AboutAndrew Senger Expertise Anything related to baseball rules.
Experience I am a baseball umpire. I am certified for High School (NFHS), and work in Missouri (MSHSAA). I also umpire for local leagues that use both NFHS and OBR.
Organizations NFHS - National Federation of High Schools
MSHSAA - Missouri State High School Athletic Association
GSLAU - Greater St. Louis Association of Umpires
Education/Credentials I have attended numerous training lessons on umpiring. Many of these lessons including Rules Interpretations.
Question I would like to know if a pitcher can fast roll/toss a ball backwards towards the second base to catch a runner leading way off 2nd? Providing he does not violate any of the balking rules. I have never ever seen this. I have even asked many umps and coaches and perused the rules. Nothing seen.------Vince
Answer Vince,
A pitcher would not be allowed to attempt a pick-off as you describe it. The main reason on why is that a pitcher must gain distance and direction toward a base they are attempting to pick off at.
In your example, the pitcher does not gain either distance or direction toward second base. Umpires should call a balk on this move.
