Smart 13 year old picks off runner at 1st base

Use this move in youth baseball and you're likely to catch runners and pick them off. Most youth leagues still allow the fake to third throw to first move, including High School. I do not think it's allowed in USSSA baseball.

[lanem]

this move is actually not allowed in almost all youth leagues in our area (Texas) because the base for almost every league is OBR. When we have tournaments, generally they will use a NFHS ruleset JUST to allow this pick move (and the coaches don't understand the mound visit restrictions, and allowed player position swaps and such that come along with that ruleset).

[richarddrum]

Under most high school and higher league rules, the pitcher is allowed to fake throws to second and third from the set position. This is a common move with runners on first and third, most runners though are smart enough to avoid being caught. Nicely done by the pitcher and first baseman.

[mac]

3-1 fake is still allowed in youth ball. Thanks again, MHJ.

[linollieum]

I used to do this move but my first baseman would always just catch the ball and stand with it confused while both runners advanced.

[slingbaldejch]

That really is sandlot baseball. Not a blade of grass in sight in the infield.

[tylersmyley]

100% balk is a bit much, if the rules allow it which they clearly did in this league then its definitely 99.9% not a balk based on the fact that the pitchers leg never goes towards home plate but to third which is completely legal unless rules state others

[rickkinki]

Some 40 years ago, we were coaching peewees, which was 10 and 11 year olds. At that level, stealing 2nd base was almost automatic. So I taught our pitcher and catcher the pitch out.


I think we only used it once, but the catcher nailed the runner trying to steal 2nd base.

[jakeblock]

It's tough seeing the umpire jump out of the way for every pitch

[goodmaro]

That's cute, and an example of situations we know in youth football where it's coach vs. coach. One team's coach observed the lack of a play in the early situation, then figured they got nothing. The other coach inferred what that coach inferred, and pulled out that trick.

Usually in youth sports the situation is, you don't have to beat the other team's coach, just their players.

[seeingdragons]

You could still get another 1000 feet away for the video. We can almost make out some specks moving on the screen ....

[Shlomolipmanmusic]

This is now considered a balk. I used to do it all the time. It should be considered a balk in youth leagues as well. Develop the pitcher to be great at the next level.

[ajfrancisco]

For me in USSSA, you have to throw the ball to third on this type of move or it’s a balk. Either the rules are different by me, or a lot of people are doing things wrong where I live

[larrykramer]

Someone please tell that umpire to TURN HIS HAT AROUND!!! EMBARRASSING!

[gavins]

I picked off a ton of kids with this move. The last time I did it they told me it's illegal. So I balked and never did it again.

[onlyoutdoors]

But, if he does that pick move, he has to throw to third

[chiefwauhoo]

Someone teach that kid on first to just keep going next time. Never try to get back after a big jump like that.

[michaelhogg]

It is legal in USSSA cause they use OBR rules! Most of the Tournaments I umpire uses OBR Rules so this would have been a balk!

[jparkerororke]

Just curious, where do you get your clips for the llws? I try to watch games from 4 or 5 years ago but i can't find full games. Thanks.

[marmac]

When did the rules change in the Major Leagues and College where it's illegal now? I didn't know that.

[charlieodom]

Being a left handed pitcher growing up, I didn't have this problem. Lol