3rd -to - 1st Fake: Hands?

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by cmcramer

Fed:

Does a right handed pitcher have to 'break his hands' apart during the fake to third portion of an otherwise legal 3rd - to - 1st fake? How about during any other permitted fake?

Can he just fake with his step, his shoulders, his head?


Thanks!

This was the exact same play that occured in a Braves/Padres game earlier this month. Braves pitcher Tim Hudson tried the third-to-first pickoff move we all know and love and was balked by third base umpire Wally Bell. The ESPN Baseball Tonight "analysts" claimed he was balked because a feint to third requires arm motion which Hudson did not do. In reality, he was balked for not stepping direct to third base. Braves manager Bobby Cox came out to argue, and on the MLB video I saw he can be clearly seen trying to show Bell the footprint that Hudson left on the step to third. Cox was ejected for the 137th time.

Crcramer, I see you are relatively new to the site. Your first lesson: Never, ever listen to the ESPN analysts when it comes to rules!