That's a balk (video)

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

I'd contend that the move, if illegal, doesn't get called when RHP doesn't throw to 3B, just the step and feint. And many of those steps are immediately followed by a turn to 1B. One may not notice "distance and direction" as easily when he makes so much movement. I'd like to think that on tha actual pick off attempt at 3B it would be called the same as LHP to 1B. But in reality, they probably have more leeway than LHP for the fact that you pointed out, it's not seen as often. What I mean is that we are looking all the time for an illegal move to 1B by LHP. We simply watch the move of the RHP to 3B, and when something illegal jumps out, we call it.

Many left-handers employ a technique of masking the placement of their free foot by immediately walking away after making the throw. They do not pose.

In the video, you will notice David Price does this. Most LHP's with a "marginal" move will do this. They usual continue walking toward 1st after making the throw.

Frequently the umpires are as surprised by the pickoff as the runner. The umpires look back at the pitcher, to check on the placement of his free foot, and the evidence is already long gone. So - since they didn't see it - they resign themselves that they'll just have to look closer next time.

Of course, if the umpire is specifically looking for the placement of the free foot ... if he's focusing on it ... the pitcher is screwed if, in fact, he is going beyond the 45-degree line.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

Many left-handers employ a technique of masking the placement of their free foot by immediately walking away after making the throw. They do not pose.

In the video, you will notice David Price does this. Most LHP's with a "marginal" move will do this. They usual continue walking toward 1st after making the throw.

Frequently the umpires are as surprised by the pickoff as the runner. The umpires look back at the pitcher, to check on the placement of his free foot, and the evidence is already long gone. So - since they didn't see it - they resign themselves that they'll just have to look closer next time.

Of course, if the umpire is specifically looking for the placement of the free foot ... if he's focusing on it ... the pitcher is screwed if, in fact, he is going beyond the 45-degree line.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Very good point.

There is one time in particular that come to mind that I would have been picked off had I been the runner. (Adult league) LHP had an increbile move to 1B - I called R1 safe (I think I missed it due to my own surprise) - but became very aware of where F1 placed his foot. He tried it again, and I balked him. Of course he went ballistic saying that I can't call that in a two man, I can't see it. His foot was not far from where he landed when going home - it was rather obviuos.

Do you do college ball, David? If so, are you a member of the Memphis org?

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

... He tried it again, and I balked him. Of course he went ballistic saying that I can't call that in a two man, I can't see it. His foot was not far from where he landed when going home - it was rather obviuos.

The fact that the pitcher is telling you what you can and can't see in a "two man" indicates that he is violating the rule and is relying on the "fact" that it can't be verified. A silly argument.

Do you do college ball, David? If so, are you a member of the Memphis org?

I've only called a few college games in my "career" - all of which were junior colleges. No big time teams. I don't have the time for that. Too much traveling. My real job precludes that kind of commitment.

Most of my experience is at the high school varsity level. And, quite frankly, the better high school teams in this area could have easily defeated the junior college teams that I saw.

This area is a hotbed of high school baseball talent. The state champion usually comes from the west Tennessee area and many of the players get Div I scholarships to big schools, some of whom are drafted directly into professional baseball. Baseball talent here is more recognized than football, which is rather atypical for the south.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

This area is a hotbed of high school baseball talent.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Yes it is - and you've actually understated it. It is a hotbed (still understated) of baseball talent at all ages. It's amazing the number of teams from Memphis that have a lot of talent on them.

[canadaump6]

Watch the "See a Balk, Call a Balk" video if you are unsure about the balk rule. I learned almost everything I know about balks from this tape. It's great to have a visual reference to back up the calls I make. This video provides that visual reference.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Watch the "See a Balk, Call a Balk" video if you are unsure about the balk rule. I learned almost everything I know about balks from this tape. It's great to have a visual reference to back up the calls I make. This video provides that visual reference.

You should consider throwing that video in the trash and buying the Evans DVD on balks.


Balk Video


Tim.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Watch the "See a Balk, Call a Balk" video if you are unsure about the balk rule. I learned almost everything I know about balks from this tape.

This explains a lot.

That video is probably the worst one out there. There is some content that is completely contrary to ML interpretation. I'm amazed it's still sold. I'm more amazed that anyone still buys it.

[canadaump6]

Originally Posted by GarthB

This explains a lot.

That video is probably the worst one out there. There is some content that is completely contrary to ML interpretation. I'm amazed it's still sold. I'm more amazed that anyone still buys it.

Can you please explain to me what interpretations the video gets wrong? Nobody in my association has ever questioned it.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Watch the "See a Balk, Call a Balk" video if you are unsure about the balk rule. I learned almost everything I know about balks from this tape. It's great to have a visual reference to back up the calls I make. This video provides that visual reference.

That video is to balks what porn is to "Apocolypse Now", trash to greatness.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

This area is a hotbed of high school baseball talent. The state champion usually comes from the west Tennessee area and many of the players get Div I scholarships to big schools, some of whom are drafted directly into professional baseball. Baseball talent here is more recognized than football, which is rather atypical for the south.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

You got climate issues in ETenn for baseball, you have UT football and baseball doesn't conflict seasonally with basketball in the Delta. And MSU football blows so no competition there.

WTenn feeds in EArk, NMiss players. The Tigers (yeah, I do my homework) are a big part of that.

Don't ask about my experiences with Bill Speros, McCarver, the Gaglianos, Mike Roos, ppl here call me names and yell at me, it hertz my feelings.

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by fitump56

The Tigers (yeah, I do my homework) are a big part of that.

Don't ask about my experiences with Bill Speros, McCarver, the Gaglianos, Mike Roos, ppl here call me names and yell at me, it hertz my feelings.

Which Tigers are you talking about? The UM Tigers or the Memphis Tigers?

I run into those guys you mentioned all the time.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

Which Tigers are you talking about? The UM Tigers or the Memphis Tigers?

I run into those guys you mentioned all the time.

Memphis, David is or was a Coach, my Boss as well. We called a bunch of their games, Tobey Field, Southhaven Ms, various parks. Boss' sons payed for them. I wonder if they still have those Godawful yellow/green uniforms

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by fitump56

I wonder if they still have those Godawful yellow/green uniforms

Yep - still yellow and green, although they don't look so bad

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Memphis, David is or was a Coach, my Boss as well. We called a bunch of their games, Tobey Field, Southhaven Ms, various parks. Boss' sons payed for them. I wonder if they still have those Godawful yellow/green uniforms

I was never the head coach. Didn't have the time. I just helped out with the pitchers. But, yes, I did coach a Memphis Tiger team. We played a lot of tournaments at Snowden Grove (Southaven, MS).

Who in the hell are you?

You're creepin' me out, man! I hate it when somebody knows me but I don't know them. Where do you live?

David Emerling
[email protected]

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

(Adult league) LHP had an increbile move to 1B - I called R1 safe (I think I missed it due to my own surprise) - but became very aware of where F1 placed his foot. He tried it again, and I balked him. Of course he went ballistic saying that I can't call that in a two man, I can't see it.

"That's a balk for the rest of this game." Nothing else needs to be said, you don't have to justify your eyesight or angle. God, I love callin' these MSBLers.