Are you calling a Balk?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rita C

What does the skill level have to do with it?

For the record, I would balk 13-14 year olds on those.

Accidentally dropping the ball is also a balk. You calling those?

Rita

I would balk 9-10 year old Mustang Leaguers as well. They are balks, and as such put the offense at an unfair disadvantage, which is the reason for the rule.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I would balk 9-10 year old Mustang Leaguers as well. They are balks, and as such put the offense at an unfair disadvantage, which is the reason for the rule.

I would too, if I umpired games with balks at that age level.

Mean old lady that I am, I made a 10 year old girl cry yesterday calling illegal pitches. But I was thanked for calling them afterwards. Parents who care, know their kids aren't going to learn if it isn't called.

I think it's a matter of respect for the players and the game.

Rita

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I would balk 9-10 year old Mustang Leaguers as well. They are balks, and as such put the offense at an unfair disadvantage, which is the reason for the rule.

No wonder you get all the big games. If anyone can put third graders in their place, it's you.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

No wonder you get all the big games. If anyone can put third graders in their place, it's you.

So true, I put you in your place all the time. Oh, sorry for the insult third graders.

[ozzy6900]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but as I read this thread it seems like we have forgotten the 2 type of balk calls. There used to be a standard of practice:

FED - Immediately dead ball - "TIME! That's a balk!" nothing else can happen.

NCAA & OBR - Delayed - "That's a balk!" then get back into position in case action continues.

From this thread, it seems that many are running in different directions on the balk call.

Oh, and once the little tykes get on the big diamond, balks are called - no warnings..... that's called baseball. (yes, I am fully aware that there are some small diamond leagues that call balks - no need to remind us.)

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

So true, I put you in your place all the time. Oh, sorry for the insult third graders.

Your attempt at comedy is like your underwear.

It's old, it stinks, and it never changes!

[SanDiegoSteve]

^^^LOL! That was funny.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I would balk 9-10 year old Mustang Leaguers as well. They are balks, and as such put the offense at an unfair disadvantage, which is the reason for the rule.

Added to the thread by really discussing the issue.

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

No wonder you get all the big games. If anyone can put third graders in their place, it's you.

telling others in such a diverse manner that they're idiots for not having your vast superior knowledge.

You are one dumb somb*tch, ya know? Friggin hypocrite, you need to STFU.

[Steven Tyler]

Hypocrite? Not quite at your level yet.

Some just can't handle it when someone else throws the ball back in their court.

I think it's a shame that you and a few others have to come to an umpire chat room to get some sort of self glorification. Cyber bullying is sooooo junior highish.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I would balk 9-10 year old Mustang Leaguers as well. They are balks, and as such put the offense at an unfair disadvantage, which is the reason for the rule.

Steve,
We just received the league rules for my son's 12U league this weekend. I quote:

"3.62 Major 12 Only - Balks will be called according to Pony and IHSA rules.

3.62a - At the discretion of the Umpire(s) ptchers may be given 1 or 2 warnings. Managers should discuss this prior to the game at the home plate meeting with the umpire."

That was verbatim. This is their first year with lead offs/pick offs. It is going to be a long season. Hope all is well on the west coast.

Mike

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Steve,

"3.62 Major 12 Only - Balks will be called according to Pony and IHSA rules.

Oh my...so which is it?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Oh my...so which is it?

It's an immediate and yet a delayed-dead ball.

Just goes to show that local leagues should let the rules writing to someone else.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

It's an immediate and yet a delayed-dead ball.

Just goes to show that local leagues should let the rules writing to someone else.

I'm curious to know how a pickoff from the windup should be handled.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Oh my...so which is it?

Originally Posted by Welpe

I'm curious to know how a pickoff from the windup should be handled.

It's a balk and not a balk.

Reminds me of a playoff game a few years ago where I called such a balk and the coach told me he had never heard of such a thing. Or the college game where I left a balk live and the coach and my partner(!!!) (who works D1 games) tried convincing me balks were immediate dead balls.

I go out these days assuming I'm the only one on the field that knows the rules unless I know my partners really well.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Oh my...so which is it?

That was my thought. That first balk is going to make for some interesting debate.