Balk???

[TussAgee11]

It is totally possible to balk on a move to second base.

1) RHP F1 in windup. Bases loaded. He drops a heel and then turns and steps directly to 2nd. Balk. Started and stopped.

2) RHP F1 in set. He raises free foot, brings it down, and makes contact with the dirt on the homeplate side of the rubber, then scrapes it over the rubber in his step. Balk. No step.

3) RHP F1 in windup with R2 only. Begins normal pitching motion, free foot comes back, then up, and now he realizes he's pitching in the windup with just R2. He steps to 2nd. Balk. Started and stopped.

I could come up with more. Yes, as a general rule, its rare and requires some unusual circumstances. But things happen. Never say never.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

It is totally possible to balk on a move to second base.

1) RHP F1 in windup. Bases loaded. He drops a heel and then turns and steps directly to 2nd. Balk. Started and stopped.

2) RHP F1 in set. He raises free foot, brings it down, and makes contact with the dirt on the homeplate side of the rubber, then scrapes it over the rubber in his step. Balk. No step.

3) RHP F1 in windup with R2 only. Begins normal pitching motion, free foot comes back, then up, and now he realizes he's pitching in the windup with just R2. He steps to 2nd. Balk. Started and stopped.

I could come up with more. Yes, as a general rule, its rare and requires some unusual circumstances. But things happen. Never say never.

As you've shown yourself, none of these is balking TO second base.

[TussAgee11]

I am just saying that declaring "it is impossible to balk to 2nd base" might be a bit misleading for somebody who is coming on here to learn, that's all. They may think no matter what the pitcher does, if he ends up going to 2nd, he's fine.

That's all. Its just how people may view the semantics of it.

[alillard88]

I really appreciate all the input. It is probably one of those situations I will never see again, but if I do, I will have more confidence in my opinion.

On a side note, I do not post often, but I do read this site religiously and have become a better umpire and basketball official as a result. Thanks

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

That's all. Its just how people may view the semantics of it.

Although that's true, semantics always determines meaning, so it's not terribly informative.

I believe Tee's point in intoning that it's impossible to balk to (an occupied) second base is to encourage newer umpires to realize that virtually any move to 2B is legal, in contrast to 1B.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Just remember:

It Is Impossible To Balk To An Occupied Second Base.

T

It's a silly statement that may have been cogent many years ago.

[David B]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It's a silly statement that may have been cogent many years ago.

Use it in my umpire training every year. My son is playing ball now, and we've had three balks called with R2 this season, and none of them were actual balks.

The umpires could have used my training.

The main problem with umpires today is they don't study the rules, they just go by what they "feel" or something.

Last night in a game I had "interference with fielder fielding a batted ball" and BI on play at the plate. Sadly most of the umpires I see today would probably not have called either one.

Thanks
David