Balks

[daled]

Last year I was the head coach of a 13U travel team and we were in the bottom of the 7th with R2 and R3 (championship game). Our team is the home team and we are down by one run. BU calls balk move runs up, tie ball game. The opposing coach calls for the intentional walk to the batter. Now we have R1 and R3. Next batter comes to the plate and on the second pitch BU calls balk runs advance and ball game over. Our team wins the game, but that was not the way I wanted the game to end. In both cases it was the correct call, but I would hate to make those calls in that situation.

[MCLEOD36]

That one is a balk. I tend to do the following, if it is obvious, you gotta call it. If it is subtle or on the edge, I will say, pitcher, dont do this or I will call it next time. Then boom, you gotta call that one too.

[PeteBooth]

Last year I did the same training class and I presented with a slide up on a screen and then got the video test in before I was walked/talked over by my assigner who says "the best balk call is a no balk call". I was pissed.

Hi Dave:

In a way I can understand the aforementioned statement because some umpires call a balk simply because a particular move looks "wierd" Also, Lefties do get an advantage. Just look at Andy Pettitte

Whenever a coach would complain to me about a certain lefties move that was borderline I would simply say "Skip get yourself a Lefty"

Also, IMO, it's not a good idea for an umpire to focus a lot of attention on F1 (especially in a 2 person crew) otherwise he/she could be out of position or miss "other' more crucial calls.

If it's a no brainer balk and an umpire does not call it I can see your point.

Also, I do not know about you but I do some preventative umpiring if possible. ie: F1 not coming to a pause. I will call TIME dust the plate off and tell F2 to go have a chat with F2.

With the exception of Bob Davidson (balkin Bob), even PRO umpires do not enforce the "written letter of the law" when it comes to balks.

Many years ago there was a memorandum issued to PRO umpires to start calling balks more in line with the book definition. The result was that there were more balks called in 1/2 that season compared to the entire season a year before.

The players union got involved and approximately after the All Star break things went back to normal.

In a nutshell I understand your frustration but on the flip side I would instruct umpires NOT to call a Balk UNLESS they are certain of it so that when a coach requests and is granted TIME their response is NOT "Skip the move looked wierd" and therefore it was a balk. Also, do not "home in" on F1 (especially in a 2 person crew)

Balks are similar to OBS meaning it is sometimes difficult to explain or put in words but when we see it we know what it is.

Pete Booth

[BrianC14]

Hi With the exception of Bob Davidson (balkin Bob), even PRO umpires do not enforce the "written letter of the law" when it comes to balks.

Many years ago there was a memorandum issued to PRO umpires to start calling balks more in line with the book definition. The result was that there were more balks called in 1/2 that season compared to the entire season a year before.

The players union got involved and approximately after the All Star break things went back to normal.

MLB's version of the NBA in not calling traveling.

Balks are similar to OBS meaning it is sometimes difficult to explain or put in words but when we see it we know what it is.

Pete Booth

Well said!

[Majordave]

I agree with everything you said. My story illustrates what an art instead of a science umpiring is. Every umpire has their own beliefs and philosophies. My philosophies slide depending upon the level worked.

HS varsity or college, especially a very well coached school/program, get the most attention as I know that every one in those organizations knows what they are doing. Big games, such as district seeding games and post-season tournaments also get closer scrutiny.

If working JV/Frosh, poorer quality teams' games I don't have such an eagle eye as they don't get it anyway.

It always amazes me that the poorer the quality of play and coaching the more the rules are broken and the more arguing and blaming of umpires occurs.

Thanks for the commentary. Good advice.

Dave

[MCLEOD36]

MajorDave,

Very wise advise as well, I have two boys (12 and 14) stopped coaching them a couple of years ago, and picked up umpping again. I am happy to sit in the stands, and not worry about balls/strikes or technical balks, and praise good game management which is the mark of a veteran umpire or crew. You are right in the poorer quality of play and sometimes just not at the lower levels, and how "blue" gets blamed.

[Majordave]

The text below is the handout I gave to my HS Umpire Association. I took the FED rule book and just re-wrote/edited Rule 6 into an outline format so it is easier to read. I also added the FED BALK # numbering system just to illustrate all the ways to balk in FED. I sent it to our membership by e-mail. The Senior Umpire that I mentioned in post #1 in this thread got a copy as our group e-mail address list has apparently not been purged. He sent me a "correction" of 6-1-4 on dropped balls while pitcher is on the rubber in which he was wrong as he did not read the entire sentence and he sent his "correction" to my assigner. He got a scorching reply from me "aren't you retired? Why do you care anyway? IF you can read you can see that ...... "

Anyway, read, use it if you want it. The practical tips section at the end is the edited and synthesized version of several articles I have read and kept and clinic advice I have heard.

Any suggestions/improvements, etc. is acceptable to me. Let's get better together.

NFHS (FED) Rule 6 -Pitching Restrictions/Balks Outline

6-1-1

-Pitcher must pitch from either the windup or the stretch-which position he is in is determined by foot placement.

-Must take signs from catcher with foot on pitcher's plate.

-Pitching rules begin when he intentionally touches pitcher's plate.

-Pitcher may turn shoulders and check runners while in set.

-(Fed Balk #1) Pitcher may NOT turn shoulders to check after bringing hands together (the stretch).

-(Fed Balk #2) Pitcher shall not make a quick-return pitch in an attempt to catch batter off balance.

-Catcher shall have both feet in the batter's box at the time of pitch. (illegal pitch)

-If pitcher is ambidextrous, he is required to face batter as either LHP or RHP but not both. (No switching in middle of an at bat).

6-1-2 The Windup Position

-No restriction on how pitcher holds ball in windup.

-Windup assumed when hands are either (a) together in front of body or (B) both hands are at pitcher's side.

- (Fed Balk #3) Pitcher's non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind the line extending through the front edge the pitcher's plate.

-Pitcher is limited to not more than two pumps or rotations.

- (Fed Balk #4) After starting movement to pitch pitcher must continue the motion without interruption or alteration.

-(Fed Balk #5) With feet on the pitcher's plate in windup position the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step backward off the pitcher's plate with his pivot foot first, but, after pitcher has placed pivot foot clearly behind pitcher's plate he has the right to change to the set position or throw or feint to a base the same as any infielder.

-(Fed Balk #6) During delivery pitcher may lift his non-pivot foot in a (1) step forward, (2)a step sideways or (3) in a step backward and a step forward but he shall not otherwise lift either foot.

6-3 The Set Position

-(Fed Balk #7) Pitcher shall have ball in either glove or pitching hand.

-(Fed Balk #8) Pitching hand shall be either at his side or behind his back (Gorilla swinging arm?-Don't do that!)

-(Fed Balk #9) Before delivery he shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot (free foot) in front of a line extending through the front of the pitcher's plate and with his entire pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of the pitcher's plate (but side edge of foot still contacting the rubber itself).

-(Fed Balk #10) Pitcher shall go the set position (after the stretch, hands together, i.e. "coming set") without interruption and in one continuous motion.

-(Fed Balk #11) Pitcher shall come to a complete and discernable stop (changing direction does NOT equal stop)…..

-(Fed Balk #12) with ball in both hands (hands together)…..

-(Fed Balk #13) and glove at or below his chin. (any part of glove below is fine-who really calls that and why if you do? OOO?- only call this if opponent complains)

-(Fed Balk #14) Natural preliminary motions such as only one stretch may be made.

-(Fed Balk #15) During preliminary motions and during set until delivery motion occurs, pitcher may turn on his pivot foot…..

-(Fed Balk #16) or lift it in a jump turn* to step with non-pivot foot toward a base while throwing or feinting as outlined in rule 6-2-4 and 2-28-5, or… (* feet must land before throw on a jump turn)

-(Fed Balk #17) pitcher may lift his pivot foot in a step backward off the pitcher's plate which must be in or partially within the 24 inch length of the pitcher's plate.

-(Fed Balk #18) In order to change to the windup position the pitcher must first step clearly backward off the pitcher's plate with his pivot foot first. After pitcher has placed his pivot foot on the ground clearly behind the plate he then has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as any infielder.

6-1-4

Each legal pitch shall be called either a strike, ball, fair, foul, dead ball.

-(Fed Balk #19) Pitch dropped during delivery and crosses foul line is a ball. Dropped pitch not crossing foul line is a ball (no runner on base) or balk (runner on base).

6-1-5

-If Pitcher fields batted or thrown ball or throws to a base with foot clearly off the pitcher's plate, he is an infielder.

-Batted ball passing pitcher and hitting runner or umpire before any other infielder other than pitcher can field it is dead ball for interference. (See rules 8-4-2g and 8-4-2k)

6-1-6

-Each state association shall have a pitching restriction policy to afford pitchers a reasonable rest period between pitching appearances….

Kentucky's Rules regarding this are:

KHSAA 2007-2009 Handbook-Baseball

"XIII) Special Tournament and Regular Season Rules

A) Pitching Limitations

1) For purposes of this rule, delivery of a minimum of one (1) pitch

constitutes having pitched in one inning.

*2) A pitcher may pitch in a maximum of nine (9) innings in one

(1) day, but not more than fifteen (15) innings in any seven (7)

day period.

3) If a pitcher pitches in three (3) innings to five (5) innings, in

one (1) day, that pitcher shall have one (1) calendar day of

rest beginning with the day following the first day a pitch is

thrown.

4) If a pitcher pitches in six (6) innings, that pitcher shall have two

(2) calendar days of rest beginning with the day following the

first day a pitch is thrown.

5) If a pitcher pitches in seven (7) or more innings in one day, that

pitcher shall have three (3) calendar days of rest beginning with

the day following the first day a pitch is thrown.

6) This limitation affects regular season and postseason play."

(*Practically speaking, umpires can only truly enforce # 2 -9 innings max in 1 day/pitcher)

6-2 Infractions by Pitcher

6-2-1 Illegal acts by pitcher include:

a. Applying foreign substance to ball. (Dead ball. Warn, Eject.)

b. Spitting on glove or ball. (Dead ball. Warn, Eject.)

c. Rubbing ball glove, person or person IF act defaces ball. (Dead ball. Warn, Eject.)

d. Discoloring ball with dirt. (Dead ball. Warn, Eject.)

e. Bringing pitching hand in contact with mouth without distinctly wiping hand before it touches ball. (Pitcher not on rubber, ball to count each time. NOT a balk) (Pitcher on rubber, then puts hand to mouth-Balk)

f. Distracting items on hands/wrists/arms. (umpire is sole authority) (correct before any more pitches)

g. Tape/bandages/foreign material (except rosin applied under umpire supervision) on fingers/palms of pitching hand. (correct before any more pitches)

h. Glove contains white or gray coloring. (correct before any more pitches)

i. Exposed undershirt sleeves white or gray in color. (correct before any more pitches)

6-2-2 Delay of Game

a. Throwing to a player other than catcher, with batter in the box unless an attempt to retire a runner. (Warn, eject)

b. Consuming time as result of coach conferring with defense after being charged with three defensive conferences (see Rule 3-4-1) (Pitcher replaced for remainder of game.)

c. Failure to pitch or make a play including legal feint within 20 seconds after receiving ball. (one ball awarded to batter)

Exception: 8 warm up pitches within 1 minute before 1st inning and each new pitcher, 5 per inning within 1 minute beginning at end of last half inning after that.

6-3 Intentionally pitch close to a batter

-In no doubt on intent of F1-Eject! If any doubt, warn, then eject.

6-4 Balks if runner on base

a. (Fed Balk # 20) Feinting toward 1st base or batter while touching pitcher's plate.

-(Fed Balk # 21) Dropping ball without ball crossing foul line while touching….

b. (Fed Balk # 22) Failing to step with non-pivot foot (free foot) directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out or drive back a runner.

-(Fed Balk # 23) Throwing or feinting to an unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put our or drive back a runner.

c. (Fed Balk # 24) Making an illegal pitch from either pitching position. (6-1 and 6-2-1a-d)

d. (Fed Balk # 25) Failing to pitch to the batter in a continuous motion immediately after any movement of any part of the body such as he habitually uses in his delivery

-Except if pitcher, with a runner on base, stops/hesitates delivery because batter steps out of the box with one foot/both feet/holds up hand to request time, it shall not be a balk. If one foot or hand up for time- no penalty to either batter or pitcher. If both feet out of box, call time, start play anew. Add 1 strike to batter count for both feet out of box (7-3-1). If pitcher continues with pitch under any of these 3 options, pitch shall be called a strike and the ball remains live. Thus, two strikes on batter for both feet out of box. If umpire judges batter's act to be deliberate umpire may eject under 3-3-1o.

e. (Fed Balk # 26) Taking hand off ball while in set position (6-1-3) unless he pitches/throws/steps toward and feints to 2B or 3B as in b above.

f. (Fed Balk # 27) Failing to pitch to batter when entire non-pivot foot passes behind perpendicular plane of the back edge of pitcher's plate except when feinting/ throwing to second base in an attempt to put out a runner.

6-5

It is also a balk if:

-(Fed Balk # 28) Runner on base, pitcher not touching pitcher's plate, makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch, or….

-(Fed Balk # 29) Pitcher positions himself within approximately five feet of pitcher's plate without possessing the ball.

Practical Tips and Advice:

I. Three Types of Balks- 1.) Deceptive: Attempt to "illegally" deceive baserunners and gain unfair advantage. You must call these!

2.) Penal: Certain actions are illegal and the penalty is a balk. Call these!

3.) Mechanical: Not trying to deceive but not using proper mechanics as rules require. Sometimes warning instead of balk.

II. Define “Complete and Discernible” - Everything on the pitcher stops for a brief moment. (both upper and lower half of body)=complete. You as the umpire must be able to see a stop = discernable. Beware! Some well coached pitchers do not really stop. Examples: Legs moving before hands stop. This is the most common balk and should be called. Will often occur with runner or 3rd, runners on 1st and 3rd, obvious base stealer on 1st.

III. How to/How Not to Call Balks-

• BU Do not verbally echo partner’s balk call.

• Why? Coaches always charge the base umpire: No right minded coach wants to alienate the PU calling balls and strikes.

• Echo the signal only-Hand’s up, “Time!”

• If you miss a balk, you missed it. Never echo a balk call by an offensive coach.

IV. When/What to Call? Practical Advice

• If you have to think about it, the pitcher probably balked. (If you know the rules.)

• How to avoid balk calls when game is on the line?

-Call every balk seen early in game/season then the remainder of the game/season is usually without incident.

• Instruction is not the umpire's job! If F1 balks, do not tell them how to fix it. Call the balk and, only if Coach/Manager asks, tell coach what F1 did or did not do correctly. Let the coach instruct his pitcher. Do NOT demonstrate to coaches or pitchers!

• It is often said that the best balk call is a no balk call. Really? Sometimes.

-Balks that do not provide defense an unfair advantage or stifle offense may, at high school varsity level, be ignored or not called.-warn for first offense.

• Don’t get too technical if no advantage to defense.

• Sometimes, new or inexperienced umpires should call all balks seen without discrimination. Why? To insure you know these rules cold without hesitation. Then, start applying what your instincts and experience tell you are the correct calls for the situation and level of play.

• Don’t be looking for technical violations and other minor circumstances to show people how much you know the rules.

• Know the rules but more importantly know how to apply them under which circumstances. “Why did the player commit a particular act?” To get an unfair advantage, or because he didn’t know what he was doing? Unfair advantage to defense is reason for the Balk rules.

[BrianC14]

-Pitcher may turn shoulders and check runners while in set.

-(Fed Balk #1) Pitcher may NOT turn shoulders to check after bringing hands together (the stretch).

Major:

Am I reading this correctly? After bringing the hands together, the pitcher is now in the set position.... these two seem to contradict one another...

Seems to me it should read that "Pitcher may turn shoulders and check runners while in the stretch...

[Umpire in Chief]

Great post extremely informative!

My only disagreement (and this is probably form the training I've received and the way my association instructs) is on echoing the balk call. I think it is beneficial to echo all the time, but both umpires have to be on the same page.

Lets assume we're working together. I'm the PU and you're the BU. I call a balk you echo and out comes the DC. I as PU see him coming out and heading your way and need to say, "Dave, I've got this one it was may call." Then take the coach. I don't let him get to you because maybe you saw what I did, maybe not. I don't want you looking bad because I have no idea if you saw the same as me and telling the coach, "Well yeah, uhhh, well he, uhhh... Let me get my partner."

A well echoed call helps sell it and reduce the need for too much discussion. Gives the appearance we both saw it. Then the proper umpire stepping in as appropriate makes the crew look really good, knowledgeable and in control.

The same would apply anytime a coach approaches the wrong umpire like tag up at third they commonly go to the BU when the touch of third is the PU's call. Don't hang your partner up to dry by putting him in a situation where he would even have to say, "That's not my call."

This will demonstrate authority and control on the field.

Just my B)

After thought.

Echoing is a good thing to cover in a pre-game with your partner. Make sure he has the testicular fortitude to take the call from you if you echo. If you believe you may be hung out to dry, don't echo.

Edited February 12, 2009 by Umpire in Chief
Added afterthought

[Majordave]

another example of FED's brilliant rule writing. As a kid and still today I hear coaches calling it the "stretch" as in "Bubba, get in the stretch" when a kid steps onto the mound in the windup with runners on base.

Fed book calls the two allowed pitching positions Windup and Set. The act of coming set is bringing the hands together in front of the body after going through the preliminary motion known as the stretch and coming to a complete and discernable stop before delivering a pitch to the batter.

I'm not saying it is correct but that is what they said. I don't have the books here with me but I was quoting whenever necessary.

Semantics my friend.

If you have ever read Jaksa/Roder you see the emphasis placed on terminology in interpreting intent and practical application of the rules of baseball at all levels.

I have always been amazed at the specificity of language in baseball rules compared with the relative lack of cerebral abilities of many of the coaches at all levels of baseball.

Edited February 12, 2009 by Majordave

[Majordave]

I think it is beneficial to echo all the time, but both umpires have to be on the same page. ......

........This will demonstrate authority and control on the field.

After thought: Echoing is a good thing to cover in a pre-game with your partner. Make sure he has the testicular fortitude to take the call from you if you echo. If you believe you may be hung out to dry, don't echo.

I agree with what you are saying completely. IF properly pre-gamed AND partner has the ability to take it, etc.

Practically speaking I usually see where both get it and call it just not in unison but a slight delay by one umpire.

I particularly like the point (someone else's-I just share) not to call a balk when offensive coaches are yelling it from the dugout or coaches box. I warn for that.

[BrianC14]

another example of FED's brilliant rule writing. As a kid and still today I hear coaches calling it the "stretch" as in "Bubba, get in the stretch" when a kid steps onto the mound in the windup with runners on base.

Fed book calls the two allowed pitching positions Windup and Set. The act of coming set is bringing the hands together in front of the body after going through the preliminary motion known as the stretch and coming to a complete and discernable stop before delivering a pitch to the batter.

I'm not saying it is correct but that is what they said. I don't have the books here with me but I was quoting whenever necessary.

Semantics my friend.

If you have ever read Jaksa/Roder you see the emphasis placed on terminology in interpreting intent and practical application of the rules of baseball at all levels.

I have always been amazed at the specificity of language in baseball rules compared with the relative lack of cerebral abilities of many of the coaches at all levels of baseball.

I know what you're saying, Major.

But within the pitching motion referred to as 'The Set', there are two positions (I realize you know this, but please bear with me here, because I genuinely want to be sure on this)...

'The stretch' is that position wherein F1 is allowed to have his hand(s) at his side. From THIS position F1 can turn his shoulders to check runners.

Now he comes 'Set' - that is, hands together (at or below the chin), and it is here he must come to a stop. It is from this position that he cannot turn his shoulders; if he does, that's a balk.

Again, I know that you know this, but I'm pointing out the differences for any new guys who might be confused by the FED language / semantics B) on this. (This is yet another reason I toss my FED umpires manual in favor of the CCA). :D

[BrianC14]

Great post extremely informative!

My only disagreement (and this is probably form the training I've received and the way my association instructs) is on echoing the balk call. I think it is beneficial to echo all the time, but both umpires have to be on the same page.

Lets assume we're working together. I'm the PU and you're the BU. I call a balk you echo and out comes the DC. I as PU see him coming out and heading your way and need to say, "Dave, I've got this one it was may call." Then take the coach. I don't let him get to you because maybe you saw what I did, maybe not. I don't want you looking bad because I have no idea if you saw the same as me and telling the coach, "Well yeah, uhhh, well he, uhhh... Let me get my partner."

A well echoed call helps sell it and reduce the need for too much discussion. Gives the appearance we both saw it. Then the proper umpire stepping in as appropriate makes the crew look really good, knowledgeable and in control.

The same would apply anytime a coach approaches the wrong umpire like tag up at third they commonly go to the BU when the touch of third is the PU's call. Don't hang your partner up to dry by putting him in a situation where he would even have to say, "That's not my call."

This will demonstrate authority and control on the field.

Just my B)

After thought.

Echoing is a good thing to cover in a pre-game with your partner. Make sure he has the testicular fortitude to take the call from you if you echo. If you believe you may be hung out to dry, don't echo.

Great points! Again, this points to having a proper and complete pre-game with your partner. :D

[Majordave]

for both the starting position on the mound with side of pivot foot touching rubber then the "stretch" to "come set"/complete and discernable stop then deliver the pitch, step to a base, etc.

Not the best written document.

[BrianC14]

for both the starting position on the mound with side of pivot foot touching rubber then the "stretch" to "come set"/complete and discernable stop then deliver the pitch, step to a base, etc.

Not the best written document.

To say the least!

Have you seen Question Number 69 on the NFHS Test, Part 1? B)

[PeteBooth]

I know what you're saying, Major.

Now he comes 'Set' - that is, hands together (at or below the chin), and it is here he must come to a stop.

Not true

From the set, F1 must stop BEFORE he pitches to B1 BUT if F1 wants to pick off a runner NO STOP required.

Example: F1 looks in at F2 for his signs and sees R1 taking a big lead. As he goes from the stretch to the set he fires over to F3. That is legal. It's only when F1 pitches to the batter that he is required to pause / stop etc

Pete Booth

[BrianC14]

Not true

From the set, F1 must stop BEFORE he pitches to B1 BUT if F1 wants to pick off a runner NO STOP required.

Example: F1 looks in at F2 for his signs and sees R1 taking a big lead. As he goes from the stretch to the set he fires over to F3. That is legal. It's only when F1 pitches to the batter that he is required to pause / stop etc

Pete Booth

Pete, I agree - I was only trying to define the two positions that make up "pitching from the stretch" (or set, or opposite of the windup). YMMV on what to call it.

Edited February 12, 2009 by BrianC14

[Bigdog]

Now he comes 'Set' - that is, hands together (at or below the chin), and it is here he must come to a stop. It is from this position that he cannot turn his shoulders; if he does, that's a balk.

Hey all,

Maybe I have overlooked it, but what rule reference for the hands having to be at or below the chin? I don't have my book with at the moment, but I don't remember reading this requirement on the stretch position.

Bigdog:cool:

[mstaylor]

6-1-3

The definition of the set position. Totally stupid FED rule.

Some years back our interpreter tried to get the rule changed, used to say the ball had to below the chin. His argument was it was unenforcable because you had no idea where the ball was in the glove. His intention was to 86 the whole requirement, but instead they changed it to it's present form.

[UmpTTS43]

Hey all,

Maybe I have overlooked it, but what rule reference for the hands having to be at or below the chin? I don't have my book with at the moment, but I don't remember reading this requirement on the stretch position.

Bigdog:cool:

That is a FED rule. 6-1-3

... He shall come to a complete and discernible stop with the ball in both hands in front of the body and his glove at or below his chin. ...

Case book has this: 6.1.3 Situation N

With R1 at third and R2 at first, F1 comes to a complete stop with his glove partially above his chin. Is this legal? Ruling: This is legal

If the entire glove is above his chin when he comes to a complete stop, it is considered an illegal pitch.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

Thanks for the responses. This is my first year doing "Fedlandia" and I must have over looked that wording or just didn't absorb it.

Bigdog:cool:

[Majordave]

That is a FED rule. 6-1-3

... He shall come to a complete and discernible stop with the ball in both hands in front of the body and his glove at or below his chin. ...

.....

If the entire glove is above his chin when he comes to a complete stop, it is considered an illegal pitch.

Seriously, I would only call this one IF, and only if, opposing coach complains and then only after I have warned at least once.

What advantage, if any, does anyone gain by doing this? Why does it matter? Who does it matter to except the OOO's that I hate working with.

This one ranks up there with the "gorilla arm" balk that I am sure will start a firestorm here as it usually does on the other forums when mentioned and discussed. There is no advantage gained by the defense and nothing wrong except it is not expressly allowed by the rules.

My advice is: DON'T be "that guy" that calls those balks without someone complaining first.

My two cents, YMMV.

[UmpTTS43]

I agree with Major on this. If nothing else, let the pitcher know first, either via the catcher as PU or quietly as BU. I did call this during a blowout game last year mainly because I had never called it before. The only other time it was brought to my attention was during a legion game. Of course the legion coach was the HS coach and he "knew" it was the same rule in both rule sets.

[Umpire in Chief]

I wouldn't touch the glove above the chin as Dave stated. I'd love to know the intent behind the rule so it could possibly make sense to me.

[scobes7]

Seriously, I would only call this one IF, and only if, opposing coach complains and then only after I have warned at least once.

What advantage, if any, does anyone gain by doing this? Why does it matter? Who does it matter to except the OOO's that I hate working with.

This one ranks up there with the "gorilla arm" balk that I am sure will start a firestorm here as it usually does on the other forums when mentioned and discussed. There is no advantage gained by the defense and nothing wrong except it is not expressly allowed by the rules.

My advice is: DON'T be "that guy" that calls those balks without someone complaining first.

My two cents, YMMV.

please discuss this...I am not joking...have never heard that term before..