Q: Is there a required distance that the first baseman needs to be from 1st base in order for a pitcher to make a legal move from the set position and throw to first.  My first baseman was up a few steps for a possible bunt and my pitcher made a move and threw to first.  The first baseman scrambled and caught the ball near the base, but he obviously didn't expect a throw.  The opposing coach wanted a balk called because the first baseman was too far from 1b.  Fortunately, my pitcher had stepped off the rubber and was not required to throw anyhow so the question was a moot point during the game.  Still it got me thinking of a distance requirement that a first baseman must be within ???? of the base for a legal move.

A: As long as the fielder is in proximity of the base, there is no balk.  Proximity is umpire judgement and is based on whether the fielder is close enough to the base to legitimately make a play on the runner.  Check the Case Book 6.2.4 Situation J.