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Originally Posted by David M
Fall ball game yesterday under OBR. Runner on second. Pitcher in stretch throws pitch before batter is close to being ready but batter has both feet in the box. I called a balk for an illegal pitch. Is this a correct call or should it be a no pitch? Does the pitcher have to wait for the batter to be ready? The only example I could find was of a pitcher getting the ball back from the catcher and throwing the next pitch without even taking a sign.
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I am more lenient towards the batter before the first pitch. The pitcher gets the nod afterward, unless the batter has to bail and reset.
A) Call time, as others have suggested, give instructions to prevent situation and avoid the drama from both benches. Warn both parties.
B) Balk because it was an illegal quick pitch or call time if you feel the batter was placed at an unfair advantage. Remember pitcher must allow reasonable time and then come to a complete STOP.
C) The batter can't doodle there for more than reasonable time. Call ball or strike because it appears the pitch was legal and batter had other things on his mind. NO, the pitcher does not have to wait for this batter. I assume both feet are in the batter's box, the batter is looking at the pitcher and the pitcher properly sets before making his delivery.