Do You Agree With This Balk Call? Reds/Pirates
 

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If so what part of the move is a balk?

Balk all day long. Look at the replay from the 3B view. Based on his step, I would judge as did U1 that F1 commited to make the pitch. F1 steps toward the plate and then throws to 1B.

He's giving every indication that he is gong to the plate, then he makes the move to 1st. I've called this many times on lefties.

Absolutey a balk. He gained more distance torwards home plate then to first base. Good call. Very hard to see and call in a two man system.

Good rule of thumb (not an absolute). If a lefty does a move to first and has to throw sidearm, it's probably a balk. If you're body is moving away from something, it's tough to throw overhand. Almost every time I've seen a step balk called on lefties, they have to wing it over there sidearm because all of their body's momentum is going toward home.

Good tip.. thanks.