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Originally posted by fwump
Our organization held its annual field clinic today. Clinicians were Minor League guys, one from Texas League and one from AAA PCL.
We were rotating in and out of a scrimmage game between a couple of 14U local teams. During my turn as PU with R3 I balked the pitcher for not coming to a stop. At the conclusion of the inning during my evaluation the PCL ump told me he probably would'nt have called that balk. His point: Is R3 going anywhere? Probably not. Was there any real attempt to deceive? Also probably not. He went on say in essence, that balking a pitcher with R3 should be treated differently than in other situations.
I was wondering what you guys think. Do you consider things like age of players or the inning or the score before you call the balk in this sitch or does it or should it matter?
Your thread happened in a Collegiate game in which the winning run was balked in. IThat thread generated a huge debate and it's one of those in which the Final answer resides in:
1. Who do you work for
In my opinion we need to look at the situation. If R3 is dancing off of third and the offense wants to put pressure on F1 or put on some sort of play and F1 doesn't stop then I balk him. IMO, you can't let the defense gain an advantage not intended by the rules, However,
in the case presented, R3 Going No-where perhaps talking to his base coach and "glued" to the bag, I will let it go BUT I will call time and do some preventative umpiring by cleaning off the plate and having a chat with F2. F2 saw what F1 did and will have a talk with F1. If F1 does it again reagardless of the situation then I call the Balk.
Is this fair or umpiring the way I feel like it?
Some will probably say yes. However, IMO we need to take a look at the History of the rules and the discernable stop was put in otherwise R1 could not get any kind of lead because he/she would have no idea when F1 was going to the plate or trying to pick him off.
IMO, the rule was not meant for runners who are stationary and not going anywhere.
Therefore to answer your question
What do your "bosses" want you to call? and that's the way you call it.
Pete Booth
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Peter M. Booth
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