RHP Pick off attempt to first. Balk?

[Caesar's Ghost]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Jeremy, your post, while lenghty, still confused me. You state, "Without picking up his pivot foot, he turns/pivots, and steps and throws to first base." How can the pitcher, turn/pivot AND step without picking up his pivot foot? Is he twisted toward first with his pivot foot still planted in its original position?

You can pivot on a foot without lifting it entirely off the ground. Even with spikes on.

You don't see it as much anymore but it was the only legal move to first from the rubber for a RH pitcher for many years -- until they started to allow the jump turn and jab step, both of which were technically illegal.