Balk Rules

Short video talking about the balk rules and balk situations for pitchers. Go to mikescottbaseball.com for further instructional videos.

[@chrisv7607]

I'm not a big baseball guy, but I follow it a bit and have to say Balk is the most confusing rule in the sport

[@michaelcarlo7420]

Been a baseball fan my whole life and this is still too much shit to keep track of.

[@hol3671]

+Chris V This video is for pitchers who are trying to learn every little detail. People get upset about the balk rule, but without it, the running game in baseball would be pretty much non existent.

[@braxtonlombardi7185]

I love baseball but the ball confusis me

[@guacaquio]

in any sport. you forgot to say. lol

[@JudgeDrey]

Think of it this way. Imagine the natural motion of a pitcher starting from him leaning in towards the plate to go through signs with the catcher, and ending with the release of the ball. If the pitcher deviates, or hesitates from that motion just slightly, it's a balk. Think of the definition of the word "BALK" for second. _"Hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking"_ That is literally what it means in baseball also. Anytime the pitcher is "unsure" of his next move, and it shows in his movements or windup, it's usually a balk. It can seem vague when you see what certain things are called balks sometimes. They are almost imperceptible to the casual viewer, but on the field as a batter or umpire, they are GLARING movements. In other words, they stick out like sore thumbs. lol Hope that helps.

[@SuperCamaro5]

That's for this explanation. I used to think a balk was just when the pitcher went into his wind up and didn't throw or faked the throw, but I saw so many situations where I didn't understand why it was a balk.

[@justflingin4325]

thats also a balk, but hes just explaining some balk rules

[@toneriggz]

If a dog barks in the background, that's a balk.

[@ManDudeYeah]

+Tone Riggz But if a dog barks in the woods and no one is around to hear it, it's also a balk.

[@prsguitars42]

No,... thats not in any of the rule books...mlb, pro, nfhs, etc; . etc;.....

[@hifijohn]

a home run of a comment!!!

[@rockerseven]

It's only a balk if the dog is Asian.

[@crocodile1313]

steve jones--- I think the dog barking comment was supposed to be funny, not serious....jeez.

[@moif]

Thumbs up for the spare ball.

[@ddd1hhh]

That was so EPIC!!

[@guysmalley]

Now remember all that when your tired in the 7th inning

[@ivanabray6918]

*You’re

[@JP5150LBC]

If you have to remember it, maybe pitching isnt your prime position

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

@@JP5150LBC pros still mess up

[@RockBandVlds]

You're***

[@Ndawg-bc1pt]

Lmao exacyly

[@stevedandy973]

Mike Scott - Speaking as an amateur umpire, THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS.

[@nathanatkins15t]

once when i was maybe 15 or so, playing rec ball, we were slaying the other team and had a huge lead of 10 runs or so, so the coach was letting anyone who wanted too pitch a bit just to try it out. I'd never done it before so i thought, sure why not? well i balked the bases loaded in three batters and only threw a handful of actual pitches. My coach put me back in my position and i thought "Jesus man quit being so technical I'm just trying to play a game here" it sucked all the fun out of it.

[@connordaniel3263]

balk rules: 1. dont do a balk pls 2. no balks allowed 3. if you do a balk then you broke rules, don't ever balk

[@DaBugMan35]

I think you did an EXCELLENT job on this video. Seriously I'm 39 years old and I learned a lot from this video. You covered every aspect you needed to cover to explain the Balk. Again AWESOME video. Thank you.

[@TheClearwall]

One quick addition to the instruction, you CAN step to an "unoccupied" base if a runner is attempting to attain that base. Example, Runner on 1st and while in your set, the runner attempts to steal second, you can step directly to and throw to second without penalty.

[@marcogiasullo744]

TheClearwall that’s a really good point to make the distinction between the pickoff and a caught stealing.

[@terrancehanson8406]

Basically it just sucks to be a pitcher

[@prsguitars42]

No...not unless you know what you're doing and dont think you can do whatever you want on the mound.....the offense hates that.....

[@tramsramsey]

I love being a pitcher, just don't fuck it up.

[@kingsosa6493]

Pitchers in the big league are fucking cry babies and really get away with all sorts of bullshit...balks arent called no where near enuff

[@gbonkers666]

There's a great line in Bull Durham when Crash tells Nuke...."don't think, just throw."

[@tbpotusaofall-571]

Also if you trip and or fall down during the windup that's also considered a Balk

[@bbarker5766]

unless the ball comes out of your hand and rolls across the fair/foul line then it is just a ball.

[@tbpotusaofall-571]

Yeah

[@andrewlanoue9104]

TBPOTUSAOFALL - If you dont have the ball and you step on the mound its a balk too

[@aaronday2122]

@@andrewlanoue9104 really?

[@marcogiasullo744]

Only if you don’t throw the ball. If the ball comes out of your hand in the general vicinity of the plate it’s ok. If you drop it before the fall or hold it it’s a balk.

[@finalorbit]

I've never played baseball, not even much of a baseball fan, but I've always wondered what a balk was. Thanks, Mike. If I had played baseball as a kid, I would've hoped to have a coach like you. Strong work.

[@PalmettoHarp]

Very well put together video. I never realized how easily a balk could be called or how many different ways a pitcher could commit one.

[@tekkenblazer4710]

Thanks Mike. This is the best balk explanation I have seen yet. Actually, I can almost understand what a balk is.

[@jimdandypicker11]

Thanks Mike. That does clear some of the confusion for me. As a fan that watches a lot of B.ball, I was unaware of all the ways a pitcher can balk. I think this subject could use a lot more explanation.

[@marcogiasullo744]

Awesome video. Def one of the more confusing rules in baseball. I pitched D3 college and used mostly off speed stuff and used a lot of pick off moves because I sucked and had a lot of base runners. One thing to mention tho about not stopping when you’re coming set in the stretch; if you attempt a pickoff you don’t need to come to a stop. Only if you pitch the ball do you need to come to a full pause in the stretch position. You can come set and attempt the pickoff in one motion. I don’t know if he covered this specifically, but the pitcher has to throw to the base that the runner is on that he is attempting to pick off. He can’t start a rundown - the first; his first throw has to be to the base he is at. He mentioned throwing to a base that is unoccupied, but if you get the guy at first stealing, the pitcher can’t have his initial throw to second. Correction- if the runner is trying to steal the base you can throw to that base. If it’s a pickoff then you can’t. Ive also had this called on me, as this is a move I used to use a lot. pitcher can’t, when in the windup, fake his windup going to the plate even if he steps off with his non throwing foot. I would act like I was going to pitch the ball, but fake the throw home and spin and get the guy leaning at third or pretend I forgot runners were on and throw to first or second. This isn’t used almost ever at higher level ball but I’ve seen a couple guys in JV and legion ball try it besides myself. If you attempt jump throw to first, or third for a lefty (where you jump to face to throw to the bag and your feet are basically hitting the ground at the same time, as opposed to stepping off with the throwing foot first) you have to attempt a throw to the base. Even if you have no shot to get him, you have to throw the ball or it’s a balk. Keep up the good videos. Im not 100% positive on a couple of these but I have had these called as balks or seen them called. No review and some bad umpiring in high School and low level college, so it can be a crapshoot. I hoped this added something useful.

[@kinoptika]

WOW! Pitching is more than a strong and able arm... it's the most disciplined position in the team. Thanks for the tutorial...

[@jackstewart7143]

youre a hero mike The familly is behind you all the way

[@mitchellgoody3136]

Excellent explanation! Thank you for your time & demonstration.

[@backcheck31]

Just a fantastic concise explanation about balks, coach. This umpire thanks you!

[@digdablooz]

this is great... a clear explanation to something even seasoned baseball watchers get hung up on. thanks for posting

[@clyde2921]

Here's another balk situation, the pitcher removes his hand from the ball after he has come to "set" position, say, to adjust his cap or scratch his nose. Another one that always gets a response from the coach is when, during a "hidden ball play", the pitcher returns to within 5 feet of the pitchers plate. (NFHS rules)

[@EdwardCurrent]

You don't need to drop the ball for it to be a balk -- if it leaves your hand while you're on the rubber (for example you toss it up and catch it) that's a balk. I learned this because in high school I wanted to do a silly distracting trick pitch where I tossed and caught the ball mid-windup.

[@robstahaln1789]

Son, this is a very good video. I didn't realize about the shoulder turn Balk, but then again, I only played football.. Anyway Mike Scott, Many Thanks! ! !

[@bluejackets08]

This is a great explanation. Thank you.

[@movilla8593]

Great instruction and demonstration. Now... would someone please explain why the stringent balk rule is necessary?

[@bigyaz]

@username20698 Yes, if playing under Official Baseball Rules (OBR). But in high school (NFHS) the play is dead immediately, even if the batter hits a home run.

[@Rubikscube0094]

3rd to 1st is now a balk. Also you can throw to an unoccupied base if a play is imminent.

[@StopTheInsanityMan]

Thanks Mike! great explanation!

[@deathtotruthers1]

I'm sure its been mentioned before, but the fake to third, throw to first move is now a balk in the majors (and a costly one, since there is a runner on third).

[@teddybearcobrastyler]

@Hollywooddave123 if you're not on the rubber and taking signals its a balk, also if you move your feet in any way to either start a pitch or pickoff, and you don't do either, its a balk.

[@marcogiasullo744]

Great point. If you’re taking pitch signals in a set position off the rubber it’s a balk. You can take pickoff and fielding or bunt rotations for example off the rubber if the catcher isn’t in the crouch and pitcher isn’t set on the stripe. It may be considered a mound visit in some cases. But you’re absolutely right he can’t receive pitch signals from the catcher off the rubber in a typical stretch position.

[@hol3671]

Balk isn't really that complicated. He's just being hyper detailed and repeating himself a lot. The balk rule exists for a reason. Without it, leads and steals would become practically irrelevant / impossible. Also, baseball can be understood on different levels and still thoroughly enjoyed. This video is for people who want to know EVERYTHING. It's not like you have to know all of this stuff to be able to understand and enjoy a baseball game.

[@tomservo5347]

I got some free bases as a runner in my youth playing Pee-Wee league as the wild pitchers did this at least a couple of times per game.Funny how 'Walk' and 'Balk' are what many people think is just baseball jargon but 'balk' actually means exactly what it is.

[@markrohloff]

Thank you for this video, I never understood what a balk was until I watched this.

[@MrRp25]

Thanks for the video.Could help us pick off some runners as the season gets heated.

[@natnaelberhanu-i8w]

I just learned about this today. I saw it the second time in an Augie garrido documentary and initially I thought coach was mad about the call being a BALL when it was in reality a strike. Watching it the second time and hearing the pitcher reflect on augies disappointment he said something that sounded like bog.

[@alexcharmander8455]

*Balk Rules* 1) You can't just be up there and just doin' a balk like that. 1a. A balk is when you 1b. Okay well listen. A balk is when you balk the 1c. Let me start over 1c-a. The pitcher is not allowed to do a motion to the, uh, batter, that prohibits the batter from doing, you know, just trying to hit the ball. You can't do that. 1c-b. Once the pitcher is in the stretch, he can't be over here and say to the runner, like, "I'm gonna get ya! I'm gonna tag you out! You better watch your butt!" and then just be like he didn't even do that. 1c-b(1). Like, if you're about to pitch and then don't pitch, you have to still pitch. You cannot not pitch. Does that make any sense? 1c-b(2). You gotta be, throwing motion of the ball, and then, until you just throw it. 1c-b(2)-a. Okay, well, you can have the ball up here, like this, but then there's the balk you gotta think about. 1c-b(2)-b. Fairuza Balk hasn't been in any movies in forever. I hope she wasn't typecast as that racist lady in American History X. 1c-b(2)-b(i). Oh wait, she was in The Waterboy too! That would be even worse. 1c-b(2)-b(ii). "get in mah bellah" -- Adam Water, "The Waterboy." Haha, classic... 1c-b(3). Okay seriously though. A balk is when the pitcher makes a movement that, as determined by, when you do a move involving the baseball and field of 2) Do not do a balk please.

[@CI321]

Thanks for posting this! im a 1st year umpire & it helped

[@bwphotographer3484]

Interesting Mike, thank you. It brings a question right away form the 2018 World Series. David Price in my book was "balking" all the time with his left foot. Before throwing to the plate, his left foot leaves the balk several times before the actual throw. Is that legal?

[@marcogiasullo744]

No, that is technically a balk but a lot of guys do that and it’s rarely called. If it’s a constant part of your pitching motion and you do it every pitch it’s usually it’s ok. But if he’s doing it intentionally to deceive the runners it constitutes a balk. I never noticed price doing that but I will def look at that from now on.

[@wildgoose77]

Excellent instruction! However, the wind noise was distracting. Consider investing in a windscreen or a zeppelin for your microphone. Good luck!

[@royrowland5763]

Actually, with the pitch clock, now there IS a need to rush when in the position shown at 5:51. The clock runs until the pitcher kicks and moves towards the plate.

[@mrnemo2102]

I'm here because of the anime I'm watching did a "force balk" on a pitcher and a commentator said it was a high level play.

[@rjdonofrio]

Thank you! Great job!

[@Gumbocinno]

Damn, and I wanted to be a pitcher when I was younger.

[@thepwnerist]

please reply can a right handed pitcher pick his left foot up and then throw to first?

[@marcogiasullo744]

The rule is that if a righty makes any significant movement with his landing foot towards home he has to go home with it. Even for lefties you have to land your front foot no more than halfway between first and home. The act of even swinging your left foot around to make the throw over or landing it 45 degrees between home and first is almost always considered a movement towards the plate and would be called. When you spin to second you have to spin to the right as to not make a forward movement home.

[@nathanielriesterer9103]

Pitchers are another breed.

[@MrBaseballPlyr]

Great Video! Great job Mike.

[@icanonlyimagine7626]

You can move when your getting your sights all you want but when you come set you can only ethier go and try to pick the runner of or go to the catcher

[@TPinesGold]

There are several examples in this video that indicate that you are wrong. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIbFgqCkeNJ8l9k

[@Narxes081206]

But if you're Scott Smalls, you might be throwing with your right leg forward, so really moving either leg back off the rubber could be a balk... right?

[@thinktogame2260]

Very very good explanation

[@ppark61]

Thanks for a great lesson. One quesiton- Righty's have to go off the plate to throw the ball to first, but then how come lefties don't have to put their foot off the plate?

[@Anvanho]

Wow, great video! I had no idea there were this many different types of balk! But I do recall a few times over the years, when I saw this: there was a runner on 1st, and another runner on 3rd. The pitcher began the windup, but then quickly stepped off and immediately went through the motion of preparing to throw to the 3d baseman to pick off the runner there, but then instead, he quickly spun around and threw to first. How is that legal, I wonder?

[@BasicallyBananas]

Are you a regional manager for a midsize midwestern paper company?

[@CultureFusionSite]

Baseball is the only sport where something like a balk is more confusing than advanced genetics engineering. But your explanation was pretty good, I admit. I could never figure out what this damn rule meant.

[@phildunn3195]

A bit outdated. You can no longer fake a move to third and then throw to first.

[@67L48]

+Phil Dunn Wrong. Very wrong. Reading is your friend. You can no longer feint a throw to third in the Official Baseball Rules (OBR) which govern Major League Baseball. I'm pretty sure that this guy isn't instructing MLB pitchers. For NCAA and High School (Fed), you can still feint a throw to third. Ironically, some youth leagues (USSSA) base their rules on OBR instead of Fed rules. In those leagues, because of OBR, feinting to 3rd is a balk. The rules by which you are playing are extremely important. In most cases, feinting to 3rd is still legal (as of Dec 2015).

[@phildunn3195]

+67L48 Relax, really - "Wrong, Very wrong"? yet you accept it's true in MLB and other leagues (e.g., Babe Ruth & Cal Ripken Leagues)...and you have no idea which leagues I had in mind. Expertise in baseball rules, maybe. Expertise in social behavior, well... maybe less rulebook reading would be your friend.

[@carsonsmith8362]

Phil Dunn My league does it all the time.

[@christopherstewart3590]

Yes you can as long as 3rd is occupied!

[@alanhess9306]

@@christopherstewart3590 No, in MLB a pitcher, from the rubber, can never fake a throw to third or first base.

[@GUAMANIANable]

Except for Tuesdays when there is a full moon.

[@charlesmoore456]

That's a schralk.

[@WHYSHEHADTOGO1]

you dont need to pause if your picking off only when your going to the plate.

[@Beardsandbars]

Mike Scott...Houston Astros? 1986 NL Cy Young winner? Was wondering what you were up to.

[@jonathanpena7218]

This helped so much

[@davemorgan8928]

Question. Someone was telling me if there is a runner on third and the pitcher takes a step to third he has to throw it. If the pitch was not to throw it he would have to step back off of the rubber first like they do for a pick at first. True or false?

[@TheClearwall]

If you're in the windup, yes, you have to step off. The ONLY thing you can do in a windup is pitch. The only way to do anything else is to step off and become a fielder. In the Set position, you've balked right off the bat. In a set, you must have one foot engaged with the rubber and one foot COMPLETELY in front of it.

[@TurgeonFan77132]

Then would the no pause balk be considered more or less what they call "quick pitching" a batter if there's runners on base?

[@marcogiasullo744]

TurgeonFan77132 it’s similar except when bases are empty it’s called an automatic ball. The umpire also has the option of warning the pitcher before enforcing the ball on a quick pitch. It’s not a quick pitch if the pitcher never comes totally stopped with his hands together. He can begin his windup with open hands. If the pitcher consistently begins his motion with a pause and his hand and glove together, and intentionally does it on a specific pitch to speed up the delivery of the ball as to deceive the hitter, it would be a quick pitch. You can do whatever you want from the windup as long as you don’t intentionally and demonstrably speed up your motion with that intent.

[@username20698]

is the ball in play if the batter hits the ball

[@aaronnichols9444]

It’s so simple, I can’t believe umps blow so many balk calls

[@Gotsupermilk]

The guy on the pitching mound is the coach for Canton right?

[@dbf752]

I just saw an umpire at a 13U game call a balk bc the pitcher touched his hat bill while on the mound. He had not come set yet. Is this a rule that I’ve just never seen before?

[@BadFry]

Mike Scott, you said " you can not throw to an unoccupied base, but can't the pitcher throw to unoccupied base to make a play on an advancing runner to the unoccupied base? Please read rule 6.02(a)(4) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, EXCEPT for the purpose of making a play;

[@AzureWolf3]

Just saw one in the Mets / Braves game on Father's day.

[@phuckewe178]

Can I jump towards home plate and release the ball while I'm almost on the grass like Carper Capps?

[@suer6103]

thanks for the lesson

[@paddler110]

Also alot of people don't know this but a right hander technically can pick his front foot up and go to first base as long as it goes directly to first. It can not go up then out to first it has to go straight around to first, but most umpires will call it a balk. And yes i'm talking about RIGHT handers.

[@marcogiasullo744]

Connor Coultas as long as he can get somehow make no movement towards home and land his foot 45 degrees or less towards first base. One the pitcher makes any significant movement forward towards the plate he has to Theo the ball and land his landing foot no more than halfway between first and home. That’s very hard to do w this move and I guarantee it would get called constantly. With cleats and on the dirt it’s almost impossible to do this without making a movement towards the plate.because swinging the front foot around is probably considered moving towards home.

[@elijahbrown7692]

actually guys and gals if your in the stretch you can pick your leg up,as u do so a righty going to first doesnt let his leg move any towards home or he has to throw, but with leg up if you start leaning falling towards first thats not a balk. see what they are not saying is you must throw the ball if you do not step off first. if your set and decide to throw to 1,2,3 then you must throw or its a balk. lets review. step off first do what you want, set and decide to go anywhere other than home must not even lean towards home but pick the leg up as like your going to deliver but instead of home you take that hiked up leg and go to the chosen base but you must throw, or youve balked

[@Vadegu]

Baseball is so complicated. How long does it take to learn that sport 10 years? >

[@papoloprofilelopez7295]

I respect your opinion, but honestly 10 years wow, if someone takes more than 1 one, he or she had better give it up and take up handball, racquetball, or ping pong.

[@okkcomputer]

team handball? those rules aint easy bro. played all my life

[@georgew84]

Baseball is a thinking man's game. So much thought /strategy involved

[@TruthThanks]

can you step off the rubber towards the catcher? or is that a balk?

[@marcogiasullo744]

TruthThanks that’s a balk. You technically are already off the rubber towards the catcher as your foot is never squaren on top of it. It’s always straddling it on the home plate side when you’re in the stretch. If you make a move towards home like that you have to throw home.

[@smexykyle]

Good video now I know what to do when I'm on the mound.

[@murph6253]

If I sneeze…that’s a balk. if I breath too hard…that’s a balk. If I think about pizza, that’s a balk.

[@aaguilar0925]

Never knew what a balk was, until today.

[@stevesullivan457]

Runner on 1st base. Can a pitcher pitch from the windup position?

[@MrCctvtech]

Steve Sullivan runner on first. the pitcher can full windup. but the runner who should be paying attention, should see this and immediately steal 2nd and almost be at 2nd by time the pitch reaches the plate.

[@appalachianamerican3881]

Thanks for the video. I never understood why umpires called balks, I thought it was just going in the potion of a pitch to the batter then stopping like a fake. This explains so much more and now I see why the umpires call balks... BUT... I hate this rule. It's too complicated. I think they should do away with balks. Could you make a video on why balks are needed?

[@gregorysharp]

Is there a why? What happened for such seemingly tedious rules?

[@John-pm1hk]

They are considered unfairly deceptive to the hitter and baserunners.

[@paddler110]

To any body who doesn't know. Most baseball select leagues, and i'm pretty sure high school and college (although don't quote me on that) have made it illegal to fake to third and then go to first.

[@marcogiasullo744]

Connor Coultas most higher level leagues I would assume banned the move. I played D3 ending in 06 and it was banned in our conference.

[@johnjsal]

The fake-to-third-throw-to-first move is now officially a balk in MLB. The pitcher can still fake to second, though.

[@wetbook71]

Interesting to hear about the "third-to-first" move. I thought that once you stepped toward an occupied base, you had to throw to that same base. I.e., no feints allowed.

[@ruey-henglee8995]

This is an old video. It's not allowed anymore.

[@alanhess9306]

Wetbook71, Prior to 2013 under MLB rules, a pitcher could fake a throw from the rubber to 2nd or 3rd base. Then they changed the rule so that third base is treated the same as first base. No fake throws from the rubber, which makes the third to first move illegal. You can still fake to second base. A pitcher can step and throw to any occupied base from the rubber. Under NCAA and NFHS rules, you can still fake a throw to third base.

[@wetbook71]

Thanks all for the clarifications!!

[@alanhess9306]

@@wetbook71 yw

[@Idk12345lol]

the one in the stretch isnt a balk @zach mara that move is illegal and if you step off like you said that defeats the purpose of trying to pick someone off

[@rynox77]

Great video.

[@ben_golo]

Be aware that faking to third and throwing to first was classified as a balk in 2013 in the MLB. Often times, the lower levels of baseball follow suit when it comes to rules and especially balk rules. Like so others can see.

[@cmdrbnd007bond8]

Dear Lord! I never knew a ball was so many different things.

[@Jeffstone17]

Don't you have to step off the rubber before you throw to an occupied base? Or is that just in MLB?

[@FFR_Secut0r]

Jeffstone17 From what I’ve gathered you don’t have to as long as you actually throw it. If you want to fake a throw to first, and then turn around and try to pick off third, you need to step off

[@raymondbaumann2405]

this video needs to be updated....

[@andimalloutofbubblegum1063]

Can't do the 3rd to 1st thing anymore.

[@5274-z5d]

what is the purpose of this rule in baseball? why are these pitcher movements considered not wanted in the game?

[@seneschal888]

To avoid giving the pitcher an unfair advantage over the runners. Otherwise the runners would be deceived into staying on their bases and have no way to steal the next base.

[@JohnnyAGraves]

So if the pitcher, from the set position, lifts and lowers the left leg, is a balk?

[@sleeperslept393]

John Graves depends where he steps to

[@MrTobin8]

Nice Job!!

[@DJ80s]

How do you explain major league pitchers that tap their toes back and forth off the mound before making a pitch? Pitchers like the Orioles Darren O'Day and a couple guys that play for the Texas Rangers who tap their front foot about 3 times before making a pitch... shouldn't the be consider a balking motion?

[@marcogiasullo744]

If it’s in the process of coming to a stop and a normal part of their routine it’s ok. If they do it only occasionally then it’s a balk, but if dudes like oday or even Mariano do it every pitch and come to a full stop it’s ok.

[@WatermanViolinStudio]

Isn't the 3rd to 1st fake is now illegal?

[@danandbrett]

If the runner is half way or more though you can go to the bag if nobody is there.

[@alanhess9306]

There is no such rule. Educate yourself.

[@marcogiasullo744]

danandbrett by definition once the runner has attempted a “stolen base” the pitcher has technically made a movement home. If the pitcher catches him before he makes an actual movement toward home with a legal pickoff move towards the base he is leaving from, its automatically becomes a pickoff and he must go to the base the runner left from. If you off the mound and disengaged from the rubber when the runner starts running you can throw to second. If he starts his move when you’re engaged on the rubber, you must go to the base he started from. It’s more to do with how the play starts than how far the runner is towards a base. The rule of thumb is a pitcher can’t throw to an unoccupied base from the stretch with runners on once he has engaged with the rubber and steps off.

[@JiveDadson]

Is this still accurate in 2017?

[@marcg209]

Great video thanks bud!!

[@markkundla1993]

I think it is very good explanation. I wonder if he used to be a star baseball player???