First Baseman in Foul Territory = Balk?


1. With runners on first base (R1) and third base (R3), the first baseman is holding R1 on base with part of his right foot on the first base bag and his entire left foot entirely in foul territory. After the pitch is delivered to the plate, the first base coach points this out to the plate umpire and wants a balk called (thus scoring R3). The coach claims that the first baseman was not entirely in fair territory at the time of the pitch. What is the call?

Call
All fielders (except the catcher) must have at least one foot in fair territory at the time of the pitch (NF 1-1-4) -- else it is an illegal pitch. Casebook play 1.1.4 has further details. So in the 3 situations below:

#1 Legal and there is no action required by the umpire.

2. Does the call change if both of the first baseman's feet are entirely in foul territory as the pitch is delivered to the plate?

Call
#2 Yes, this is an illegal pitch. Since there is a runner on base, this is a balk.

3. If both of the first baseman's feet are entirely in foul territory and the pitcher throws to first base to attempt to pick-off R1 (versus delivering the ball to the plate), does the call change?

Call
#3 Since the pitcher did not deliver the ball to the plate, this is a legal action.