balk or no balk

[darronwlsn]

Hi - new here and I hope to improve my skills. I had this a few weeks ago Fed rules and never seen anything like this before:
RH F1 with R1, R2. From the set F1 pivots clockwise like he was going to 2b, but instead of rotating 180 degrees he rotates 270 degrees and steps directly to F3 and picks off runner. I didn't call a balk since he stepped directly toward the base he threw to and never paused during his spin until he threw. Stuff hit the fan with OC.

[CoachJM]

darron,

That's a balk.

If an "in contact" RHP wishes to make a pick-off to 1B, his free foot must go "the short way" (i.e., to his left or counter-clockwise).

If he goes "the long way" (i.e. to his right or clockwise), his step will have been indirect and, therefore, a balk.

JM

[darronwlsn]

Thanks JM! I guess I was missing "direct" in applying this rule and kicked the call. But to be clear, a RH F1 is able to pivot on the plate and throw to first as long as he takes the direct route and steps toward 1B? Why is it that we see most kids disengage before throwing over? Is it faster this way?

[BigUmp56]

Thanks JM! I guess I was missing "direct" in applying this rule and kicked the call. But to be clear, a RH F1 is able to pivot on the plate and throw to first as long as he takes the direct route and steps toward 1B? Why is it that we see most kids disengage before throwing over? Is it faster this way?

Yes, provided there's an R1. And yes about it being faster to disengage first. Think about how difficult it is to spin to your right and throw with your right arm.

Tim.

[CoachJM]

Thanks JM! I guess I was missing "direct" in applying this rule and kicked the call. But to be clear, a RH F1 is able to pivot on the plate and throw to first as long as he takes the direct route and steps toward 1B? Why is it that we see most kids disengage before throwing over? Is it faster this way?

darron,

De nada.

Yes, a RH F1 can step directly with his free foot toward 1B and throw without first disengaging.

My opinion is that one often sees RHPs disengage because they are poorly coached and they and their coaches do not understand the rule. It is by far a "slower" move and ridiculously easy for the runner to see. The only "advantage" is that they are able to legally feint to 1B if they first disengage, whereas they MUST throw if they initiate the move while engaged.

RHPs who are well coached use a "jump spin" or "jab step" move when making pick-offs to 1B.

Also, I believe Tim has a typo in his post and meant to say "R1" rather than "R2", because the presence (or absence) of an R2 has no bearing on the matter - which I am confident he already knows. :rolleyes:

JM

[BigUmp56]

Fixed it, John. Thanks.....it's been one of *those* mornings.

Tim.