Pitching from the stretch

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

He came set and then made a motion naturally associated with his pitch and failed to make such delivery. Balk OBR 8.05 (a)

We are not required to determine if anyone was deceived, only to enforce the balk rules.

+1

The criterion of determining whether F1's intent is deception (mentioned in OBR 8.05 but not in FED) is to be employed ONLY when the umpire is in doubt about whether F1 has balked.

In this case, the umpire should be in no doubt whatsoever. Therefore F1's intent is irrelevant.

[ozzy6900]

I agree with the balk call here. Once F1 brings his hands together and stops, he is set. If he stares in for the sign, then moves his hands closer to his body, we have a double set.

However, if F1 brings his hands together as in the OP and then leans in for the sign, you must call the balk right then and there. F1 has come set, then made movement that was not delivering the pitch or attempting to make a play. In this case, do not allow F1 to go any farther without balking him.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I agree with the balk call here. Once F1 brings his hands together and stops, he is set. If he stares in for the sign, then moves his hands closer to his body, we have a double set.

However, if F1 brings his hands together as in the OP and then leans in for the sign, you must call the balk right then and there. F1 has come set, then made movement that was not delivering the pitch or attempting to make a play. In this case, do not allow F1 to go any farther without balking him.

Ozzy, there is no separate balk rule about a "double set." Both of your examples are enforced under the same rule..8.05(a) and in the pro circles are known as "started and stopped".

[jicecone]

I have many times seen a pitcher put his hands together in front of him with the pivot foot on the plate and the non-pivot foot stretched out about shoulder width. He takes his signs and then sets by bringing his hands to his body and feet together. I am suspecting this is what is happening. If the poster would clarify, maybe we could end this discussion in 3 threads.

Not having been there I am assuming this is what happened.

[Jay R]

Originally Posted by jicecone

I have many times seen a pitcher put his hands together in front of him with the pivot foot on the plate and the non-pivot foot stretched out about shoulder width. He takes his signs and then sets by bringing his hands to his body and feet together. I am suspecting this is what is happening. If the poster would clarify, maybe we could end this discussion in 3 threads.

Not having been there I am assuming this is what happened.

/That's what the pitcher was doing. I thought I had clarified.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Jay R

/That's what the pitcher was doing. I thought I had clarified.

It's a balk.

[jicecone]

Don't agree Bob but, thats ok.