Balk rule situation?
Question:Situation:
Runner on first with a left handed pitcher on the mound. The pitcher is pitching from the stretch, and he comes set. The pitcher then makes a regular pickoff attempt (i.e. not a 'snap throw') to first. However, in doing so, the pitcher never comes to a complete stop.
Is this a balk?
Answers:
The definitions of a balk are found in 8.05 of the rulebook.
no... only needs to stop if he is going to pitch to home base
Who is actually (this season) the best pitcher in the NY Mets?
It is not a balk. You only have to stop or come to a set position prior to delivering a pitch (quick pitch rule). It is important to note the intention of the balk rule which is to keep the pitcher from tricking the hitter or runner. So while a lot has been written and ruled on, if you keep in mind the intention of the rules of balk it can make it clear - or not. First rule of balk - Did the pitcher make a move toward first or home that would make the runner or hitter think he was going to throw to the other place? In the case of your question, the quick pitch rule was intended to stop a pitcher from throwing a pitch before the hitter or runner were ready to play. The quick pitch was commonly used to keep a fast base runner from getting a lead so it was harder to steal a base. The rule became "timed" by umpires in the late 60's and 70's when pitchers would often quick pitch when Lou Brock was on base. But then they talked about "Is that his normal delivery?" in other words was the pitchers lack of a pronounced stop when Brock was on base the same as it was four games ago when he faced slower runners. Not being able to be very scientific in that type of determination, the umpires would then time the pitcher when he came to a set position - but that was still over complicated, we know what happens when we allow umpires to count (ask Pujols). So they use the original intent of the rule now and the pitcher just has to come to a set position (stop) prior to delivering a pitch to the plate.Will Robinson Cano get his number 22 back next year?
Legal Play. You said the pitcher came set which is by definition a stop. If he does not stop he may still throw to first provided he steps legally and in a continuous motion.The complete stop only applies to a pitch.
Official Rule 8.05
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