Expert: Andrew Senger - 6/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: We play Federation Baseball Rule in our league in Virginia (NVTBL). My pitcher was called for a balk when we attempted a pickoff play at 2nd base with the bases loaded. We put on a timing play with the pitcher in the full set on the rubber with his back facing 2nd. My pitcher does a hop/spin move and throws to second. Ump calls it a balk. lost the game 1-0. If the pitchers completely disengages from the mound with the spin is that a balk? Hasn't been the last 50 times we used it over the last 3 years. Looking forward to your respond. Thanks!

ANSWER: Joe,

With the way you are describing the move, it is not a balk. Did the umpire give a reason for the balk?

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

QUESTION: He said my pitcher opened up to his glove side and threw the ball to second and he threw the ball with his right foot still on the rubber( he then disengaged after the throw). I can understand that that may be a balk but for future plays I asked him if he hopped and spun and threw if that was a balk and he said it was. I want to make sure if I use the play in the future and my pitcher hops and spins that were not going to be called for a balk. We've used that play many many times and it's a rally killer. My pitcher may have done it incorrectly but i want to be sure on the rule. Thanks for the quick response.

Answer
Joe,

A spin move is definitely not a balk. In order to pick off a player, the pitcher must gain distance and direction to the base he's throwing to.

If his foot was still on the rubber, that's okay, too. Imagine the play where a pitcher lifts his foot, spins, and attempts a pick off at second. His pivot foot never leaves the rubber during the play, but it's definitely legal.

Again, as you explain the play, I do not see a balk.