Is this a balk???

3rd base coach caught sleeping.

Russ is correct. It's not a balk. Rule is pitcher can fake to second or third, just not first. RHPs can fake to 1B only if they step off (the back) first.

MLB is currently considering changing this rule, for whatever reason...

The old shaggy trick. You usually only fall for that once before you learn your lesson. It's usually the player at second that takes off for 3rd base. The coach should definitely know better than sending his player home.

Not a balk... He clearly disengages the rubber...

Thanks coach appreciate it. I love being proved right. It happens so seldom.

We used to do this in 9u. Not a balk. Actually did it twice in one game. We did it to kill their momentum. The other team would get so upset..it is bush league I know. What is really embarrassing is when it doesn't work. Haven't seen it since and my son is now 15.

The Bandito's did this at least once in every tourney.

Not a balk. Waxahachie High School has been doing that play for years. Seems to catch someone not paying attention every year.

This play was pulled off successfully by West against Lubbock Cooper last Saturday in the 3A Playoffs.

http://lonestarvarsity.com/spo...ra-innings-eliminate

I read the the article, give me some opinions, is this a bush league play?? I dont think so.. I think its a great play with no risk to the defense if it doesn't work. I think the opposing coach was just upset cause he fell for it. The basecoaches should be paying better attention.

It's viewed as bush league if it works against you and viewed as strategic if it works for you.
It can be run before a 2nd and 3rd situation occurs.
If leadoff batter hitters a double, or single then steals 2nd, to kill the mo, have pitcher make a move to 2nd and fake throw. Mid-infielders dive behind 2nd and CF run out to fence as D hollers "3rd, 3rd!" If runner dives back and sees these performances, he may get up and take off for 3rd. Pitcher then runs at him and they run him down. If the runner doesn't fall for it, clean the egg off your face and move on.

They ran interviews with some of the Cooper players on local TV. Interesting to me that the coach called it bush league, but told his players that West was known for using that play. If they're known for it, prepare your team and base coaches to be ready for it. I don't see it as bush league, but one team is going to be embarrassed every time it is tried, this time it was Cooper.

Todd City used it last night against Archer City in the Region 2 1-A championship.

Worked like a charm.......

Todd City fans thought it was the greatest play.
Archer City fans thought it was bush league.

Genius or Bush its what side your on when it happens!