A pitcher may turn his shoulders to check runners while in contact with the pitcher's plate while in the:

• A. Set position.
• B. Windup position.
• C. Both A and B.
• D. Neither A nor B; it is always illegal for a pitcher to turn his shoulders to check a runner.

Answer: (A)

The action centers on when a pitcher may legally turn to check runners. In the set position, while still in contact with the pitcher's plate, the pitcher may briefly turn his shoulders to observe a runner and even attempt a pickoff without yet delivering the pitch. This is allowed because it’s part of the set motion and doesn’t commit to delivering the ball to home plate. In the windup position, the pitcher is committed to delivering a pitch, and turning to check a runner would disrupt the pitching motion and can be ruled as an illegal act or balk. So, the correct understanding is that turning to check runners is permitted in the set position, but not in the windup.