Rule sets / OBR / Second Step Towards Home Balk
Second Step Towards Home Balk
The pitcher cannot take a second step toward home plate with either foot during the delivery of the pitch.
The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset his pivot foot in his delivery of the pitch. If there is a runner, or runners, on base it is a balk under Rule 6.02(a); if the bases are unoccupied it should be treated as an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b).
MLB Umpire Development Manual Authoritative interpretation
During his normal pitching motion from either legal pitching position, the pitcher's free foot is permitted to make contact with the mound provided that:
- The contact occurs no closer to home plate than the original position of the pitcher's free foot when he started his delivery; and
- The pitching motion is continueous throughout the contact and there is no discernible stop or pause in the delivery.
- The pitcher is only permitted to contact (tap or touch) the ground once after beginning his delivery. Once the pitcher makes contact with the ground, he has committed to deliver to home plate and is not permitted to throw to a base.
- The determination as to whether a pitcher took a second step and/or stopped in his delivery is subject to the judgement of the umpires in the field.
- If an umpire determines that the actions by the pitcher qualify as a "second step towards home plate" it should be ruled an illegal pitch and with runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball.
Video examples
Lindsey breaks down this second step balk by Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle.