HS pitcher "gorilla" arm issue

[D62 blue]

there seems to be some confusion about this HS rule interpretation and when to enforce . i have had two gms where the pitcher was doing this movement , and coaches asking about the to rule and when to call the balk or not . i may haven been ruling incorrectly ?

in the 2010 HS baseball rules "simplified & illustrated" pg 11, there are twp pics showing this movement , rule 6-1-3 , quote ; " a pitcher who is in the set position may have his arm hanging at his side or slightly in front of him , as shown (in the pic 1) . this stance , commonly called the "gorilla stance " is legal as long as the arm is not moving . if the arm is moving as shown (in the pic 2) , the pitcher is committed to pitch . if he fails to do so with a runner(s) on base , the pitcher has balked . " this is how i have been so far ruling on this in gms . note pg 106 also makes reference to the rule .

now in the 2011 HS case book pg 51, 6.1.3 situation P : quote; " with a runner on first . team A rt handed pitcher is in the set position , bent at the waist and his pitching arm naturally hangs down slightly in front or to the side away from his body . as he looks in to the catcher for a signal a) the pitcher arm is stationary or B) the pitching arm rocks slightly from side to side . RULING in a) the position of the arm is natural and can be considered by his side in the meeting the rule . B) any movement of the arm is considered the start of the pitching motion and a pitch must be delivered to the plate so this motion results in a balk . "

also in the 2011 HS rules by topic , the language is the same pg 55 6.1.3 .

it would appear that a modification of the rule(language) has taken place from 2010 and 2011 ? curious how others in the group are ruling in gms ? and other comments welcome . i believe that i need to change how i have been ruling on this going forward .

d62 blue

[JaxRolo]

I believe that the wording from 2010 to 2011 mean essentially the same thing.

I have called that 3 times this year at the JV level.

One time the coach argued because he said I can't call a balk unless the pitcher is set. :lookup

[semper_fi_72]

I called it in first inning, the first time there was a runner on base on one pitcher.

There were no arguments.

If arm moves in this case I balk them.

He did not do it again.

[mstaylor]

I believe that the wording from 2010 to 2011 mean essentially the same thing.

I have called that 3 times this year at the JV level.

One time the coach argued because he said I can't call a balk unless the pitcher is set.

That's like a batter telling you that you can't call a pitch a strike because the catcher didn't catch it. :banghead:

[D62 blue]

I believe that the wording from 2010 to 2011 mean essentially the same thing.

I have called that 3 times this year at the JV level.

One time the coach argued because he said I can't call a balk unless the pitcher is set.

That's like a batter telling you that you can't call a pitch a strike because the catcher didn't catch it.

sounds like iam on the right track , balk every time . if he swings the arm .

d62

[tjthresh]

I called this a few times last year. I had a game where both starters liked to dangle their arms. Home pitcher would lean in and swing away. TIME. THATS A BALK. Visiting pitcher would lean in and "rock forward and settle" I got nothing. Do any of you see that different?

[JaxRolo]

I called this a few times last year. I had a game where both starters liked to dangle their arms. Home pitcher would lean in and swing away. TIME. THATS A BALK. Visiting pitcher would lean in and "rock forward and settle" I got nothing. Do any of you see that different?

Sounds good to me! :cheers:

[JamesC]

I had one tonight. Called it on the kid, no problems. Then he started to keep the ball in his glove, and wasn't swinging anymore. My question is, if he doesn't have the ball in his hand but in his glove, is it still a balk?!

[yawetag]

I had one tonight. Called it on the kid, no problems. Then he started to keep the ball in his glove, and wasn't swinging anymore. My question is, if he doesn't have the ball in his hand but in his glove, is it still a balk?!

Yes.