Is it a balk in baseball if the pitcher throws to fist base in an attempt to pick off a runner but the first baseman is not at the base?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 5
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no this is not a balk
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No
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It would depend on whether or not he made the step off the rubber legally, but the fact that the first baseman wasn't there is simply stupid not a balk.
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If the pitcher throws to the first baseman and the first baseman is not at the base then it is a balk. The pitcher has to throw to the base.
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The rule states that he can't throw to an unoccupied base. The base is occupied, the fact that the first baseman isn't there means nothing as far as the balk rule is concerned. It will however earn him some quality time with the coach. NO BALK.
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