Rule sets / OBR / Disengage Free Foot Balk
Disengage Free Foot Balk
If the pitcher disengages from the rubber with his free foot instead of his pivot foot, it is a balk.
In disengaging the rubber the pitcher must step off with his pivot foot and not his free foot first.
MLB Umpire Development Manual Authoritative interpretation
From the Windup or Set Poition, a pitcher may:
- Disengage the rubber by clearly stepping off the back of the rubber with the pivot foot before (i) throwing to a base; (ii) feinting to a base; or (iii) separating his hands.
Video examples
Pitcher disengages from the rubber by first stepping with his free foot and then steps off with his pivot foot.