What is "Borderline"?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Borderline is technically illegal in that he's not coming to a full stop but it is so slight that it'd probably be picking nits to call it the first time he does it. This is the one you want to remind the pitcher to come to a full stop.

Borderline is technically legal in that he's coming to a full stop, but it's so slight than any quicker move would be a balk.

I now use "It's close, but he's stopping" or "It's not much, but it's a stop" or "I saw it and it was legal." And, I say it loud enough so the pitcher can get the message.

[ozzy6900]

I never use that line ".... he's borderline"when talking to a coach, because where do you draw the line? When talking to a coach, either there was a violation or there wasn't. If you say "borderline", the coach is going to keep chewing at you.

[TwoBits]

A "borderline balk" is like saying a woman is borderline pregnant. She either is, or she isn't. Same with a pitcher.

The only explanation a coach needs is the pitcher is or is not coming to a complete stop.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Borderline is technically legal in that he's coming to a full stop, but it's so slight than any quicker move would be a balk.

Well played.

[David B]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Borderline is technically legal in that he's coming to a full stop, but it's so slight than any quicker move would be a balk.

I now use "It's close, but he's stopping" or "It's not much, but it's a stop" or "I saw it and it was legal." And, I say it loud enough so the pitcher can get the message.

+1 - well stated

Thanks
David

[MrUmpire]

No need to over think. Most umpires who use this term mean that the pitcher is coming close to a violation but is still in compliance.