If a runner is on 3rd, and the pitcher is on the rubber and he acts like he is gonna throw to 3rd, like a lefty pitcher throwing to 1st, but he doesn't throw the ball, is that a balk
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He steps toward 3rd but doesn't throw the ball... Is that a Balk
Originally Posted by Biggie:
He steps toward 3rd but doesn't throw the ball... Is that a Balk
Yes, it's a balk starting this year under official rules. It's still legal in NCAA and HS rules.
And, because the change came out so late, some leagues that use official rules have decided NOT to adopt this change for this year, so the fake to third is still legal in those leagues.
3rd base now mirrors 1st base regarding pitching regulations. If it's a balk at 1st, it's now a balk at 3rd. Official Baseball Rules only.
Fed,NCAA,LL, no. OBR,Pony,USSSA, Legion, yes. Any others, check with the league to see if it has been adopted.
Originally Posted by Michael S. Taylor:
Fed,NCAA,LL, no. OBR,Pony,USSSA, Legion, yes. Any others, check with the league to see if it has been adopted.
The sooner its adopted in all codes the better. We have always heard "BAAAALLLLKKK" shrieked every time this was attempted when it was legal, it'll only be worse and more confusing when half the codes have it and half don't, especially at the lower levels.