hesitation

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JohnDorian37

and, to be clear, this is a balk as soon as it happens (assuming no part of his body is moving), regardless of whether he goes to 2nd or pitches, correct?

Correct.

What worked for me (and if you don't like it, don't use it) when I did youth games (because you "never" see it above 12 or so), is: If F1 goes to the plate, give the benefit of the doubt to the pitcher that something was moving. If F1 goes to the base, give the benefit of the doubt to the runner that F1 was stopped.

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

What worked for me (and if you don't like it, don't use it) when I did youth games (because you "never" see it above 12 or so), is: If F1 goes to the plate, give the benefit of the doubt to the pitcher that something was moving. If F1 goes to the base, give the benefit of the doubt to the runner that F1 was stopped.

+1, Great guidance

[rcaverly]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

...(because you "never" see it above 12 or so)...

Way to make me feel bad, Bob.

We were all "above 12 or so" at a CC several, and I do emphasize several, years ago when my partner and I both saw it, we both called it and it ended game one of a DH. We balked in the winning run!

With R3 and less than 2, the hapless RHP was blatantly trying to "freeze the squeeze."

Naturally, sportsmanship at the CC-level being what it was back then, I recall that we had many testy participants during my plate job in game two.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by rcaverly

Way to make me feel bad, Bob.

We were all "above 12 or so" at a CC several, and I do emphasize several, years ago when my partner and I both saw it, we both called it and it ended game one of a DH. We balked in the winning run!

With R3 and less than 2, the hapless RHP was blatantly trying to "freeze the squeeze."

Naturally, sportsmanship at the CC-level being what it was back then, I recall that we had many testy participants during my plate job in game two.

The exception that proves the rule.

[rcaverly]

I read a good one recently: "The actual proves the possible."

[seenitall]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Correct.

What worked for me (and if you don't like it, don't use it) when I did youth games (because you "never" see it above 12 or so), is: If F1 goes to the plate, give the benefit of the doubt to the pitcher that something was moving. If F1 goes to the base, give the benefit of the doubt to the runner that F1 was stopped.

I wouldn't call it depending upon where he throws the ball. I would call it the first time I see it. The nice thing about calling a balk is that it usually stops them from balking again. Call it early and you shouldn't have to deal with it again.