Thats a Balk - by the numbers

[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;

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

From the OP:

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

And your point is?


Tim.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

And your point is?


Tim.

Your statement of "9. Does not step to a base in throwing (or feinting a throw) to such base" which you offered as an answer does not necessarily equal the OP statement of the OP, "9. after a feint or throw to a base from the rubber, fails to disengage the rubber before reengaging and pitching", which is what was being questioned.

That's all. Nothing important.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Your statement of "9. Does not step to a base in throwing (or feinting a throw) to such base" which you offered as an answer does not necessarily equal the OP statement of the OP, "9. after a feint or throw to a base from the rubber, fails to disengage the rubber before reengaging and pitching", which is what was being questioned.

That's all. Nothing important.

I see what you mean. Good catch. Although, I have to say that I've yet to see a pitcher feint or throw to a base without their pivot foot disengaging the rubber.

Tim.

[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.