Here's the scenario: Runner on first gets his lead, right handed pitcher in stretch. As the pitcher raises his front foot, the runner breaks for second on an attempted steal. The pitcher wheels (like an old Gene Garber or Luis Tiant move) and throws to second where the runner is tagged out. Is this a legal pickoff?
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This was a question on our state re-certification exam... the answer is yes. The rule states (and I paraphrase) that the pitcher can not throw to an unoccupied base ... except in an attempt to put out or force back a runner..As a prior coach.I didn't believe it myself at first. I always taught go on first move of left foot..., but it was later confirmed by our state interpreter.
So, then, if R1 is not going or only fakes a break is it a balk?
I am not saying right or wrong on this.I would like to add tho.We have a couple of kids on V that use this move.One of them is my son.He was taught/ has been using this for some time.Maybe @ 11-12.We live in the very southern section of what I would call northern Illinois.I have witnessed a "few" others in our conference use the move also.It seems to be more prevelant in travel ball.I have never seen this move called a balk.Not saying right or wrong just what happens here.
It is not a balk. Throwing to 3rd in that situation would be a balk because there is no reasonable play.
My son is a lefty so this only apples to R1. In a game 2 weeks ago the opposing parents were livid. My son kept picking them off When he was set and the instant he picked up his foot they would take off and he would then step to first and First would throw them out at second. It was made easier for my son because they were tipping that they were going to steal. Almost to a player they had this little hop when they took their extended lead. every time they did this they tried to steal. As soon as his foot left the ground off they would go.
"thats a balk ump, he lifted his foot. Ump just ignored them. They were caught three times before they stopped trying.
So, then, if R1 is not going or only fakes a break is it a balk?
No to a fake, but yes to never going or giving an impression that he is going. Note that OBR added a comment to the governing rule in the 2014 rulebook:
"Rule 8.05(d) Comment: When determining whether the pitcher throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base for the purpose of making a play, the umpire should consider whether a runner on the previous base demonstrates or otherwise creates an impression of his intent to advance to such unoccupied base."
