Speak up or let 'em play?

[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.