Can a right handed pitcher fake to third without taking his foot off the rubber with no one on first?
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ANSWERS: 2
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Yes. But, if he is in-contact with the pitching rubber, he must step to third with his non-pivot foot prior to the throw. Pro rules allow a pitcher in either the set or windup position, when in contact with the rubber to 1) deliver the ball to the batter, or (2) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick-off a runner, or (3) disengage the rubber. A pitcher never has to disengage prior to throwing to first base or throwing or feinting to second or third base (a pitcher cannot feint to first base unless he legally disengaged prior to the feint). Nothing in the rulebook requires a pitcher to "step off" prior to throwing to first base or any other base - that is a myth. The only requirement is that he step before the throw and a step is all that is needed to qualify for a feint to second or third - no fake arm motion is needed just the step. Under high school rules, an in-contact pitcher can only throw or feint to a base from the set position. A pitcher cannot throw or feint to a base from the windup position unless he disengages prior to the throw or feint.
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The rulebook never differentiates between a right or left handed batter or pitcher. All of the rules are the same for pitchers regardless of which had they throw with.
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