Balk or bad mechanics?

[GarthB]

Originally posted by PWL
Food for thought.

I worked two JV and one Freshman tournament games last night. No telling how many balks I could have called. Worked one game behind the plate. Had to remind a few times not to pitch until I put the ball into play. That's the way it is with kids at this age level very often. Like it or not.

Would I like for them to be more mechanically sound? Sure. Makes it easier on me. I just want to sometimes tell them to slow down and relax. They're just so hyper out on that mound sometimes.

Anyway, there's times I just wish I could stop the game and talk to them. Let the ballfield be an extension of the classroom. Hopefully, they will get better as they get older.

I agree that in many respects the high school field should be an extension of the classroom, particularly when it comes to student and teacher behavior.

However, I am the arbiter, not the teacher. While I take advantage of a few "teachable" moments, it is not my primary duty.

I have also found that one of the best ways to teach a pitcher about balks is to call them. To do otherwise risks teaching pitchers either they are not balking or that they can get away with it.