Worst rule in baseball...

[Rufus]

I'll admit I don't know what a "step balk" is so can someone help me with that?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Rufus

I'll admit I don't know what a "step balk" is so can someone help me with that?

8.05c requires that F1 step directly to a base when throwing there. "Step directly to a base" is interpreted as gaining distance and direction to the base. "Direction to the base" is interpreted as stepping within 45° of a straight line to the base — more toward the base than toward the plate, in the case of 1B.

F1 didn't do that in the video.

I also think he moved toward the plate, which also committed him to pitch to the batter. 8.05a

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by mbyron

8.05c requires that F1 step directly to a base when throwing there. "Step directly to a base" is interpreted as gaining distance and direction to the base. "Direction to the base" is interpreted as stepping within 45° of a straight line to the base — more toward the base than toward the plate, in the case of 1B.

F1 didn't do that in the video.

I also think he moved toward the plate, which also committed him to pitch to the batter. 8.05a

Thanks for the quick reply. I saw that in the video as well and thought that might have been the reason but wasn't aware of the specific rule.

Other than they just missed it (which happens) is there any reason the U1 or U3 didn't call that instead of the PU? Seems they would have been in a better position to see the step to home, then redirect to 1st. I say this as a coach, not umpire, so I'm not sure who has responsibility to watch what during a delivery, but I only picked up on the movement when they showed the camera view from behind 3rd base.