.

I'm thinking of teaching my left hand pitchers to step at an imaginary point right between home and first for a deceptive pick off move to first.

I suppose we might run into some umpires who woul balk it but I'm guessing most will allow it.

[Publius]

You'd be correct. "Directly" is interpreted by umpires of driving-age players to mean, "more toward the base being thrown to than toward the adjacent base."

If you teach your pitchers to step on the imaginary line, or on the first base side of it, competent umpires will allow it as a legal move. You'll still get balked sometimes, as:

A: you won't always have competent umpires; and

B: your pitcher will sometimes miss the line and land on the home plate side. In the ensuing discussion, you, the catcher, and he will all claim his foot was on the imaginary line.

[Rcichon]

Originally Posted by Xtopher_66

What about 8.05(c)? Doesn't it say you need to step directly towards the base you are throwing to? Seems like this rule is not really taken literally.

I'm thinking of teaching my left hand pitchers to step at an imaginary point right between home and first for a deceptive pick off move to first.

I suppose we might run into some umpires who woul balk it but I'm guessing most will allow it.

The rule defines what to judge, not how to judge. Stepping directly towards the base must be judged by the Umpire. Since we are all different, you inevitably will get different calls with the same move.

[Xtopher_66]

Excellent points all.

Thank you!