Calling the balk with R3

[NSump]

Originally posted by BigUmp56
Blaine:

You know I respect your opinions, but I still have a problem with instructing a pitcher on balks.

Tim.

[Edited by BigUmp56 on Feb 5th, 2006 at 03:39 PM]

I need to make sure I am being very clear here. I never IGNORE a balk. If the pitcher blows through the stop, I call it - everytime. In the game I described, he hadn't balked until I called it. Now, he was close to not stopping before that, but did. I called another one an inning later too. Remember, this was a playoff game at a National Championship of Men's baseabll, so yes, I have no problem calling a balks.

What I am saying is if the pitcher is very close to balking and guys are yapping at me, I often "remind" the pitcher to make sure he stops. Either that, or I yell at the offense that, "He's close to not stopping and I'll call it if he doesn't". Either way, the pitcher knows he better stop cause I am looking at it.

I works the other way too. R1 almost gets picked off and he is *****ing that the LH pitcher's foot went to far back. I'll "coach" the runner on how far the foot needs to go back. Why not? He asked why it wasn't a balk and I told him.

Your milage may vary.

Blaine