Balk with no baserunner?
 

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

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."

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Advance the imaginary runners, of course.

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)

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.