Simple Balk Question

[UmpJM]

mrm,

As described, you are correct. That is not a balk, and your rationale is correct.

So, unless the F1 did something else that was a balk, the balk call was incorrect.

JM

[RPatrino]

A little mantra begins to play in my head....'it's impossible to balk to second base....' MAKE IT STOP!!!

[UmpJM]

mrm,

Just in case you need to "convince" someone, this is what the MLBUM has to say on the question:

(b) There is no violation if a pitcher attempts a pick-off at second base and, seeing no fielder covering the bag, throws to the shortstop or second baseman, neither of whom is in the vicinity of the bag nor is making an actual attempt to retire the runner.

JM

[cookie]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

A little mantra begins to play in my head....'it's impossible to balk to second base....' MAKE IT STOP!!!

What about an RH who in the SET position spins on his free foot counterclockwise in one continuous motion stepping toward second with his pivot foot gaining distance & direction (perhaps to catch R1 stealing or just to throw to an occupied 2nd base?).

Wouldn't that be a balk?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by cookie

What about an RH who in the SET position spins on his free foot counterclockwise in one continuous motion stepping toward second with his pivot foot gaining distance & direction (perhaps to catch R1 stealing or just to throw to an occupied 2nd base?).

Wouldn't that be a balk?

Moving the pivot foot toward 2B sounds like stepping off to me, in which case, no, it's not a balk, however ugly it might appear.

If he separates his hands before stepping off, it might be a balk, but it would be one for starting and stopping, not a balk TO SECOND BASE.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by cookie

What about an RH who in the SET position spins on his free foot counterclockwise in one continuous motion stepping toward second with his pivot foot gaining distance & direction (perhaps to catch R1 stealing or just to throw to an occupied 2nd base?).

Wouldn't that be a balk?

Assuming you typed that correctly (spins off the FREE foot and steps with the PIVOT foot), then, yes, that's a balk.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by cookie

What about an RH who in the SET position spins on his free foot counterclockwise in one continuous motion stepping toward second with his pivot foot gaining distance & direction (perhaps to catch R1 stealing or just to throw to an occupied 2nd base?).

Wouldn't that be a balk?

Definitely agree it is a balk however, besides Peggy Flemming, what pitcher with any sense would make a move like that. I agree I haven't seen it all, but I have never seen a pickoff attempt like that.

[cookie]

"...Assuming you typed that correctly (spins off the FREE foot and steps with the PIVOT foot), then, yes, that's a balk."

Yes, I wrote it correctly, and the reason I mention this "counterclockwise" spin off the free foot that ends up with a step toward second with the pivot foot (pivot foot did not step directly backward...) is that there was a post recently somewhere about a MiLB umpire who called a balk to second on an F1 and gave the explanation that F1 had "spun off his foot". I could only think of this possibility...