Balk with no baserunner?

[easygoer]

13 yr old USSSA baseball we use MLB rules. No baserunners, pitcher has a definite pause/stop at the top of his leg lift. The umpire warns him that he will call a balk if this continues. Is this correct, never an issue before.

Thanks,


Easygoer

[ozzy6900]

There cannot be a balk unless there are runners on base. Warnings are useless, just balk F1 if he violates.

Yes, I know there ridiculous leagues that want us to warn before balking and I do.... during the plate meeting, the last thing I say to the managers is...

"By the way, gentlemen, I understand there is a warning before balk in this league? Well, here is your warning, gentlemen, tell your pitchers not to balk because from this point on, balks will be called."

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by easygoer

13 yr old USSSA baseball we use MLB rules. No baserunners, pitcher has a definite pause/stop at the top of his leg lift. The umpire warns him that he will call a balk if this continues. Is this correct, never an issue before.

Thanks,
Easygoer

I'd be interested in seeing how he would enforce it.

[kylejt]

Maybe he'll send the first base coach to second.

[btdt]

Sounds like umpire is ooo. But if he insists a violation exsists it would probably be an illegal pitch. I would tend to ignore the situation

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by btdt

Sounds like umpire is ooo. But if he insists a violation exsists it would probably be an illegal pitch. I would tend to ignore the situation

An IP is only a quick pitch or a pitch while not in contact.

Ignoring it is the only proper solution in OBR.

[mbyron]

Not a balk unless runners are on. At least at higher levels, I would treat it similar to a pitcher uses the set position with no runners and doesn't come set.

This umpire is inserting himself into the game, IMO.

[rbmartin]

Sec 2.00 Definitions

A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base.

No Runners, no balk. Maybe an illegal pitch and subsequent "ball" awarded though.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

I'd be interested in seeing how he would enforce it.

Advance the imaginary runners, of course.

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by easygoer

13 yr old USSSA baseball we use MLB rules. No baserunners, pitcher has a definite pause/stop at the top of his leg lift. The umpire warns him that he will call a balk if this continues. Is this correct, never an issue before.

Thanks,


Easygoer

Soapbox time:

USSSA rule 8.05D(D): In age divisions 11U-18U, balks shall be strictly enforced without warning.

This has been by biggest pet peeve since umpiring USSSA: Umpires constantly warning on balks. Call it. No warnings!

So when I read you post, my first thought was, "No, the umpire is wrong because HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO WARN AGAINST A BALK IN USSSA AT THAT AGE GROUP!!!"

(deep breath)

[johnnyg08]

Warnings are what coaches want when they aren't teaching their pitchers how to pitch. My warning days are done. The best deterrent is not a warning, but a penalty.