Balk
 

R1, R3, pitcher comes to legal set. Lifts free foot to the balance position and drops the free foot exactly where he started. Does that constitute a step? Can he legally attempt a 3B to 1B pick-off? After doing this FED game.

J/R on p. 142 states that it is not a balk if a pitcher "steps" to:

(c) third or second base and interrupts or hesitates in his motion or throw. The step toward the base suffices to constitute a feint or throw, so any action after the step is legal [NFHS 6.2.4c]

Your thoughts?

No. The foot needs to gain distance and direction towards the base.

Agree with dash. This is a balk.

Key word being steps "to" or towards.... Balk.

Your post answers your own question. He stepped back in the same place he started...then you show J/R explaining stepping to a base...He didn't step toward the base - his foot came back down where it was.

Balk, no doubt. I prefer dash's explanation - distance AND direction.

I thought I had it right...just wanted to get other guys thoughts since I've been wrong before.

An umpire wrong? Never. Re-think that and check the score books. You'll find every call you've ever made - and I bet the book will prove you were right every time!!:D

Nothing wrong with talking about it, makes it sink in deeper.