Quote:
Originally posted by mbyron
Hensley: Balk!
D-coach: Why? He stepped off.
Hensley: He can't step off LIKE THAT!
D-coach: Why not?
Hensley: He deceived the runner!
D-coach: Deception's not against the rules! I protest.
D-coach 1, Hensley OOO.
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My response to a request for an explanation would be "he violated 8.05(g), by making a move simulating a pitch while not in contact with the rubber." I judged that the pitcher was employing a calculated, designed move to deceive the runner into believing he had actually begun and committed himself to a pitch. There is an instruction in the rulebook that says, and I quote, "Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire's mind, the “intent” of the pitcher should govern."
Please feel free to protest my judgment call; we'll use your protest fee to buy beer and pizza for the protest committee.