Expert: Andrew Senger - 4/5/2009

Question
Is it a balk if a a right handed pitcher's right foot leaves the pitching rubber
while pitching from the wind up to deliver a pitch?  (11 year old)

Answer
Laura,

I can't find any rules to substantiate my ruling, but I would have to see what you mean. If the pitcher is removing his foot before his body moves toward the plate (the movement right before the throw), I would call it a balk. A pitcher's pivot foot is to remain on the pitcher's rubber during a pitch.

However, I can see where a foot might release from the rubber as the ball is being released or just before the ball is released. I wouldn't call this a balk.