Balk or not?

[Daryl H. Long]

Lots of answers but none entirely true.

My answer is as follows.

1.In windup position: The start of the pitch is relevant per rule 2-28-3 depending on the position of the pitchers hands.
a) Hands already together: Time of the pitch would be when starts movement to go to the mouth. If he stops and does not deliver the ball without interruption then with no runners it is an illegal pitch so award the batter a ball. If runner, then a balk. Award each runner 1 base.

b) Both hands at side: Ruling is same as (a).
c) One hand front, one hand side. Here the time of the pitch is not until the hands are brought together. If he goes to the mouth after bringing hands together then the ruling is same as (a).

But until the hands are brought together there is no restrictions to arm movement. If he goes to his mouth and distinctly wipes it off he has not violated 6-2-1e. Remember, in this rule the infraction is not going to the mouth, the infraction is applying spit to the ball which in the Sitch does not happen.

Instead it is 6-2-4 which addresses acts by the pitcher considered a balk while he is in contact with the pitchers plate. Going to the mouth is not specifically listed. Possibly we should apply 6-2-4c which references 6-1 and 6-2-1a-e. We have already proved above that 6-2-1 a-e has not been violated therefore the only rule left is 6-1. Reading 6-1 there is no prohibition. Now we are back to the prohibited because not allowed vs the allowed because not prohibited argument I am making in the Gorilla Stance string. That is, the NF allows some things under 6-1 but prohibits others. WE don't know which is which until they tell us. The rules should speak for themselves.

2. In the set position: The time of the pitch does not occur until the hands are brought together then a complete and discernable stop. If pitcher goes to his mouth after the stop then apply (1a) above. If before hands are brought together the answer is the same as during windup in (c) above.