Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/1/2007

Question
Are you familiar with the spin move to second base? Where the pitcher lifts his leg, then rotates and spins to second base trying to get the runner sleeping?

Well my question is... Can you perform that move to second when the bases are loaded. I only question this because there is a man on thir in this instance. Should it matter?

Sorry if I was unclear.

Answer
Matt,

It doesn't matter who is on base.  A balk is a balk is a balk.  If there isn't a runner on base, the pitcher can still balk.  In that case, the hitter has a ball awarded to them.

The spin move is legal as long as it follows the principle that the first move is either to disengage from the rubber or that the first step is toward the base where the pitcher throws the ball.

Hope this helps!

Brian