Pitching clarification

[UmpJM]

Ump29,

If the pitcher were attempting to disengage, it would indeed be an illegal disengage and a balk with runners on base.

However, he was not attempting to disengage. He was initiating a pick-off move to 1B and he violated none of the balk proscriptions in doing so.

From the MLBUM:

(i) It is legal for a right-handed pitcher to begin a pick-off move to first base by first moving his (pivot) foot in the direction of third base provided that he makes a legal step toward first base with the non-pivot foot before throwing there and provided that the move is continuous and without interruption. A pitcher who makes such a pick-off move is considered to be in contact with the rubber when he makes his throw to first base.

This interpretation is accepted at ALL levels.

JM