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I have a balk question.

Rules set--

1. OBR  (for example, Legion)

2. Fed (HS)

 

The video below show MLB's Sammy Gervacio.  Some opposing pitchers have done this against our team during the past couple of years.  It wasn't balked. I'm thinking to myself, if this is legal, why aren't I teaching it?

 

"double set" with front foot...picks off R1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EEZFE3BJQ8

"triple set" with front foot

 

 

 

 

 

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Originally Posted by freddy77:

I have a balk question.

Rules set--

1. OBR  (for example, Legion)

2. Fed (HS)

 

The video below show MLB's Sammy Gervacio.  Some opposing pitchers have done this against our team during the past couple of years.  It wasn't balked. I'm thinking to myself, if this is legal, why aren't I teaching it?

 

"double set" with front foot...picks off R1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EEZFE3BJQ8

"triple set" with front foot

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

OBR 8.01(b) and 8.01(c) are the rules governing this.  The rules for coming set are pretty vague beyond the placement of feet, pitching arm to the side and the stop with both hands before delivery.

 

I think it comes down to this - he has to make the same motion every time because that is his "natural" motion. If he starts deviating then you'll get the balk call.

 

In the one pitch in the video I can see the argument for not coming to a stop but the motion to come set is legal as long as he does it every time IMO.

 

 

First, theres no requirement to come set the same way each time.

 

Second coming set the same way doesn't make an illegal move a legal move.

 

Third, theres no requirement that the free foot only move once during the "stretch"

 

Fourth, you cant always learn about balks by watching MLB.  They call some stuff that (properly) should be let go  in the levels most of us play / coach / umpire.

 

So, why do you think it's a balk?  What provision of 8.05 is he violating?

 

Gentlemen,

 

I'm not an umpire, but I try to learn as much as I can about the game, and the rules, in a practicable usage.  I don't see anything in violation of 8.05, IF he has legitimately come to a set position under 8.01.  However, to my admittedly aged and deteriorating eyesight, I have a difficult time seeing a discernable stop in either video.  I don't have a casebook, so I don't know if there are specifics in there regarding this, but I read 8.01 as a stop, it does not say just hands.  It looks to me as though the hands are stopped, but the feet never do.  

 

From my fan position, I would be inclined to call a balk because I see continuous movement.  

 

I find discussions of techniques like this fascinating.  Thanks to the umps for your input.

Originally Posted by LAball:

I vote balk on the first one. Second one is also a balk if someone is on base. 

 

CC called balk on less movement. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1FVrrVOwNg

 

at 3:00 according to this guy , its a balk 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYu6yoji9_U


I dont see that either of the videos you posted (and I only watched the second at the 3:00 mark) have much of anything to do with the OP

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