[PeteBooth]

To say the least, there has been some heated discussions both on this Board and eTeamz concerning - INTENT of the mechanical Balk.

OK - Do not turn off but again I will refer to Football. When a defensive back interferes with a receiver, but the ball is deemed uncatchable - the interference is waved off - why? because the interference did not effect the play and to enforce would be a real injustice to the defense.

Now to the mechanical balk - Perhaps Papa C or Warren can dig out the archives as to when certain Mechanical balks were first introduced. Let's take a look at the latest - F1 in wind-up steps back with non-pivot foot. I'm sure before the rule was a rule that pitchers used this tactic to ACTUALLY deceive the runner, hence the need for the rule.

When do I call this mechanical balk - When IMO it is ACTUALLY TO DECEIEVE as opposed to F1 just forgetting.

How do we know the difference? We know the difference because (A) - Most of played the game, (B) Most of coached the Game and now we umpire the game and learn through experiences.

IMO, the Players should decide the game and not the Umpire.

Lets examine the following: r3 (tying or winning run), F1 hears from the dugout, "GO FROM THE STRETCH" and steps back with non-pivot foot. In our judgement r3 wasn't going anywhere and F1 made no attempt to deceive. In this particular instance I will IGNORE the Balk.

Why? - Because this is similiar to the Uncatchable Ball scenario in Football. The balk did not effect the outcome of the play. If Team A is going to Tie or win the Game - I say LET THEM EARN IT.

Now if R3 is darting off the base and is trying to steal home and F1 steps back (with non-pivot foot) and then makes a play, then we have a Balk call why? Because this time F1's actions did EFFECT the play.

To me knowing the Intenet of the rules and how to apply those rules in a given situation makes a good umpire. I'm not saying that we will not have to make some tough calls out there, but scoring the tying or winning run on a TECHNICALITY IMO is not what the game is all about.

Also, we all have our styles, and there is really no right or wrong answer here. For those that would call a Balk, the rule substantiates it, for those that don't - one needs to rely upon the intent of the rule.

There are also other rules, that fall into this category as well.


Pete Booth