Snap throw to first. Must the pitcher step off the rubber?

Question

I was watching the Jays' game last night and the Jays' pitcher David Purcey made several snap throws to first in order to try to catch the runner napping. I believe he stepped off the rubber while delivering these snap throws to first. Is it a balk if the pitcher delivers a snap throw to first with his foot on the rubber?

Answer 1

By definition the snap throw is when the left handed pitcher steps off the back of the rubber  and throws to first.  If he throws while engaged with the rubber and does not make a step towards first then it is a balk.

He can also raise his arm in a feint after he disengages the rubber.

(HS he must wait until his foot hits the ground behind the rubber before he can start any motion to first)

Answer 2

Yes, it is a balk if the pitcher throws to first and does not step off the rubber, or is in mid-windup and then throws to 1st.

Answer 3

Yes, you must be off the rubber when making a snap throw to any base. This is because the rules require that a pitcher, when engaged on the rubber, to step toward the base while throwing or feinting to that base. Failure to step toward the base while on the rubber is a balk. It is not a balk if the pitcher is off the rubber.

Left-handers have a distinct advantage because they are facing first base. They often do a snap throw just before they would normally engage the rubber, as the runner sometimes anticipates the pitcher will step on and begins his lead prematurely.

Answer 4

No the pitcher dosent have to step off the rubber.   as long as he throws to first base and has his feet towrds first base not home.

He is fine

Answer 5

ya or else it will be a balk

Answer 6

the first answer (yougottabelieve) is correct.

rule 8.01c MLB rulebook

c) At any time during the pitcher’s preliminary movements and until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such base before making the throw.

Rule 8.01(c) Comment: The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk.

Answer 7

a left handed pitcher does not have to step off of the rubber mound,but a right handed pitcher must step off with his back foot first then turn and throw to first

Answer 8

a balk will be committed if the pitcher has his foot on the rubber and throws to a base without taking a step towards that base.  or if the pitcher throws, with his foot on the rubber, to a base with no runner and where there is no possibility of a play.

Answer 9

since he is a lefty he must either step off the rubber and then snap throw to first (no balk) or use the lefty-deception throw where he picks his leg up and brings it down within a 45 degree angle of the rubber in order to throw to first base (no balk)

if he is just standing on the rubber and throws the ball to first without any lower body movement (either off the rubber or the start of a wind-up) then it is a balk