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| bart21
June 3, 2010
2:23:04 PM
Entry #: 3493372
| It seems that the balk rule has stirred up a lot of stink this year. With that in mind, here is the balk rule according to Major League Baseball
Most basically, a pitcher is restricted to a certain set of motions and one of two basic pitching positions before and during a pitch if these are violated with one or more runners on base, a balk is called.
With a runner on base it is a balk when:
The pitcher switches his pitching position from the windup to the set (or vice versa) without properly disengaging the rubber. The proper technique for disingaging the rubber is to step back off of the rubber with the pivot first.
while on the rubber, the pitcher makes a motion associated with his pitch and does not complete the delivery
when going from the stretch to the set position, the pitcher fails to make a complete stop with his hands together before beginning to pitch
The pitcher throws from the mound to a base without stepping with the non pivot foot, toward that base
The pitcher throws or feints a throw from the rubber to an unoccupied base, unless a play is imminent. With a runner at first only, a pitcher feints a throw to third to deceive the runner at first. This is a balk for throwing or feinting a throw to an unoccupied base. With a runner at second and the pitcher in the set position, the runner takes off for third. The pitcher may step and throw to third in order to make the play. This is not a balk because a play is imminent at third base.
The pitcher steps or feints a throw from the mound to first base without completing the throw. With a runner at third, the pitcher may NOT step toward third and feint a throw without completing the throw. This is a balk as it is considered that this is an attempt to deceive the runner. With a runner at second, the pitcher may step back off of the pitchers plate or may spin toward second and feint a throw without completing the throw. This is not a balk as it is considered that the step or spin pulls the pitcher from the pitchers plate therefore rendering him as an infielder. As an infielder, the pitcher may throw to anywhere a play is imminent.
The pitcher pitches a quick return, that is, delivers with the intent to catch the batter off-guard or defenseless
The pitcher pitches or mimics a part of his pitching motion while not in contact with the rubber
The pitcher drops the ball while on the rubber, even if by accident.
The pitcher while intentionally walking a batter, or at any other time, releases a pitch while the catcher is out of his box with one or both feet this is rarely called, though, especially on an intentional walk
The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game
The pitcher pitches while facing away from the batter
The pitcher after bringing his hands together on the rubber, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw
The pitcher stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, or mimics a pitch without the ball.
The pitcher throws to first when the first baseman, because of his distance from the base, is unable to make a play on the runner there.
It should be noted that the pitcher's acts of spitting on the ball, defacing or altering the ball, rubbing the ball on the clothing, body, ground or applying a foreign substance to the ball, are not balks. Instead, these actions can result in the ejection of the pitcher from the game.
Keep in mind that sole purpose of the balk rule is to keep the pitcher from committing any act which deceives the runner or batter. Deceiving the batter or runner means causing the batter or runner to do something that they normally would not do under normal circumstances.
One common misconception is that only pitchers can commit balks, catchers can as well but it is rarely enforced. A balk can be called against a catcher if the catcher does not stay in the catchers box until the pitcher delivers the ball.
Another common misconception is that when in the set position, a pitcher must step off the rubber before attempting a pick-off. This is incorrect rule 8.01(c) allows a pitcher to pitch, throw to an occupied base, or step off while in contact with the rubber
Finally, it is a common misconception that while in the set position, any slight movement of the pitchers shoulder toward first is a balk. If the movement does not deceive the runner, causing him to commit an act that he would not normally do under normal circumstances, it is not a balk.
Keep in mind that a balk is a judgement call by the umpire and cannot be cause for protest.
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