Can a pitcher lean forward with his back foot off the rubber, giving the appearance that he is taking the sign. Once he is leaning forward (foot still off the rubber) flip the ball over to first to get the runner out?
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Anonymous
ANSWERS: 3
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Yes, if you are off the rubber. If none of your feet are touching the rubber you can do that. A trick you can do is actually start going from the wind up when someone is on base. If behind the rubber they may start running and you can just throw over. Its not a balk if your not on the rubber!!!!
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Be careful leaning in "pretending to take a sign." The umpire cannot see if you actually are and is VERY likely to call a balk. As for the "trick" mentioned in the other answer, any good umpire will consider it an attempt to decieve and call it a balk. So again, be real careful.
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No. This situation would require a warning from the umpire and thereafter be treated as a balk. The pitcher must take the sign while on the rubber. Remember, this is an attempt to deceive the runner and would be enforced as a balk.
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