left foot

[Ump Rube]

Originally Posted by asaron

One3 of my umpire feiends had a game and for some reason this is the position the pitcher took when there was a runner on second base. Right hand pitcher, mounted the rubber with his left foot int the hole in front of the rubber,his right foot about 15 inches towards second and attempted a pick off at second. he called a balk. was he right??

I am not sure the I am envisioning this correctly, so let me explain what I see (in my mind). On the line down the center of the field I see:

PU
F2
HP
Edge of mound
F1's left foot "in" the rubber (hole in-front of)
Rubber
F1's right foot
2B

(Edit: F1 is still facing 3B as a righty)
If this is right, then I would say on 1st glance, that he is merely straddling the rubber, and is subject to those restrictions, but with the foot in the rubber, I see attempted deception and cause for a balk. I will have to go for further review before giving a complete answer.