Balk ignored?

[David Emerling]

Using OBR ...

I know that if the pitcher delivers to the batter and the batter reaches base and all other runners advance at least one base, the balk is ignored. I don't think the pitcher is even charged with a balk.

What about this situation: Runner on 1st. Pitcher balks while attempting a pickoff. The throw is wild and the runner is able to advance to 3rd.

I know the ball remains live on this play and that the runner can continue past his awarded base (2nd) at his own risk.

Although this may be more of a scoring question than an umpire question: Is the pitcher charged with a balk? In this case, the balk is not really "ignored" - is it?. In fact, the penalty for the balk is enforced, it is just transparent because of the wild throw. Is this correct?

[BSUmp16]

Here's J/R:

"If there is a balk followed immediately by a throw, then related action is allowed until a fielder is able to glove and gain possession of such throw. The defense is not allowed a tag try of, or a subsequent throw against a runner before his advance base. If every runner acquires his advance base uncontested, the balk is disregarded." (emphasis added).

Here's the comparable sitch J/R cites:

"R1, there is a balk and a wild throw past first. R1 rounds second and is thrown out running back into second (or just before third): in either case R1 has acquired his advance base and has gone beyond it at his own risk. His out stands and the balk is disregarded."

[Matt]

Originally Posted by BSUmp16

Batter didn't reach 1st - Enforce the balk

Wrong. Runners are allowed to advance more than one base at their own risk.

[johnnyg08]

There wasn't a pitch...F1 balked on a throw over, then threw wild. Runner is protected to 2B, while the live ball is chased down. R1, gets thrown out at 3rd. Tough bananas.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

Although this may be more of a scoring question than an umpire question: Is the pitcher charged with a balk? In this case, the balk is not really "ignored" - is it?. In fact, the penalty for the balk is enforced, it is just transparent because of the wild throw. Is this correct?

Correct all around: yes it's more of a scoring question, yes the balk is "enforced," and yes F1 should be charged with a balk (and an error).

Like all live-ball awards (for instance, type b OBS), runners may advance beyond their awarded base at their own risk. Their doing so does not nullify the award.