Fake Third to First Pickoff - Legal or Not?
- MN Umpire Assoc.
- May 10, 2022
- 1 min read
The situation is first and third with two outs.
The right handed pitcher lifts his leg then steps towards third for a pick off.
He doesn't throwthe ball, but spins and throws to first instead.
He didn't fool anyone since his move wasn't very good, but the third base coach said that's a balk and that rule was changed two years ago.
What's the ruling on this?
Still a legal play in NFHS!
Balk in NCAA and MLB.
Legion of course plays by MLB rules and as such this play would be a balk.
I know, confusing for player's and umpires, but it sparks the age old question of why doesn't the American Legion adopt high school rules. ~Nick Schultheis
Could you advise what situations a pitcher can legally lift their non pivot foot, step towards a base and not make a throw at all?
I had first and third. R1 broke for second. Pitcher stepped towards third, then immediately turned to their right toward second, but made no immediate throw.