Catcher's Balk

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by chsbasebal
I had a catchers balk called against my team last season as an opponent tried to steal home, unfortunately it was with two outs in the bottom of the seventh of a 1-0 ballgame. I was unaware that there was a catchers balk in High School (so I definitely take the blame for it) The umpire explanation of the rule at the time was plausable enough, so no protest was lodged. However after consulting many different umpires throughout last season I have been getting all kinds of different interpretations of a catchers balk. (The rule book also confused me even more with the various interpretations)

If possible could someone explain the cathers balk to me and if anyone disagrees with this explanation, please comment as to why.

Thanks for your help.

Michael Mitchell
Christian High School
El Cajon CA

I don't think there's any such term as "catcher's balk" in the FED rule book.

That said, if the catcher interferes with the batter, including reaching the glove over the plate, then it's obstruction on the catcher. Runners attempoting to steal are awarded the next base. The batter is awarded first. Runners forced to advance do so. Runners not forced or stealing remain.

See case 8.1.1F for an example.

If that's not what happened, then describe the play and we'll give you a ruling.