Balk

[JJ]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If his hands were joined, and he separated his hands (to touch his hat) and didn't continue a motion to pitch, then it's a balk.

I'm visualizing the pitcher on the rubber, looking in for the sign or just standing on the rubber BEFORE bringing his hands together at the beginning of his windup (in other words, standing there with his hands apart), and then he reaches up to adjust his hat (or scratch his ear, or brush away a bug).
I would not automatically call a balk.

JJ

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JJ

I'm visualizing the pitcher on the rubber, looking in for the sign or just standing on the rubber BEFORE bringing his hands together at the beginning of his windup (in other words, standing there with his hands apart), and then he reaches up to adjust his hat (or scratch his ear, or brush away a bug).
I would not automatically call a balk.

JJ

I agree, that's not a balk.

I was envisioning the pitcher standing there, with his hands together (more than needed to momentarily adjust the ball), either before or after getting the sign, and then reaches up to adjust his hat (or scratch his ear, or brush away a bug).
That is a balk.

[JJ]

Agreed. Once he brings his hand together he'd better either start his motion or step off. Separating his hands would be a balk.

JJ