Ball or Balk

[MarcusVRoberts]

The rule states that if a pitcher intentionally or unintentionally drops the ball it is a balk.  

 

My question is:  If the pitcher starts his delivery, but drops the ball before before his hands is going forward, should I rule it a ball, or a balk?

Thanks for your help...

[Rich Ives]

Runner(s):  If it crosses a foul line it's a ball. If not - it's a balk.

 

No runner(s): It's nothing.

[MarcusVRoberts]

Hey thanks Rich. Just to clarify, let's say his hand was going forward and it slipped out the back and ended up rolling down the front side of the mound. It doesn't cross the foul line or the plate. Still a balk?

(Runners on 1st and 3rd)

[ALStripes17]

Hey thanks Rich. Just to clarify, let's say his hand was going forward and it slipped out the back and ended up rolling down the front side of the mound. It doesn't cross the foul line or the plate. Still a balk?

(Runners on 1st and 3rd)

The point of the plate is where the foul lines join. Rich's previous answer gives you all you need.

[MarcusVRoberts]

Okay thank you...I made the right call!

[FleasOf1000Camels]

PS...remember proper timing.

The instant that ball hits the ground, offense and fans will start yelling BALK.

While it most likely WILL become a balk, it doesn't actually become one until it is touched or stops rolling without crossing a baseline.

It's rare that a ball will roll that far, especially on grass infields, but the whole time it's rolling along it is a live ball.

[MarcusVRoberts]

Good point Fleas! Thanks

[Guest JSikula93]

If there was no one on, and this situation occurred, isn't that an illegal pitch, therefore a ball ?

[Rich Ives]

If there was no one on, and this situation occurred, isn't that an illegal pitch, therefore a ball ?

 

Read this then decide:

 

2.00 An ILLEGAL PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate; (2) a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk.

[Guest JSikula93]

 

If there was no one on, and this situation occurred, isn't that an illegal pitch, therefore a ball ?

 

Read this then decide:

 

2.00 An ILLEGAL PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate; (2) a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk.

 

Ahhh. And 

i just read 

"(d) If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.

Rule 8.01(d) Comment: A ball which slips out of a pitchers 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."

 

thanks for the help