Balk or Strike on the batter?? How would you call it??

zm1283

I saw something like this happen in a district game a couple of years ago. R3, pitcher comes set, batter calls time and starts to step out. The umpire stands up and starts to put his hands up, then drops them, never saying anything. The pitcher had started his motion, but seeing all of this he stops. Umpire balks pitcher which sends the run home.

FTVMartin

Poor umpiring. When in doubt kill the play. The offense can never cause a balk.

midtnblu

No balk, kill it if pitcher stops, if he delivers get a strike.

johnnyg08

FTVMartin wrote
The offense can never cause a balk.

I actually had a coach come to me a few years back and asked me if "that was a new rule or something?" in reference to this exact type of play. I did not call a balk on the pitcher...coach must have had a few balks called on this type of play or something. (the defensive coach nicely came over between innings and asked me why I didn't call a balk on that play)

jc4

I missed it. I called balk. After discussing with partner he said he would call balk. Also, I'd had it called on teams I was coaching before also.

Will kill play next time or if pitcher delivers will call a strike.

Rule says something like the batter can not cause a balk.

I'm not sure it was intentional because the batter stepped out and looked straight to his 3rd base coach.

Will call it differently next time.

Thanks for the responses!!

johnnyg08

no problem...certainly you're not the only one... next time you see one...let us know how it went.

there's an email signature on here from a fellow umpire that states something to the effect of..."we start perfect and get better each time out"

this is a place to go where we can improve and share thoughts and ideas, and some occasional ribbing to keep us all on our toes.

Mrumpiresir

If the pitcher stops his delivery because the batter steps out of the box a balk should not be called. FED rule rule 6-4-d-1. OBR Rule 6.02(b) Comment.

ncump7

Would you call a strike on the batter for stepping out of the box with both feet without being granted a time out?

w_sohl

I was focused on the pitcher so I didn't see the batters actions and balked the pitcher. My partner behind the plate set it right. Both coaches questioned, both were fine with the explination. No problems.

mbyron

ncump7 wrote
Would you call a strike on the batter for stepping out of the box with both feet without being granted a time out?

Only if the pitch is delivered. Otherwise reset (one of only a couple "do-overs" in baseball).

victory

Question: If you choose to "reset", do you say anything to the batter about what he did?

mbyron

victory wrote
Question: If you choose to "reset", do you say anything to the batter about what he did?

Absolutely. "Stay in the box until I grant 'time', or you risk giving them a free strike."

Jimmie24

Now, if the pitcher pitches the ball, wouldn't you have two strikes? If he stops his windup I agree it is nothing. Warn the batter to stay in. I believe that this is in the rule book. I don't have my book with me or I would give a rule reference.

FTVMartin

The rule in fed is 7-3-1. Penalty for leaving the box is a strike and it says the ball remains live. Not sure about granting a second strike.

Jimmie24

I believe it is just after it. If the pitcher continues with the pitch it would be a two strike situation. It also talks in the book about this situation as well. If the pitcher stops his pitch it is a do over.

w_sohl

that if the pitcher delivers the ball and it is ruled a strike the pitcher gets that strike and you can also inflict a second strike for leaving the box.

jc4

I know I blew the call. Only been at it for 2 years for High School so I'm looking for advice from some of you "seasoned" guys.
When I call again for that team, do I say anything to the coaches?
What if they question me about the interpretation of the rule?
Do I respond with the honest answer...."Coach, I blew the call that night, but next time, I call it different." or what would ya'll do.
Thanks for ya'lls help!!

ozzy6900

jc4 wrote
I know I blew the call. Only been at it for 2 years for High School so I'm looking for advice from some of you "seasoned" guys.
When I call again for that team, do I say anything to the coaches?
What if they question me about the interpretation of the rule?
Do I respond with the honest answer...."Coach, I blew the call that night, but next time, I call it different." or what would ya'll do.
Thanks for ya'lls help!!

Yes you blew the call.
Two years is not an excuse, you are supposed to know the rules.
Don't do it again!
No, do not offer anything to the coaches.
If they ask you about it, tell them the truth - "Sorry coach, but in 2 years I haven't yet learned the rules."

Yeah, I am a hard a$$ about knowing the rules because we are supposed to know them before we step onto the field!

Okay, you learned your lesson, now take the rule book into th crapper instead of Penthouse for a change! 😃😃😃

jc4

I don't mind a hard a$$, just don't like a smart a$$!

Thanks for your opinion, haven't had another issue with other rules.

We've been playing since the first week in February down here, so I don't think I've done all that bad with 1 rule infraction.

Some of us are human, others just think they're immortal

By the way, not all of us need a penthouse for entertainment, we have beautiful brides for that!

chartrusepengui

jc4 wrote
I don't mind a hard a$$, just don't like a smart a$$!

Thanks for your opinion, haven't had another issue with other rules.

We've been playing since the first week in February down here, so I don't think I've done all that bad with 1 rule infraction.

Some of us are human, others just think they're immortal

By the way, not all of us need a penthouse for entertainment, we have beautiful brides for that!

you forgot the 3rd brother - Jack 😀