Balk - Preliminary Motion

[johnnyg08]

Hi fellas,
(Assume all situations have runners on base)
What are all of the situations that you consider preliminary motion for a pitcher? Just one example, if a pitcher is on the rubber and drops the ball is it ALWAYS a balk? Other prelim motions?

[UmpTTS43]

If the pitcher engages the rubber and drops the ball, it is a balk in OBR and NCAA. In fed, if the ball crosses the foul line it is called a ball, if not a balk.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Hi fellas,
(Assume all situations have runners on base)
What are all of the situations that you consider preliminary motion for a pitcher? Just one example, if a pitcher is on the rubber and drops the ball is it ALWAYS a balk? Other prelim motions?

The first part of your question makes no sense to me -- and "dropping the ball" is not a "preliminary motion."

That said, if the ball is dropped and crosses the foul line, it's a ball.

If the ball is dropped and does not cross the foul line, it's a balk with runners on base and "nothing" with no runners on base.

(The OBR and NCAA wording is a little strange -- the word "Dropped" in the rule implies that the ball does not cross the foul line -- as a dropped ball would never do. A "slipped pitch" might or might bot cross the foul line -- but the rule is the same for a dropped ball or for a slipped pitch.)

[johnnyg08]

I guess I'm trying to figure out what is considered preliminary motion and what is considered a balk. Or to reword...the differences between what would considered preliminary motion (adjusting the ball in the glove would not equal bringing the hands together for the purposes of a balk).

[shickenbottom]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I guess I'm trying to figure out what is considered preliminary motion and what is considered a balk. Or to reword...the differences between what would considered preliminary motion (adjusting the ball in the glove would not equal bringing the hands together for the purposes of a balk).

I would recommend viewing the Jim Evans Balk Video. The momentary adjustment of the ball is legal and not considered a preliminary motion. If the hands remain together too long (umpire judgement) then you could balk them for failure to pitch or make a play after comming set.

The "preliminary" motion you are probably thinking of is: Bases Loaded, Pitcher in the Wind up. General interpretation is that once the free foot is lifted and steps to the back or side, this effectivly commits the pitcher to pitch. However, be careful, OBR allows the pitcher to execute a pickoff in contact from the windup. Some side steps by pitchers can be seen as a legal "Distance & Direction" for a pickoff to 1st or 3rd base, so you just have to wait. In NFHS, the pitcher is not allowed to pick off a runner from the windup while incontact, they must legally disengage prior to making any attempt on a runner. I'm not completely versed on NCAA so I can't make a determination.

From the Set Position: The pitcher must come legally set prior to delivering the pitch, once the Pitchers free foot begins its forward progression toward home, commits the pitcher to pitch.

Hope this helps.