Below is the rule (2006 can't find latest, doubt it has changed much) for a potion of the rules covering Balks. My question is "Is it a Balk when a pitcher straddles the pithers plate WITH the ball?" My thought is that a pitcher can't get within 5 feet without the ball. So why would it matter if he stepped on or astride... not possible outside of 5 feet. Some fields we play on make it really difficult to tell if the picture is in contact with the rubber. He could straddle the rubber and it would be impossible to see it. Obviously that would be an advantage for picking off a baserunner. I know OBR 8.05 calls out this without the ball, but they don't have the 5 foot rule. Is this a mistake in the rule book year after year?
"R6-S2-A5: It is also a balk if a runner or runners are on base and the pitcher, while he is not touching the pitcher's plate, makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch, or he places his feet on or astride the pitcher's plate, or positions himself within approximately five feet of the pitcher's plate without having the ball."
From anohter source
"With runner(s) on base, the pitcher – not touching the plate – makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch; places his feet on or astride the pitcher’s plate, or positions himself without the ball within approx. five feet of plate (hidden ball trick). (p.42)"
Thanks,
Darin
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