Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/15/2005

Question
Thank you that does help.  I agree, but can you provide me with a cite or rationale?-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Thanks Brian,

I would still like the answer to the followup, i.e. 2 outs runner on third.  Dropped 3rd strike, runner at third makes it home before the out is recorded at first base.  Count the run or no.------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Brian,

I call your attention to 8.05(b) of the little league rule book for 2005.  8.05 discusses balks for Junior/Senior/Big League.  It says that a balk occurs when "the pitcher, while touching the plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw;"  This would seem to indicate that it is not necessary to disengage the rubber when attempting to pick a runner off of first base.  

Another issue if I may.  2 out runner on third.  Batter swings and misses a third strike which bounds away from the catcher.  Before the out is recorded at 1st base the runner from third crosses the plate.  Count the run or not?

George-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Right handed pitcher,  with a runner on first or other bases, from the stretch position lifts his left leg straight up (broken at knee) to a pause, turns and steps toward first. Does this constitute a balk?  Does lifting the non-pivot leg, in and of itself, force the pitcher to throw to the plate, or, may a non-committed or neutral position at the top allow a move to first?
Answer -
George,

The pitcher cannot pause during his motion.  Any stop or pause during the motion should be ruled a balk.

Also, a right handed pitcher must break contact with the rubber before throwing to first.  Anything else is considered deceiving and should be ruled a balk.

Hope this helps!

Brian
Answer -
George,

The next phrase under section 8.05 is quoted:

(b) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw; (c) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base; Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk.

I would say the original situation would definitely violate a portion of (c).

Also, the pause violates the rule in 8.01 about the Set position in that the pitcher must deliver the ball without interruption.

Anyway, that's how I'd call it based on your description.

Hope this helps!

Brian
Answer -
George,

If the runner scores before the batter is put out on the 3rd strike, then the run counts.

Hope this helps!

Brian

Answer
George,

I checked the rulebook and I found I made a mistake with my earlier ruling.

Section 4.09 contains information about how a run scores.  But it also contains this little tidbit:

"Approved Ruling: No run shall score during a play in which the third out is made by the batter runner before he touches first base."

Wow!  I learned something today.  During the situation you described, if the batter runner is put out at first (making the third out), it doesn't matter if the run crossed the plate before the out was made.  There is no run scored.  Now, if the batter runner reached first safely, but was put out trying to go to second, then the run would count if it was scored before the third out.

Brian