Pick Off from Wind Up


 
With the bases loaded, the pitcher is in wind-up position. The pitcher starts his wind-up, but then throws to 3rd base and retires the runner at third base. The plate umpire calls a balk, but the defensive coach insists that this is a legal pick-off move that has been successfully used all season. He insists that everyone has seen a pitcher throw to a base without disengaging from the rubber. He said that he saw this move on TV. Sounds convincing!
 
Call
In NF (and only in NF), when the pitcher is in the wind-up position, he may only deliver the pitch or properly disengage the pitching rubber. In the situation below, since the pitcher attempted a pick-off, the balk was the proper call and the runner should be awarded home.