3rd -to - 1st Fake: Hands?

[bigda65]

Ok,

So he steps toward 3B, doesn't throw, disengage, or seperate his hands. Now what??

Wouldn't this be a dont do that?
Hey pitch, step off and start over, or is this a balk in FED?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bigda65

Ok,

So he steps toward 3B, doesn't throw, disengage, or seperate his hands. Now what??

Now the "pitching cycle" starts anew. Yes, at some point, the hands must separate. They need not separate as part of the step / feint to third, though (and that was the OP). IF F1 maintians contact with the rubber during the feint, and tries to get immediately back in the set position, call time and get him to take the rubber properly. It's not a balk.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Now the "pitching cycle" starts anew. Yes, at some point, the hands must separate. They need not separate as part of the step / feint to third, though (and that was the OP). IF F1 maintians contact with the rubber during the feint, and tries to get immediately back in the set position, call time and get him to take the rubber properly. It's not a balk.

Exactly. The reason for the rule is to prevent a quick pitch, not to penalize someone for failure to separate the hands. Timeframe to separate? Before he takes his position again on the rubber.