Quote:
Originally posted by jicecone
I try very hard not to use the "B" word unless it is absolutly obvious and necessary. (Ex. Pitcher fakes to 1st.) Can't help you son.
I will do my best to communicate with the pitcher directly or through the catcher, technical flaws that could lead to the use of the "B" word. "Hey catch, go tell your pitcher to come to a good stop". I may ask to inspect the ball and make a suggestion to the pitcher while examing the ball. This works for every level of ball I have done, even semi-pro.
This is my approach. Some feel that it is black and white and the only way the pitcher will learn, is if you say the "B' word. I guess this works too.
One common mistake I used to make was being too eager to call a Balk. Some say if it looks strange , it got to be a balk. I say, if you can't explain what was wrong, then you shouldn't be calling it because you probably don't know enough about balks. JMO
Good luck
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There are several things demonstrably wrong with this approach.
- Most balks are a form of cheating - by definition an illegal attempt to gain advantage
- Some balks are intentionally punitive, and designed to affect the balance between offense and defense for the good of the game
- Even technical balks are illegal acts, because they disadvantage the offense in a way not intended under the rules
- Umpires are NOT coaches and do NOT have any mandate to instruct pitchers on their craft
While there may be a case for moderating the enforcement of certain technical balks at some junior levels, based on a lack of intent, most of the time at all serious levels of the game the advice to "See a balk, call a balk" is far closer to the truth of an official's task.
Anyone wanting a comprehensive analysis of the Balk rules, and their underlying intent, could do much worse than to read Garth Benham's excellent series on the subject at Officiating.com.
Cheers