Speak up or let 'em play?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Adult players receive no balk warning. The only groups that should ever get a balk warning are the ones for kids transitioning to "real" baseball from Little League. Mustang League or Jr. Little League type leagues where it's the first time with leadoffs and pitching from the set position. After that time period when first balks are warnings, all bets are off and all balks are called.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Adult players receive no balk warning. The only groups that should ever get a balk warning are the ones for kids transitioning to "real" baseball from Little League. Mustang League or Jr. Little League type leagues where it's the first time with leadoffs and pitching from the set position. After that time period when first balks are warnings, all bets are off and all balks are called.

I gave one today. College pitcher playing 18-U. He had two leadasses on when he came in to relieve in the late innings. He wasn't deceiving anyone, he was just all amped up and champing at the bit to get the ball and pitch and he was rushing. He threw his first pitch with a borderline pause--no pause, really--and I just told him (from C position) that I needed a better pause, without anybody even noticing. He gave his quick nod, and paused on the rest of his deliveries.

Goal achieved: Another game completed without having to call a balk.

[realistic]

What's the big deal, really??? When i was in the minors, I would call a balk if it happened but if a pitcher was getting close and I could let him know that he was close, I would do it. No one ever got upset or said a word. It is preventive umpiring. Saved me arguments later. Why be so excited to call a balk??

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by realistic

What's the big deal, really??? When i was in the minors, I would call a balk if it happened but if a pitcher was getting close and I could let him know that he was close, I would do it. No one ever got upset or said a word. It is preventive umpiring. Saved me arguments later. Why be so excited to call a balk??

We aren't talking about letting the pitcher know that he is close to balking. I think everyone does that. We are talking about issuing warnings after a balk is committed, and not punishing the balk. Personally, I was only speaking of "official" warnings put in by local rule for kid leagues. Of course I will tell the pitcher to give me a better stop, or other such things.