Fake to first? Balk?

solty, yes it matters as a pitcher he can't fake to first

but by rule when the pitcher disengages the rubber - he becomes a fielder & pitching rules no longer apply

hope that helps

Coach Solty....that is a great move and it is legal.....don't see it a lot, but it can be very effective.

Legal if he disengages,which he did, or balk if he doesn't.

"but by rule when the pitcher disengages the rubber - he becomes a fielder & pitching rules no longer apply"

Bee, could you plese reference a rule number.
I was taught this as a pitcher. But when I said that at a practice, the head coach looked at me like I had 3 heads.

sure, obr 8.01-e

(e) If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the pitcher's plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from that position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw by any other infielder. The pitcher, while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, such throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the rules covering a ball thrown by a fielder.

NFHS rule 6 article 3 (Condensed)

After the pitcher has placed his pivot foot on the ground clearly behind the plate, he then has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as that of any infielder.