Pitching - Pickoff move

Question
Michael,

With a runner on 3rd base only, can a pitcher (L or R) fake a throw to third base without stepping behind the rubber?

Thanks,

Darren

Answer
Darren,

Thanks for the question.  

I have discussed this same issue with several umpires, college coaches and former major league pitchers.  To my knowledge, the only time a pitcher must make a throw to a base is when a left handed pitcher makes a move to first while in contact with the rubber.

A lefthanded pitcher must break contact with the rubber to throw to third, thus he does not have to throw the ball. But a right hander can make the throw to third while still in contact with the rubber.  However, I have seen it happen in the majors and I have discussed it with several umpires the fact that the pitcher will fake the throw while still in contact with the rubber and not get called for a balk.  This would explain the "windmill play" where a pitcher steps to third, fakes the throw and then turns and throws to first.

Balks are always a sticky interpretation by an umpire. I have been thrown out of a game because of a bad balk call that cost me a game.  I am not proud of being tossed, but it was unwarranted, as was the balk call.

I hope this helps.

Coach Boss