--- In llumpires@yahoogroups.com, "naumpires" <naumpires@y...> wrote:
>
> LLB Seniors (basically OBR):
>
> R2, 1 out. F1 tries a pickoff, but no one covers the bag. rather
than
> holding the ball F1 throws to F6, who is not "dogging" the runner,
but
> is at his normal position. BU called a "Balk" for unnecessary
delay of
> game.
>
> I say he should have penalized him 5 yards and a loss of down,
because
> that's not a baseball rule.
>
> What do you think ?
>
> (apologies if this gets posted twice - 1st one seemed to get eaten)

For those looking for documentation, my post from the same subject
on eteamz:

MLBUM 7.5

(a) The pitcher shall be charged with a balk if, while in contact
with the rubber, he throws to the first baseman who is either in
front of or behind first base and obviously not making an attempt at
retiring the runner at first base. However, there is no violation if
the pitcher throws the ball directly to first base in this situation.

Also note that there is no violation if the pitcher attempts a
pickoff at second or third and throws to an infielder who is in
front of or behind either of those bases (i.e., this violation is
only in reference to pick-offs at first base). Also see next
paragraph in this section.

(b) There is no violation if a pitcher attempts a pick-off at second
base and, seeing no fielder covering the bag, throws to the
shortstop or second baseman, neither of whom is in the vicinity of
the bag nor is making an actual attempt to retire the runner.