Balk Or No Balk

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by ss17

Can someone please clarify for me...

Pitchers can either step off and throw, or they can "jump turn." As a coach, I'm not familiar with all of the umpire lingo, but I am trying to figure out. When you guys say disengage, I am assuming you are talking about the step off move.

When you guys are saying that he must step toward the base, does that mean both feet must go to the base?? I only say this because it is sounding that the pitcher can pivot off his backfoot, still be engaged with the rubber, and still legally make a play on the runner. I know that is not the case, so can someone please clarify??

Thanks

Coach, there are many legal moves to 1B for a RHP, so it's not realistic to catalog them all here.

You need to understand that a pitcher who has engaged the rubber may do one of three things:

1. Pitch to the batter
2. Step and throw to a base
3. Legally disengage (step off)

#2 requires a step BEFORE the throw. A "step" is defined as the free foot (front foot) gaining distance and direction toward the base to which he's throwing.

That rules out, for example, a LHP picking up his free foot and setting it down in the same spot while flipping the ball over to 1B. It also rules out a RHP stepping toward the plate while turning his shoulders and throwing to 1B.

The "jump turn" and "jab step" are moves that RHPs use, and by interpretation they are legal at all levels. A RHP jumps, turns his whole body including his feet, so that his free foot gains distance and direction toward 1B. Then he throws (the throw may happen at roughly the same time).

Once you understand the basic principles, judging a legal move is much easier.