Tagged With "Spin"

@army54 having trouble following in my mind. Sounds like RHP decided in mid-pitch to spin around from 1st to 2nd to 3rd (instead of just wheeling to 2nd and starting the rundown). I would have paid to see that one Or maybe I'm just imagining it wrong, lol

This is not a balk. Pitcher is permitted to throw to an unoccupied base in order to stop an advancing runner. He does not have to disengage pitching rubber.NFHS. Still must step to the base he is throwing to.

OK, This one is really bugging me. First time I have seen it in live play. I'm a coach of 13u-14u players, coaching my youngest of 3 sons, so have been coaching for 15+ years, and was an umpire in college for High School ball. Situation: My team's runners on Second and First, 1 out, tied game. The Play: Second base runner has a wide lead at second. The pitcher has already tried to pick off the runner at second through two legal spin moves, the runner retreating to second base safe, all good...

Agree with what you said regarding the original situation. Would have to see it, but I think maybe a balk if he hangs the leg toward 2nd, but keeps leg up and then just shifts toward 3rd base and throws there. Umpire lore says it's hard to balk to an occupied 2nd base, but this might be an exception. He's fine if he steps directly toward 2nd base. He doesn't even have to make a "fake throw"; the act of stepping toward 2nd base is considered to be the "feint." Once he has made that step...

In my mind this is a balk. NFHS 6.2.4 (b) and (f) ART. 4 . . . Balk. If there is a runner or runners, any of the following acts by a pitcher while he is touching the pitcher’s plate is a balk: b. failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out, or drive back a runner; or throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner; The pitcher did not...

I Reread the rule. If the non pivot foot crosses back edge of the pitching rubber he can not throw to third. The rule specifies 2nd base only exception. He must go to second or home. World Series steal of home the other night. Kershaw steps off the rubber, which is fine. Even if he does not, it is not a balk, but then becomes a pitch.

Thank you for all the quick feedback! @ReluctantOsFan 's explanation was what we thought as well. Ironically, after even doing more research, it appears that it would have been OK if the pitcher spun to second base, front foot going to the ground towards second, then *not* throwing to second (which is legal), and then since he is now a fielder, could have thrown to third base. I will admit, the opposing pitcher in this case was very, very good with his pick off moves, so kudo's to him. -Jon

Great talk? Maybe if you were introduced to baseball yesterday. If the words “data” and “sticky stuff” were removed from his presentation it would have been about 5 minutes long. The relevant info could be presented in a 2 minute TikTok video. That guy is a perfect illustration of why I can’t stand corporate America.

Here is a great Ted Talk for anyone that appreciates the history of the game and also wants to understand why the pitching world is currently obsessed with spin rates. https://youtu.be/mlFtiC3_iQE