[nickrego]

I called two balks yesterday that I had never seen, but had read about on umpire forums in years past. It was a good thing, because it enabled me to better explain the balks to the coach, who did not think they were balks (I hope they were).

Balk #1: LHP comes set. Does a jump move and throws to 1st base. Pivot foot lands behind the rubber, non-pivot foot moves backwards and lands towards 3rd base. (Coach felt that because the pivot foot landed behind the rubber, the pitcher had legally stepped off.)

Balk #2: LHP comes set. Breaks his hands and begins a throwing motion towards 1st base while keeping both feet still. Then, as he is throwing to 1st base, he steps off the rubber with his pivot foot, which lands behind the rubber and backwards towards 3rd base. Non-pivot foot never moves. (Coach felt that because the pitcher had stepped off the rubber before letting go of the ball, he had legally stepped off.)

Both moves looked well practiced and were very quick. I had a great view from ‘B’ position to see the timing of the motions though.


[Edited by nickrego on Mar 19th, 2005 at 03:38 AM]