NFHS and MLB/OBR balk rule and the hidden ball play.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Three weeks ago, I was the PU in a USSSA (MLB/OBR Rules) boys' 11U travel league game. With a R1 on second base, the DHC requested timeout for a defensive conference, which I granted. After the defensive conference was over F1 took a position on the mound behind the pitcher's plate (PP) but did not engage the PP. F6 and F4 were jumping around second base but R1 remained in contact with second base. By the look on F1 face, I could tell that he did not want to engage the PP. Since F1 was not in contact with the PP I could not make the ball live. Finally, the OHC yelled: "That's a balk, the pitcher doesn't have the ball." At this point I thought F1 was going to start crying ("Are you crying? There is no crying in baseball." I am sorry, I just couldn't resist throwing that in there at this point of the post. ) At this point F1 turned toward F6 and F6 throw the ball to F1. The OHC was now yelling for balk to be called against F1. I would not allow it. My partner explained to the OHC coach that the ball had never become live after the defensive conference therefore no pitching infraction had occured.

Tonight, MTD, Jr. was umpiring an 11U game in the same league and I went to watch him. He was BU for the game. The same play occured in his game except the ball initially became dead because F2 asked the PU for a timeout to talk with F1, F4, and F6. The PU and MTD, Jr. are both first year umpires and I don't think the PU was taken by suprise by the play. MTD, Jr., told the OHC that as long as the ball was dead no infraction had occured.

Between the game that I had and the game MTD, Jr., had, I have discussed this play with other umpires and we all agree that as long as the ball is dead no infraction can occur.


The following NFHS and MLB/OBR rules talk about when the pitcher is near the pitcher's plate without the ball.

NFHS R6-S2-A5: It is also a balk if a runner or runners are on base and the pitcher, while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate, makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch, or he places his feet on or astride the pitcher’s plate, or positions himself within approximately five feet of the pitcher’s plate without having the ball.

MLB/OBR R8.05(i): If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch.

MLB/OBR R8.05 Comment: Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire’s mind, the “intent” of the pitcher should govern. However, certain specifics should be borne in mind: (a) Straddling the pitcher’s rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.

MTD, Sr.