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Jerry:
The rule book doesn't say the umpire can't beat the catcher senseless for miss a pitch that hits him. But I wouldn't recommend it. In reality the rule book is slim on information in may areas. That's why we look at professional practice, tradition and common sense.
Look at it this way. No runner can advance during a dead ball, right? The pitcher can't throw to first to put out a runner leading off during a dead ball, right?
Okay, then how is a pitcher deceiving a runner who is not in danger of being put out and couldn't advance if he wanted to? Common sense. AS other's have noted, the only one decieved was the umpire, and there nothing about calling a balk on that in the rule book, is there?
But, hey if you want to call it all the time, despite the pro umpires opinion that it can't be called, feel free. There are those who enjoy being contrary. But as I asked another poster, please, if you ever get to do high level games or play-offs, let me know where you'll be working. The plane fare will be worth seeing that call made.
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