re: 3rd to 1st now a balk?

quote:

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How is that not the same?

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The rule is that a pitcher cannot try to "deceive" a baserunner. Hence the reason why you can't flinch at all while on the rubber.

As a baserunner, the first thing you are taught as a base stealer on first base is to look for a RHP to lift their left leg if they are set. If that front leg even moves slightly, you go, because at that point he has to deliver to the plate. If you are on second base, that isn't true. If you are on third base, that isn't true.

You cannot lift/flinch/buckle your front leg in any way and still turn and deliver the ball to first.

First base is different than second or third in terms of being able to pick off. If you want to argue that, thats a completely different issue. But the fact of the matter is that just because there is a runner on third base, should not change the rules about how you can pick a guy off of first base. You also can't fake a throw to first, unless you first step off of the rubber.