Hidden Ball Trick

6.02

A) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.

I think the pitcher has to engage the rubber (or appear to as RJM described) for the play to be illegal, but tbh I’m not sure where the line is drawn. Good post topic!

@RJM posted:

6.02

A) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.

6.2.5  "...or positions himself within appox. 5 ft of the pitchers plate without having the ball."   In english terms... cant be on the mound and pretend to have the ball. 

I was taught to walk behind behind the mound and look like I’m focused on rubbing up the ball.

From a base runner perspective you shouldn’t be off the base until the pitcher is on the rubber.

It all depends on which rules code you're playing under:

• NFHS / FED  (High School): Within about 5' of the rubber
• NCAA: On the dirt
• OBR: On or astride the rubber

NFHS 6-2-5

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.

NCAA 9-3-f

While not in possession of the ball, the pitcher stands with either foot or both feet on any part of the dirt area (circle) of the mound during a hidden-ball-play attempt.

OBR 6.02(a)(9) 

If there is a runner or runners (on base), it is a balk when the pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch.

I always thought you couldn’t be on the mound, so I guess two out of three ain’t bad..,

Thanks guys this was NFHS rules

Player may also get tipped by noticing that the field ump is looking at the player next to him... You're trained to keep your chest to the ball...  Easier to spot in 2-man... In 3 or 4 man, the U1 is already doing that.

@JohnF posted:

Player may also get tipped by noticing that the field ump is looking at the player next to him... You're trained to keep your chest to the ball...  Easier to spot in 2-man... In 3 or 4 man, the U1 is already doing that.

I did not know that was a mechanic used and will start paying attention to that.