Pitcher balk ?- throw to 1st

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by DUNDALKCHOPPER

My understanding is while on the rubber a pitcher must step to 1st when throwing on a pick-off. If the pitcher just lifts his pivot foot and throws without a step to first.. or even just jumps up and throws while airborn- is he no longer considered on the mound ?. I am not sure if the rule calls for him to replant the pivot foot on the ground in order for him to be considered OFF the rubber.

He just lifts the pivot foot and throws? I've not seen that one, but it would be a balk.

The jump step is considered a move from the rubber, but the pitcher must land (so your example where he throws while airborne is a balk) and the non-pivot foot must gain distance and direction to first before the throw.