Jump turn to 1B/Throw to unoccupied base

[johnnyg08]

okay, dash, so you're the 1st person on here who's saying balk...are you saying balk to the fact that he has to throw there or the fact that he simply has to throw to the base where the play is being made?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

okay, dash, so you're the 1st person on here who's saying balk...are you saying balk to the fact that he has to throw there or the fact that he simply has to throw to the base where the play is being made?

He said "balk" because you changed the play.

In the OP, there's a "in one motion, pitcher jump turns and throws to 2B."

In the revised play, there's a, "jump turns to 1B but doesn't throw to 1B, but then simply throws the ball to 2B."

The OP is legal. The revised play is a balk. See the difference?

[johnnyg08]

okay, yes I see the difference. thank you.

[JPaco54]

I thought you had to step to a base to throw and that a jump turn is illegal.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JPaco54

I thought you had to step to a base to throw

correct

and that a jump turn is illegal.

incorrect

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by JPaco54

I thought you had to step to a base to throw and that a jump turn is illegal.

As Bob points out, a jump turn IS a step to a base, since the front foot gains "distance and direction" toward the base.

If we're talking about first base, provided that the jump turn is followed by a throw to the base, the move is legal.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by mbyron

As Bob points out, a jump turn IS a step to a base, since the front foot gains "distance and direction" toward the base.

Not necessarily, because a pitcher doesn't always "gain ground." He must do so for it to be legal. If he does not gain ground, it's a balk. I had this occur last week in a D3 NCAA game. The pitcher did his jump turn, but his nonpivot foot (left foot, since he was a righty) just spun in its place as he turned toward first.

The NCAA has emphasized that its umpires watch this, as I guess they believe too many pitchers are, in fact, spinning and not really jumping and turning and gaining ground.

[johnnyg08]

This is from the FED 2009 Rules by Topic book:

If there is a runner or runners, any of the following acts by a pitcher while he is touching the pitcher's plate is a balk (6-2-4)

Failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out, or drive back a runner; or throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner.