Balk or not?

[David B]

Originally posted by Daryl H. Long
F1, while in contact with the pitcher's plate, places his pitching hand on his mouth and then distinctly wipes off his pitching hand prior to its touching the ball. This happens (a) no one on base or (b) R1 on first.

What would you call and why?

**Warning: a philosophical rant might just follow.

[Edited by Daryl H. Long on Apr 14th, 2005 at 12:42 AM]

Not. I know what the books says, but I also know the practical side of the game.

If I'm BU, I probably will tell him to do it before he steps on the mound.

If I'm PU I'll tell F2 to go tell him.

This would be the same as F1 moving his glove to give the signals again. I'm not interpreting that as a movement to pitch.

Thanks
David