Step off during stretch - Balk or not?

[mach3]

We had a discussion about this one, and I would like to get your opinion.
If a pitcher does the stretch, can he step off during the stretch or not. So if he is bend forward to look into the signs of the catcher and he starts to go back to bring his hand together. Can he step off befor bringing his hands together? When is he allowed to step off?

Thanks

Raoul

[Gold_Spark]

Off the top of my head . . . he's allowed to step off anytime before he starts his delivery to the plate.

[Gee]

The pitcher is not required, by rule, to stretch but if he does, it must be without interruption and in one continuous motion {OBR 8.01(b)}.

I have not seen an interp on this but I believe that if he steps off DURING the stretch he has ENDED the stretch and has fullfilled his obligation to stretch without interruption and in one continuous motion. Makes sense to me. G.

[Edited by Gee on Jul 24th, 2002 at 09:54 AM]

[Bfair]

Originally posted by mach3
We had a discussion about this one, and I would like to get your opinion.
If a pitcher does the stretch, can he step off during the stretch or not. So if he is bend forward to look into the signs of the catcher and he starts to go back to bring his hand together. Can he step off befor bringing his hands together? When is he allowed to step off?

Thanks

Raoul

The pitcher may step backward off the rubber with his pivot foot anytime before, during, or after coming set provided he has not committed any action to commit him to pitch.

Also, while coming set, he may step and throw to a base at anytime without being required to come to a stop. The only time he is required to come to a complete stop is prior to delivering a pitch.

Some people confuse these points thinking anytime a pitcher starts his motion to stretch that he must continue until he comes to a complete stop.

This applies under all sets of rules.


Just my opinion,

Freix