Feinting to First

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Yes it does - if you read the interpretations you will find that if it crosses the foul line it's ruled a ball, not a balk.

That interpretation is specifically cited when the ball is dropped during a pitch, not a throw to first. And, if I recall, since I don't have my book with me, JEA makes a distinction between the two.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

That interpretation is specifically cited when the ball is dropped during a pitch, not a throw to first. And, if I recall, since I don't have my book with me, JEA makes a distinction between the two.

Actually the MLBUM says if a pitched ball slips .. .

So Andy Pettitte starts his delivery from set and drops the ball. Given his "move" how do you distinguish whether it was a pitch or not?

Or a pitcher does a "swing back" toward 2B, from which he can either pitch or go to 2B, and drops the ball - how do you distinguish?

Ball hits the ground and rolls obver the line - ball.

That;s my story and I'm sticking to it.

[Coach Dykhoff]

If he drops the ball while he is on the rubber it is a balk.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Actually the MLBUM says if a pitched ball slips .. .

So Andy Pettitte starts his delivery from set and drops the ball. Given his "move" how do you distinguish whether it was a pitch or not?

Or a pitcher does a "swing back" toward 2B, from which he can either pitch or go to 2B, and drops the ball - how do you distinguish?

Ball hits the ground and rolls obver the line - ball.

That;s my story and I'm sticking to it.

That's okay. I understand you and many others feel that way. I'm just saying that the interps you referred to do not back you up. They specifically mention a "pitched" ball, not a ball dropped when the pitcher is not in the process of delivering a pitch.

[Coach Dykhoff]

YouTube - Pitching from the Stretch Basics

1:16

Youtube - Balk Rules

1:19

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Coach Dykhoff

YouTube - Pitching from the Stretch Basics

1:16

Youtube - Balk Rules

1:19

youtube isn't exactly the prime source for this.

Try getting the Evans balk video from his web site.

[Coach Dykhoff]

I will use another rule citation then.

=====

MLB RULE 8.01

(d) If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.

Rule 8.01(d) Comment: A ball which slips out of a pitcher’s hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base.

=====

[justanotherblue]

Coach read 801d comment again slowly this time.....

Rule 8.01(d) Comment: A ball which slips out of a pitcher’s hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base.

So, if a dropped ball doesn't cross the line, it's a balk, with runners on. If it crosses the line, it's a ball. Can't make it any clearer than that. That said, chances are if a pitcher drops the ball while on the rubber it's not going to cross the foul lines. Therefore you'll have your balk.