Natural movement? 8.01a

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Rule 8.01(a) is in reference to the Windup position. The only legal movement to avoid having to pitch the ball is for the pitcher to step backward off the rubber with his pivot foot. Any other movement is considered to be associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter. This is why runners take off for the next base when they see the pitcher move anything but his pivot foot. Sometimes pitchers try to get away with pumping their arms then stepping back a split second later, which is a balk.

Steve,

That is not quite right.

Under OBR rules, the pitcher may also make a pick-off throw from the windup - as long as it is preceded by a "direct step".

JM