Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 12/11/2006

Question
Runner on first, with one out.  Pitcher is on the rubber and goe into his stretch.  By this I mean he brings his hands together.  He is now ready to throw the pitch.  Runner then steals second base.  Pitcher does not move.  He is still on the rubber with his hands together. Pitcher finally throws pitch.  Its  a pop up cought by ss.  SS then throws to first for double play. Question: Is it a double play? If runner steals when pitcher is in motion he must get back after a pop up.  Since the pitcher was on the rubber and after bringing his hands together, is that "in the motion" to require runner to return to first or since the runner made it to second he gets that base and does not have to return.

Answer
Jeff,

If the runner makes it to 2nd before the pitcher begins his motion, then it is a stolen base.

If the pitcher begins his throwing motion while the runner is still running to second, then the runner is at risk if a pop up is caught.

Hope this helps!

Brian