An umpire friend asked this question; With a runner on first, the pitcher comes set and the runner fake breaks for second. The first and second baseman call out "he's going", the pitcher spins and throws to second base with the SS covering. What's the call?
I said he was throwing to second to drive the runner back "No call".
What do you have ?
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An umpire friend asked this question; With a runner on first, the pitcher comes set and the runner fake breaks for second. The first and second baseman call out "he's going", the pitcher spins and throws to second base with the SS covering. What's the call?
I said he was throwing to second to drive the runner back "No call".
What do you have ?
If R1's making an attempt at second, it's not a balk.
If he's not, it's a balk (OBR, NCAA) unless the throw is to drive him back (FED.)
Thanks Matt, I've been looking in FED... do you have the rule?
Thanks Matt, I've been looking in FED... do you have the rule?
The FED rule is 6-2-4b "... when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner."
You can also see case 6-2-4A " ... neither attempted nor feinted an advance to second"
My pitchers use this. However, it's pretty hard to do as a last minute adjustment without balking. We do it usually when I'm pretty sure the runner is going or I've stolen the signs. It almost always draws loud protests from the opposing coach, but, surprisingly, most umpire are quite familiar with how to call it.
Thanks Matt !!!!!!
