3rd to 1st Move Becomes a Balk

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by egj13

Even in the current rule (before any change) it was a balk if you faked towards 3rd and then wheeled to throw to first without stepping towards first. Umpires at ALL levels were not enforcing the step towards first and thus not calling the rule as it was intended to be called.

I don't know about others, but I can honestly say I've never seen a pitcher execute this "wheel" motion the rule describes, where the pitcher steps towards third while staying in contact with the rubber, and then turn his upper body towards first while still staying in contact with the rubber and not stepping that way.

This has nothing to do with fixing umpiring inconsistency. It has everything to do with getting rid of a move that wastes everybody's time.