FED Balk Timing
 

The pitcher came set, did not pause and delivered a pitch. How late is too late to make the call when a pitcher does not pause after coming set?

You could theoretically make this call anytime before the next pitch. Practically, I would say that you have, at most, a few seconds to make the call.

Call it asap. Just remember that if he delivers the pitch, be ready to dodge a hit ball. Don't take your eyes off that ball until it hits the catchers glove ;)

-Josh

And this is why I like OBR !! (Actually OBR is all there is here !!)

Call it as soon as your brain engages your mouth, preferably by the time the ball reaches the catcher. On a no stop call, you have to make sure that there is no pick off attempt. A delayed call is better than no call when you know you have it right.

No matter how fast you call it, the offensive coach is going to call it quicker. :)

In my experience, if you wait for the catcher to receive the pitch or wait to see if it has been hit before you call the balk, you'll get grief from the defensive coach for "letting the <offensive> coach make the call."

That is a good point. That happens in all sports though :D If officials didn't have coaches, how would be get any calls correct?

-Josh

It wouldn't matter because we hardly ever get them correct anyway, unless they are in their favor. Then it's a good call.

But if they didn't yell, then the other team would get all the calls

-Josh

Perhaps, but he'll only do that once. If he does it after my ensuing warning, he'll no longer be on the field.

I always try to make the call emphatic enough to ensure the pitcher does not deliver the ball. (I think that was one of Carl's suggestions from long time ago)

That works well for FED and also works in OBR. If he doesn't throw it at all that makes our job a lot easier.

thanks
David

Amen brother! That is exactly what I was getting at. When I make all of my other calls, I take my time. I look at a strike and say to myself, "That was a good pitch," and come up with a strike call.