If its that close as Bob describes it, I'm not calling a balk. Certainly its a "technical" balk, but as Carl used to say, "don't go looking for boogers."

No coach is going to ever complain because they've been seeing guys do it for years.

Its going to seem as one motion and that's fine with me. Same on the move to third base with pitcher from the windup. If its so close, no balk. Now if its obvious that he separated way before the step, probably a balk.

thanks
David

Slow down the video of any MLB pitcher (LHP) stepping at and throwing to first. When the foot lands gaining direction and distance, not only are the hands separated, the throwing arm is beginning its move foward.

Are you talking about a LHP stepping with his non-pivot foot towards first and throwing?

-Josh

"Never mind" - Emily Litella

Need to slow down when I read some of this stuff.

Really? I've only seen it a handful of time, 3 by the same pitcher.

Note that I'm talking about stepping with the PIVOT foot and throwing all in one motion. Since the direction of the step is the same as the direction for a disengagement, how do we decide which it is? And, how do we reconcile this with a LH pither disengaging and throwing to first all in one motion?

For me, while the technical rule is based on when the hands separate, I give more leeway. If the throwing hand is coming forward before the foot lands, I balk it.

BTW, I balked the guy again last night.

We now have Balkin Bob Davidson / Jenkins

Pete Booth

Davidson got another one last night and then called all four umpires together to make sure the pitcher balked before disengaging. I think they all held hands and sang Kumbaya, too.