Balk/No Balk: LHP fients pickoff the 3rd base

[Mike6221]

Just home from umpiring a game.

During the game, a left handed pitcher bluffed a pick off throw to third base, and then bluffed a throw to first.

He was pitching from the stretch and the move was made after the stop. His foot was still engaged with the rubber when he made what I considered to be a proper step towards third base. This step took his foot off the rubber.

The offensive team argued that for a left hander to make this move to third, he had is first step off the rubber. My view is that the same regulations apply for a left hander to third as apply for a righty to first. Therefore the move was proper and no balk was called.

But I am always learning so maybe someone has an opinion.

Greetings from The Netherlands (where yes we play baseball too!!).

[Bishopcolle]

You got it right, IMO....

[Ump Rube]

This is a very common play, feint to 3B, feint/throw to 1B. No balk, good call.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Mike6221

The offensive team argued that for a left hander to make this move to third, he had is first step off the rubber.

This should have been the first clue that you absolutely nailed the call. What that pitcher did was perfectly legal. Great no-call!

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Mike6221

The offensive team argued that for a left hander to make this move to third, he had is first step off the rubber. My view is that the same regulations apply for a left hander to third as apply for a righty to first. Therefore the move was proper and no balk was called.

The pitching rules do not distinguish righties from lefties. Also, there is no rule that requires a pitcher to step off before a pickoff move. Good call.