[Rich Coyle]

There are two primary types of balk:
1) Mechanical Flaws
2) Deceptions

The principal concept of the balk is that the pitcher may not deceive the base runner. Read the rules and read this board and others for the major things to watch for.

Remember this.... a pitcher cannot feint to first (in contact with the rubber). He can, however feint to second or to third. It is virtually impossible to balk to second. A leftie has a great advantage in holding the runner at first and can make a move that might look more like a balk from a rightie.

Key mechanical balks include the failure to come to a complete stop before the pitch, dropping the ball while in contact with the rubber, and throwing a pitch which does not reach the plate or the foul lines.

Finally, don't go looking for boogers --- avoid the balk call on silly little quivers and shakes. When you see one, you'll know it.