ML rules balk

[gpdeppert]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

JR,

"He" is mistaken.

From the MLBUM:



There is an exception noted if the pitch is ball four and all runners would be forced to advance by the batter's award of 1B. Then you keep it live and allow the play to continue.

So, if the pitch were ball 4, "He" would be correct - otherwise, he's not.

JM

Just to clarify: Catcher catches pitch in flight. Call time - enforce balk. (Got it.)

Pitch skips in dirt BUT catcher still picks it clean - call time and enforce balk? (This is where I get fuzzy)

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by gpdeppert

Just to clarify: Catcher catches pitch in flight. Call time - enforce balk. (Got it.)

Pitch skips in dirt BUT catcher still picks it clean - call time and enforce balk? (This is where I get fuzzy)

Yes. The defense is not permitted to play on a runner before he reaches his advance base, so you should never have the situation suggested in the video.

[gpdeppert]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Yes. The defense is not permitted to play on a runner before he reaches his advance base, so you should never have the situation suggested in the video.

So the fact that the pitch SKIPS does not change the situation? I understand that a wild pitch remains a live ball.

[UmpJM]

gdpeppert,

That is correct - the essential element is not whether the catcher "legally caught the pitch in flight", but whether or not he immediately controlled/gloved the pitch.

JM

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

gdpeppert,

That is correct - the essential element is not whether the catcher "legally caught the pitch in flight", but whether or not he immediately controlled/gloved the pitch.

JM

Right. For instance: strike 3, ball in the dirt, the BR takes off. If the ball goes to the backstop, we let the play go. If the BR and each runner reaches his advance base, the play stands; otherwise, enforce the balk.

But if F2 comes up with the ball immediately, kill it and enforce the balk. Advance the runners, no pitch to the batter, bring him back to the plate. No point letting this go, since the defense can't record an out here.