Balk vs Pick off

[johnnyg08]

My understanding of the "45" is that it is a guideline, not a rule. Mr. Leiter specifically said that "it is a rule" if I remember correctly. Is that the correct understanding? Ultimately I'm understanding this as a "step balk" which can't be argued anyway. If the umpire judges an illegal step, then it's a balk. I think that's what Evans says in his balk video as well.

[UMP25]

In the NCAA rule book, this actually was a rule. It specifically stated that a pitcher must step within this 45* angle. That specific geometric wording was later removed from that section altogether. Perhaps it was because, as explained above, the position of the rubber precludes this 45* from actually existing.

[johnnyg08]

I think the guideline provides a good starting place for umpires to enforce the rule and for coaches to coach to the rule. After that, that's why we umpire.

[FTVMartin]

It's not a "rule" as Leiter said. It may be an accepted interp but it is not a rule as he says in this video. That is what I was refering to in my reply.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by FTVMartin

It's not a "rule" as Leiter said. It may be an accepted interp but it is not a rule as he says in this video. That is what I was refering to in my reply.

I thought he said it was a rule...I misheard him

[SanDiegoSteve]

Why is everyone having trouble writing "45º?"

[UMP25]

Because it's too much of a pain in the @ss to get that little circle to show.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by UMP25

In the NCAA rule book, this actually was a rule. It specifically stated that a pitcher must step within this 45* angle. That specific geometric wording was later removed from that section altogether. Perhaps it was because, as explained above, the position of the rubber precludes this 45* from actually existing.

Well, there *is* a 45° degree line... it just doesn't line up with first base.