First year ump, confused by the number of interpretations of a balk

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Rich

Just an unrelated note -- it's always legal to throw to the base, even with no fielder there.

Also, it's legal to step to second or third and throw to a fielder (F4, F5, F6) in position rather than to the base as long as F1 steps to an occupied base or to a base for the purpose of making a play.

But if it's illegal to feint to third (e.g., OBR, PONY), then throwing to F5 when he is not in a position to make a play on the runner is a balk, same as F3.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Paul L

But if it's illegal to feint to third (e.g., OBR, PONY), then throwing to F5 when he is not in a position to make a play on the runner is a balk, same as F3.

I work no baseball where that stupid rule is in place. Fortunately.

But you're right. If the no fake to third rule is in place, then the pitcher must throw to third with the same conditions as throwing to first. Thanks for catching that.

[DG]

OBR, its a balk if the feint to 3b is with runner on 1b also. A feint to 3b with no runner on 1b is nothing. This new ruling eliminates the 3rd to 1st move.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by DG

OBR, its a balk if the feint to 3b is with runner on 1b also. A feint to 3b with no runner on 1b is nothing. This new ruling eliminates the 3rd to 1st move.

Wrong. Any feint to 3rd is a balk.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Matt

Wrong. Any feint to 3rd is a balk.

I stand corrected upon review of the new 2014 rules.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by DG

I stand corrected upon review of the new 2014 rules.

It's not new for this year.

[Pacedog]

Thanks all! I decided to buy the video. I want to be able to give coaches a clear, concise explanation when they try to challenge calls and not have any doubts of my own because you know that coaches will sense that and just act like Richard Heads.