Thats a Balk - by the numbers

[briancurtin]

"Should I have a list like this on the ballfield?"
Yes, and hand one to each of the coaches at the pre-game.



In case it isn't clear: No.

[waltjp]

Think if the time you can save. Before the manager even makes his way to the stop step you can tell him, "That's a number 7, Skip."

[justanotherblue]

Keep working on it.. there are more than 15, a good rule of thumb to go by. If you can't describe it, don't call it.

[Blue37]

What about #9? I am at work without books, so I cannot look it up. I did not know that was a balk. It is one of the "technical" balks that is not called?

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by Blue37

What about #9? I am at work without books, so I cannot look it up. I did not know that was a balk. It is one of the "technical" balks that is not called?

Guys, can you help me with this one? I got the books out when I got home and must be overlooking something, 'cause I could not find it. In 26 years I have never seen anyone call this or complain when it was not called.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by Blue37

Guys, can you help me with this one? I got the books out when I got home and must be overlooking something, 'cause I could not find it. In 26 years I have never seen anyone call this or complain when it was not called.

From the J/R:

Balks

It is a balk if a pitcher:


9. Does not step to a base in throwing (or feinting a throw) to such base.


Tim.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

From the J/R:

Balks

It is a balk if a pitcher:


9. Does not step to a base in throwing (or feinting a throw) to such base.


Tim.

From the OP:

9. after a feint or throw to a base from the rubber, fails to disengage
the rubber before reengaging and pitching;

[SAump]

Originally Posted by Blue37

Guys, can you help me with this one? I got the books out when I got home and must be overlooking something, 'cause I could not find it. In 26 years I have never seen anyone call this or complain when it was not called.

Consider it a quick "return" effort to prevent a runner from establishing a lead prior to a pitch. Suppose a pitcher would feint to force the runner to return to base. Then the pitcher would set up quickly, "count" and fire home before the runner could re-establish his lead. That's a balk.

Disclaimer: Applied "disengage" rule to demonstrate requirement. I took liberty with similar rules covering "different" balk situations. I could be wrong here.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

... a good rule of thumb to go by. ... don't call it.

I call only the balks that are unavoidable.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

I call only the balks that are unavoidable.

Kevin,

Since all balks are "avoidable" - I know this because I regularly see pitchers pitch and make pick-offs without balking - I have no idea what you are trying to convey by this statement.

Nonetheless, I believe I disagree with your assertion.

Would you care to clarify?

JM

[Durham]

He means he only calls the extremely obvious balks if I am not mistaken.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Durham

He means he only calls the extremely obvious balks if I am not mistaken.

Thanks, Durham

(I answered before I read your post)

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Kevin,

Since all balks are "avoidable" - I know this because I regularly see pitchers pitch and make pick-offs without balking - I have no idea what you are trying to convey by this statement.

Nonetheless, I believe I disagree with your assertion.

Would you care to clarify?

JM

Balks that are so obvious that they must be called. Calling the balk is unavoidable.

I hate calling balks and I hate it when a game turns on a borderline balk call.

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Balks that are so obvious that they must be called. Calling the balk is unavoidable.

I hate calling balks and I hate it when a game turns on a borderline balk call.

What about calling a borderline strike 3 that changes the game? Don't do that either?