Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 11/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: Runners 1 and 3,pitcher breaks correctly and picks off to 3,the pitcher does not come of the mound from the pickoff,3rd base throws it back to the pitcher while his foot is enaging the rubber,is this legal?I am under the impression it is a balk

ANSWER: Warren,

Its a balk.

Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,thanks for the answer,is there a rule number for this?
Regards

ANSWER: Warren,

The rule that I would use to call this a balk is 8.05 (i).

Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,i have one more question please.Bases loaded,pitcher is in a set position,he breaks correctly and throws to 1,the coach argue's that this is a balk as he needs to be in a full windup.Id this right,i am under the impression that that is aloud,what is the ruling and the rule no if there is?
Thanks

Answer
Warren,

The pitcher is under no obligation to either pitch out of the set position or a full windup.  Either is allowed.

If you notice, often relief pitchers pitch from the set position even if no one is on base.  This is because they always pitch that way, so they don't have two different motions.  Also, some pitchers use the windup with men on base and some don't.

This is all covered in section 8.0 of the major league rulebook.

Hope this helps!

Brian