Another Balk Question.........

[BigUmp56]

I found this in the JEA, Walt. The key seems to be that the umpire needs to be deceived that the runner is making a legitimate attempt to advance. I was kind of concerned that I did the wrong thing.

A casebook note was added in 1976. It clarified the issue of a pitcher making a complete turn (without hesitating toward first base) and throwing to second when the umpire believed the runner was attempting to advance...see 8.05 End Notes (b).



tim.

[bobbybanaduck]

it's covered in both the PBUC and MLBUM. balk in both.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by bobbybanaduck

it's covered in both the PBUC and MLBUM. balk in both.

You're right, Bobby. And I guess for professional games, were I to ever call one, I would give more consideration to the deek being just that rather than an aborted steal attempt. The MLBUM still gives us a certain amount of discretion to use in making that judgment. I've been taught that in upper level leagues the umpires use the half way point between the bases in making their determination.

From the MLBUM

The key to understanding the above two plays is for the umpire to use good judgment in deciding whether or not the runner was making an actual attempt to advance to third base or whether he was bluffing. These plays will most likely happen with a 3-2 count and two out.


Tim.

[waltjp]

Not being argumentative, just asking - if you're in B with R1, just how are you to determine if the fake was good enough to draw a throw?

[mbyron]

If the defense can't tag the runner out at 2B or get him in a run-down, then he wasn't going.

The issue isn't whether the fake was good enough to fool the umpire, it's whether he was actually going.

If you don't balk this, the defense gets a big advantage (for players who shave).

[bob jenkins]

In FED, even a feint is enough to allow a throw.

in OBR, I agree with mbryron -- but I might also allow the move if F4/6 thinks about a throw as R1 scrambles / dives back to first.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

In FED, even a feint is enough to allow a throw.

Bob, I don't think I knew this - is there a case play?