Odd situation happened in a tournament yesterday. For the record, I was not umpiring but coaching.
R3, defense is on the ready for a squeeze but the batter hasn't squared.
Pitcher kicks, using a good move to try to pick off R3.
3B turns his attention to the batter and starts to charge, unaware that the pickoff move has been made. Pitcher still throws the ball, and it hits 3B in the glove, but he had no idea the ball was coming.
3B was about 8 feet off the bag, in-between the mound and the base. Ball hits him, bounces harmlessly in front of him.
BU calls this a balk, saying that he had to be able to make a play. Not 100% that I agree with him, but wanted to see what the consensus is with my trusted fellows here on the forum. I think everyone on the field was confused, very odd situation. I don't think I would have called it a balk, but that would have been from a "benefit of the doubt" judgement instead of a rules-based judgement.
What do you guys think?