Q: Please advise on the proper administration of the rules in this situation. The case book covers a similar situation, but it is not exactly the same (6.2.4 Situation C and 6.2.4 Comment A) R1 on third base and R3 is on first. F1 stretches and comes set. F1 steps with his non-pivot foot towards thirds base and feints a throw towards R1, in doing so F1's pivot foot disengages from the pitching plate as a result of the fake step and throw to third, he the turns and feints a throw to first base. Is this a Balk, or has F1 become a fielder because he is no longer in contact with the pitching plate? The Situation C in the case book has the pitcher still engaged with the pitching plate, which would make it a balk, but in stepping towards third and coming of the rubber does the pitcher gain the right to feint to first?
A: No balk. If the pitcher feints to third and then feints to first without disengaging the pitchers plate, this is a balk, but if he steps toward third and feints a throw to third, disengages his pivot foot from the pitchers plate and feints a throw to first, this is legal and yes he becomes a fielder. I think where there might be some misunderstanding in the rule is MLB changed their rule last year and they now rule this move a balk. NFHS rules still allow a feint to third followed by a feint to first.