"Balks while Stealing Home"

[mattj0110]

Balks, a very complex topic. It is also difficult for the average parent and coach to understand and know all of the calls. For me I've been around baseball for many years and understand the basic calls, (turning of the shoulders while set, not throwing to first in pick-offs) but I'm having a difficult time with the pitchers "Natural Movement" (for example, the pitchers wind-up should be the same from start to finish, once he starts, he must finish his natural motion through his wind-up, but he can speed it up) (Yes/No).

Situation:
Runner on 3rd, a right handed pitcher is on the rubber in the Wind-Up position. The pitcher starts his wind-up by stepping with his free foot (left). On that step the runner steals home. The pitcher notices the runner while in his first step back and from this position steps towards home and delivers the ball changing his natural motion. Every other time the same pitcher would raise his knee and then deliver the ball home. The runner was called out and no balk was called.

Question:
If the pitcher did not continue his natural motion through his Wind-Up is it a balk yes or no? and why?

Thanks
Matt