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Hi everyone, Have a question on a balk. L/H pitcher comes set, looks at 1b, lifts his stride (non-pivot)foot and holds that position for several seconds, freezing the runner,then delivers to the plate. Knee or foot never goes toward the plane of the mound. Do you balk this pitcher for the hesitation? Like, from the wind-up, once the motion starts, does he have to continue? I can't find anything to say he can't hesitate or not in the Fed. rule and case books.I have several umps calling this a balk.

Thanks,
bake17

Quote:

Originally posted by bake17
Hi everyone, Have a question on a balk. L/H pitcher comes set, looks at 1b, lifts his stride (non-pivot)foot and holds that position for several seconds, freezing the runner,then delivers to the plate. Knee or foot never goes toward the plane of the mound. Do you balk this pitcher for the hesitation? Like, from the wind-up, once the motion starts, does he have to continue? I can't find anything to say he can't hesitate or not in the Fed. rule and case books.I have several umps calling this a balk.

Thanks,
bake17

The "several umps" are correct -- it's a balk.

FED 6-2-4d "failing to pitch to the batter in a continuous motion ..."

The umps are correct, this is a Fed balk. Check 6-2-4d under the balk provisions.

Mark Pierce