Balk With No One On?

[jicecone]

Originally posted by Dan S.
i'm not sure if you're talking about me, but i recently did this in a game then posted the question here...the thread title is "illegal pitch".
i called an illegal pitch with no one on base because of this OBR rule "The Windup Position. The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and the other foot free. From this position any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration"...." it's the last sentence of that quote that i referred to...he must finish his pitch, otherwise, it seems to be an illegal pitch.
the consensus was that while TECHNICALLY it may have been the right call, nonetheless it is much easier and more acceptable to simply ignore it, unless it repeatedly happens.

Dan ,

As Bob has already pointed out, an "illegal pitch" is defined in the rule book. Either it meets that criteria or not. Just because it "seems" to be illegal, doesn't make it illegal.

It is a general consensus of opinion that calling an "illegal pitch" on a pitcher, for not having contact with the pitchers plate,(which is one of the definitions), as being "over technical" as an umpire.

So technically your reason for making the call was incorrect. Don't fall into the ole premise that "if it doesn't look right, it has to be a balk" theory.

When your are able to explain why, it is just much more professional.