Balk or Not

[Ump Rube]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I think the spirit of that rule is so teams don't put a player behind the catcher to protect from wild pitches/passed balls. Still, I would say, "don't do that" I think I am comfortable saying that I will NEVER balk that.

I would DDT that too, but after 1 warning then I would start ball/balking it. I can't see ejecting players over it. I think walking a batter and giving him a free ride on the next 3 pitches will get the point across better then hucking people.

[umpjong]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

I would DDT that too, but after 1 warning then I would start ball/balking it. I can't see ejecting players over it. I think walking a batter and giving him a free ride on the next 3 pitches will get the point across better then hucking people.

Its not a balkable offense though.

If the offense bring it to my attention, I tell him not to do it again. If he does it again I tell his head coach were the problem is and that if he does it again a new player will be necessary. Only penalty here is to eject.

[kcg NC2Ablu]

I agree but the problem with this is game management. preventative offciating would nip this problem in the bud. I do see how if its a continuing problem then the player is basically tellin you to screw off and I would enforce the penalty

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

I would DDT that too, but after 1 warning then I would start ball/balking it. I can't see ejecting players over it. I think walking a batter and giving him a free ride on the next 3 pitches will get the point across better then hucking people.

You are assuming FED rules here, but the OP is likely to be playing modified OBR. No balk in OBR, so it's a "hey, don't do that." I would give them that as my warning. If it happens again later, I will remind them of the warning. If they do it a third time well, three strikes your out at the old ball game.