'Johnny G' balk call

[Bfair]

Originally posted by David B


If he makes a move to the plate or to first it must be continuous etc.,

Left or right doesn't matter.

In custom and practice, David, it DOES matter.
A RHF1 is not allowed to raise his foot significantly, bending at the knee, and deliver to 1B unless accompanied by immediate foot action toward 1B. The LHF1, however, is allowed to bend that knee and raise that foot considerably before stepping to 1B. His foot movement toward 1B need not be immediate.

While that is how the rule is interpreted and applied under all sets of rules, NCAA has taken the time to best address this common application of the rule where they state in 9-3-C1 :

The pitcher, while touching the pitcher’s rubber, must step toward the base, preceding or simultaneous with any move toward that base. The pitcher is committed, upon raising the lead leg, to throw to the base being faced, to second base or to the plate. When throwing or feinting a throw to a base not being faced, the pitcher must step immediately, directly and gain ground toward that base.
[my emphasis]

The RHF1 is provided the same latitude to 3B as the LHF1 is provided to 1B.

That is custom and practice in all of baseball---has been since I started playing ball in 1956, and is unlikely to change.


Just my opinion,

Freix