ML rules balk

[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.