- This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 9 months ago by
thomasclark2311.
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- April 21, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Rick ReynoldsParticipantHello fellow umpires,I’ve been having an ongoing discussion regarding a pitcher throwing a pickoff to 3rd base, but the 3rd baseman is not covering the bag. In MLB rules, I have located information that indicates if the 3rd baseman is away from the bag as not being able to make a play on the runner, this is a balk. Keeping in mind, however, that in MLB rules, the pitcher must complete his throw to third (after they changed this so the 3rd-1st move is no longer legal).However, my contention in HS rules is that 3rd base is treated the same as 2nd base, regarding pickoffs. You may fake a throw, and also may throw to a fielder who is not making a play on the runner. Therefore, you may throw to the 3rd baseman not attending the bag. Further, by definition, it is my contention that if it is not a balk if you fake a throw to third, then certainly it could not be a balk if you complete the throw, regardless of location of the fielder.Curious as to your interpretations. Thanks for your time.Rick
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- May 3, 2021 at 8:56 am
Stan DyerParticipantIt’s funny that you would bring this up. I had a coach ask me about the very same thing. I concur with your interpretation. Since it is legal by NFHS rules to “feint” to third, it is legal to throw to a fielder who is not in position to make a play. I do not think all states interpret this the same way, and you should check with your home state rules interpreter for clarification.In our state, the pitcher can, indeed, feint to third, but, if he turns and throws to first, he must disengage first, or it is a balk.
If I were you, I would keep doing it the way I was doing it until someone in a position of authority told me to do it differently. You will get some flack from different coaches, and even some umpires, but, when you are Umpire in Chief, it’s your game, and your call – be consistent, and be confident. Never assume any coach, player, or even another umpire knows the rules better than you do, and never assume you know them well enough not to continue studying.
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- May 26, 2022 at 7:53 am
thomasclark2311ParticipantStan Dyer: It’s funny that you would bring this up. I had a coach ask me about the very same thing. I concur with your interpretation. Since it is legal by NFHS rules to “feint” to third, it is legal to throw to a fielder who is not in position to make a play. I do not think all states interpret this the same way, and you should check with your home state rules interpreter for clarification.
In our state, the pitcher can, indeed, feint to third, but, if he turns and throws to first, he must disengage first, or it is a balk.
If I were you, I would keep doing it the way I was doing it until someone in a position of authority told me to do it differently. You will get some flack from different coaches, and even some umpires, but, when you are Umpire in Chief, it’s your game, and your call – be consistent, and be confident. Never assume any coach, player, or even another umpire knows the rules better than you do, and never assume you know them well enough not to continue studying.
You gave wise advice not only in terms of rules, but also in terms of learning the rules and trusting yourself.
And I confess that I am surprised at the fact that different states interpret the rules differently.For me, https://baseballrulesacademy.com/expert-analysis/ is the best section of the site. -
- June 8, 2022 at 9:05 am
tzemaitisParticipantOn the 3-1 move, the pitcher has fully satisfied the feint to third as long as he has stepped towards third and feinted a throw with his arm. As such, he does NOT need to disengage while reversing course and throwing to first base. However, it is important to realize that the pitcher is still engaged with the rubber so the pitcher must throw to first in this case or be subject to a balk since the pitcher is not allowed to feint to first base. If the pitcher does disengage while feinting to third, then the pitcher may feint to first because his status is now that of an infielder. -
- July 9, 2022 at 8:46 am
thomasclark2311Participanttzemaitis: On the 3-1 move, the pitcher has fully satisfied the feint to third as long as he has stepped towards third and feinted a throw with his arm. As such, he does NOT need to disengage while reversing course and throwing to first base. However, it is important to realize that the pitcher is still engaged with the rubber so the pitcher must throw to first in this case or be subject to a balk since the pitcher is not allowed to feint to first base. If the pitcher does disengage while feinting to third, then the pitcher may feint to first because his status is now that of an infielder.
That is, if he acts as a non-field player, then he should continue to act as well, right?
For me, https://baseballrulesacademy.com/expert-analysis/ is the best section of the site.
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Tagged: #Balks
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