Balk with no baserunner?

[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.