'Johnny G' balk call

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Illini_Ref
Tim,

Hey, I'm just trying to learn here. I'm not looking for a debate, I'm just trying to get things right.

I can understand that it is two separate movements. I also understand that the NCAA writes about the base you are facing in their rules. I just want to know about FED rules. If it is two movements, then why do LHP get more leniency in this case?

I'll try this -- one time.

Pretend you're in the yard playing catch with the kids. After a series of throws, you get to a [position where one kid is standing "behind" you. To thorw to that kid, you turn and throw. IT's (approxiamtely) that move that's allowed by a RH pitcher to first (or a LH pitcher) to third.

After another seires of throws, one you are facing one kid and the other is off to your left(if you throw RH). As yuo first start to throw the ball, someone takes your picture. As you look at the picture later, you can't tell whether you are going to throw to the kid facing you, or to the kid off to your side -- the initial move is the same. That's what hapend with a RH pitcher to third or a LH pitcher to first -- since the initial move is the same, it doesn't commit the pitcher to either spot.

Yes, the NCAA has described it best. But, the interp is the same in all codes.