Illegal Pick-Off

coachdennyMember

I'm looking for the actual rule (MLB, NFHS, etc) with references for the following situation.
1. Runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs
2. Defense runs a set play yelling bunt (whether Bunt is actually on or not) with corners crashing and no cover at 1st or 3rd base
3. Pitcher delays as 1st baseman begins to crash and then makes pick-off throw to 1st baseman running (2-3 hard steps) down the line and not near the base
4. 1st baseman catches the ball away from bag, spins and then makes an attempt to race back and catch runner who is leaking off of base
I have asked HS and College level umpires who all believe that this is an illegal pick-off (Balk), but cannot recite where the rule is defined and stated.
Thanks

3/22/1012:27 PM

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1dumbquestion10+ posts

I haven't seen the Jim Evans "Balk" video in a while but I think they show a play kind of like this one. In the video they say its a balk but the F3 had NO chance of putting the runner out. In your case if there is a foot race to the bag then it sounds like F3 was making a play so as long as F1 did not balk otherwise (step toward, gain distance/direction) than I would not have a balk. read all of 8.05 and see you if you can find a balk in there somewhere. 1

3/22/101:40 PM

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Michael S. Taylor1,000+ posts

It is a balk, the F3 was not near the bag. He must be at the bag or on his way to it so he can make a play. I don't have my books handy but as mentioned it is 8.05 in OBR. In Fed it's in the pitching rule but I'm not sure exactly the rule number. You will have to locate the fed rule then check the casebook to get the ruling.

3/22/109:13 PM

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dash_riprock1,000+ posts

The rule requires F1 to step and throw towards 1st base. It doesn't matter where the fielder is. If F1 instead throws to the 1st baseman who is not near the base, it is not a balk only if he is close enough to the runner to attempt a tag.

This only applies at 1st base.

3/22/1010:37 PM

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