stealing home - balk?

[Bfair]

Originally posted by David Emerling
With R3, the pitcher is on the pitcher's rubber getting his sign when the runner takes off for home. The pitcher simply throws the ball to the catcher and dispenses with his usual windup. Is this a balk? Is this a pitch?

Again, R3 steals home. But *this* time the pitcher has just begun his windup. Seeing the runner stealing, the pitcher noticeably hastens his windup and delivers the ball. Is this a balk?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

J/R says it's a pitch:

J/R states:

The windup and the set (or "stretch") are the two legal positions a pitcher can take when preparing to throw a pitch. A pitch [original emphasis]has occurred when a pitcher takes one of these positions, begins a motion to pitch, and legally steps and throws the ball toward home plate while still in-contact with the pitching rubber [my emphasis]. Either position may be used on any given pitch.

For the pitcher not to deliver a pitch to the plate, he must legally disengage the rubber.
If he throws from the rubber, the throw is a pitch.


Just my opinion,

Freix