MLB rule 8.01(d) comment

[Molerboy]

I'm looking for a simple rule clarification. The rule is an MLB rule 8.01(d) comment and is stated as "A ball which slips out of a pitcher’s hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base." There appear to be 2 situations here.

1. The ball crosses the foul line.

2. The ball stays fair.

Does the comment "This would be a balk with men on base." apply to both situations?

[UmpJM]

Molerboy,

No, it does NOT apply to both situations.

It is only a balk (w. runner(s) on base) if the ball fails to cross the foul line.

If the ball DOES cross the line, it is a pitch (ball), even with runners on base.

JM

[BalkHawk]

thread closed

[BalkHawk]

thread closed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiCilTzhXrA

[Jocko]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nPvjnGUvbOs

[noumpere]

Molerboy,

No, it does NOT apply to both situations.

It is only a balk (w. runner(s) on base) if the ball fails to cross the foul line.

If the ball DOES cross the line, it is a pitch (ball), even with runners on base.

JM

Add: if it fails to cross the line it's nothing with no runners.

 

If it crosses the line it's a ball with or without runners (which is said above)

[Molerboy]

Thanks for the clarification.  That helps.  I do have one follow up question.  When does the pitcher become liable to this rule (dropping the ball)?  When he steps on the pitcher's plate?  After the set position?  During delivery?  For example, after a pitch, he receives the throw back from the catcher, makes the catch, enters the dirt circle of the mound, but before he puts his pivot foot on the pitchers plate, he drops the ball with a runner on base.  Is it a balk?

[jmpnjmy]

Once he engages the pitcher' plate.  When he disengages, it's off.

[johnnyg08]

Once he engages the pitcher' plate.  When he disengages, it's off.

 

 

Once he intentionally engages the pitcher's plate and the ball is live.  

[ikeequa]

So basically, the runner should take off because one way or another he gets the next base?

[BalkHawk]

He may. Typically, the runners jog for base awards. When this balk happens in real life, the runner is going to stand there and laugh. IF (that's a big if) he is familiar with the rule, he'll help you make the call by yelling "balk" then go back to his laughter. Of course, no pitcher reads the rule book, so he's gonna be all,    "  " As a representative of baseball, the umpires should not laugh... until the post game.