45 Degree Angle

[DaveD10]

HS LHP - ordinary move was step direct toward base but he had another move where he stepped on angle toward first. I'm BU and the first time he does it OHC starts his " thats a balk" at me. Happened again, R1 got picked off and OHC starts again with balk chirp. He comes up to me between innings and asks me and I tell him I dont see him stepping on home side of 45 degree angle. I go to my partner (PU) and tell him to keep his eye out for possible balk.
Partner tells me" I cant see that from here". I said, I think you have a better view but lets both keep an eye on it.

Rule book states " step direct toward base" but Case book does mention 45 degree angle. So should I have called balk when he didnt step direct? How do you "measure" pitchers foot landing angle? Is PU normally making this call?

[CoachJM]

DaveD,

Under all codes, the "direct step" requirement is interpreted as "more to the base being thrown/feinted to" than any other base. Hence, the 45 degree language (which is geometrically incorrect, but pragmatically sound).

In 2-man, with the BU in B this is virtually impossible for the BU to see unless it's a blatant balk.

The PU has a much better view of this because he can use the space that appears (or fails to) between the pitcher's pivot leg and stride leg as he "steps" to gauge. Lack of a "space" is indicative of the pitcher's failure to gain distance and/or direction on his step.

The 1B Coach has a MUCH better look at this than either ump in 2-man.

In 3-man, U1 has a great look.

JM

[semper_fi_72]

Did he gain ground towards 1B or HP?
1B - No Balk
HP - Balk
While some balks are easier to see from certain positions, the umpire that sees the balk, calls the balk.

[Pete_Booth]

HS LHP - ordinary move was step direct toward base but he had another move where he stepped on angle toward first.
Rule book states " step direct toward base" but Case book does mention 45 degree angle. So should I have called balk when he didnt step direct? How do you "measure" pitchers foot landing angle? Is PU normally making this call?

Lefties have an advantage. It's been that way since the beginning of time. Just look at Andy Pettittee who has one of the best moves in the business. He borders on a balk call almost all the time.

Whenever a good lefty picks off runners you will almost always hear moans / groans.

Do not concentrate too much on this otherwise the rest of your game will suffer. The PU has the best view but as mentioned lefties get an advantage.

If the coach is constantly asking that you call a balk it's "Coach that's enough"

Pete Booth