Catcher's balk

[onetime1]

What are the provisions of a homeplate umpire calling a catchers balk? I saw two of these during a high school game yesterday.

[umpjim]

1-1-4. At TOP all fielders in fair territory and F2 in catcher's box. Penalty is IP.

A booger not usually picked.

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by onetime1

What are the provisions of a homeplate umpire calling a catchers balk? I saw two of these during a high school game yesterday.

That's two too many. Don't do it.

[DG]

Only called one in my life, and it ended the game, and was obvious. Pitcher could have prevented it. The provisions are, that if you see an obvious one, call it, but it should be rare. Two in one game would be very, very rare.

[onetime1]

What are the dimensions of the catchers box?

[dash_riprock]

Under OBR, all you need is catcher interference with a runner from 3rd trying to score on a steal or squeeze.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by onetime1

What are the dimensions of the catchers box?

43" in FED if they have been drawn right. Don't remember the depth but doubt it is of interest. Interestingly, there is no front line. The catcher is limited by other rules there. But why are you calling it a Catcher's Balk? It's a balk on the pitcher for starting to pitch with a fielder or catcher not in the proper position. Any catcher setting up for the outside pitch will probably have a foot outside the box. The catcher's technique of extending one leg straight out to get lower also violates this rule. It should not be something an umpire should look to call.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by umpjim

43" in FED if they have been drawn right. Don't remember the depth but doubt it is of interest. Interestingly, there is no front line. The catcher is limited by other rules there. But why are you calling it a Catcher's Balk? It's a balk on the pitcher for starting to pitch with a fielder or catcher not in the proper position. Any catcher setting up for the outside pitch will probably have a foot outside the box. The catcher's technique of extending one leg straight out to get lower also violates this rule. It should not be something an umpire should look to call.

The front of the box is the point of the plate - and it's 8' back from there. See the diagram 2 and rule 2-9-3.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by onetime1

What are the provisions of a homeplate umpire calling a catchers balk? I saw two of these during a high school game yesterday.

If they were playing under FED, why not use IBB?

[Tim C]

41 years of umpiring, 4002 games . . . never saw a catcher's box called by any umpire.

Watch which end of the stick you pick up.

T

[PeteBooth]

Tee saw one

In July of 2000 - Braves vs. Brewers. Home Plate Umpire John Shulock called a rear catcher's balk on Fernando Lunar the back up F2 for the Braves. Of Coarse Mr. Bobby Cox was tossed.

Pete Booth

[BSUmp16]

Originally Posted by Tim C

41 years of umpiring, 4002 games . . . never saw a catcher's box called by any umpire.

Watch which end of the stick you pick up.

T

Called it my first year of umpiring - Rec U12 game. I had just reviewed that section of the Rules so I was "ready". Defensive coach lit me up pretty good, although ultimately agreed I was technically correct. Never called it again. Will never call it again