Discernible Pause

[zoops]

Had a coach who is a pain to work for come out for the pre-game meeting of the 2nd game of a doubleheader and ask "so how was that not a pause one time and not the others?"  He was referring to an opposing reliever who pitched the last inning of the first game who was close to not pausing a few times and we did balk him once when he definitely did not stop before going home.  This coach is notorious for wanting "no pause" balks called in his favor.  

 

If I am remembering correctly, I had a clinic instructor describe it as if the hands have stopped moving downward prior to the pitcher starting his delivery (usually moving the non-pivot foot), you have a pause.  I've had others say it's kind of like porn: hard to describe it but you'll know it when you see it!  How do you define a "complete and discernible pause?"  

[noumpere]

 How do you define a "complete and discernible pause?"  

I usually use the "hands stop before the foot moves" criteria.

[Tksjewelry]

I don't know if this is right, but when I see the pause I drop into position when PU, mostly because I do more one man. I've been asked this before and this is what I tell coaches: If I was able to get into position to see the pitch, he paused enough for my judgement.

[Replacematt]

If you can see the whole body motionless at one time, you have a discernable pause. If not, you don't. Balk it.

[Stan W.]

My old mentor told me to use the word "boom"....to say it in your head when the hands stop....that's the pause I'm looking for....

[ElkOil]

Remember, too, that a mere change of direction does NOT equate to a pause.

[Jimurray]

Remember, too, that a mere change of direction does NOT equate to a pause.

Moderator, please use your word editor to "find/change" the word "pause" to the word "stop" in this thread:)

[catsbackr]

Just tell the jack-wagon coach that the ones you balked him on you had no stop and the ones you didn't balk that you did have a stop.  Real simple coach.

[BillKen]

I'll tell catchers and pitchers...if you don't want me to make a call, don't cut it that close.  The surest way to avoid a judgement call against you is to make sure there can be no doubt in the umpire's mind.

[zoops]

Just tell the jack-wagon coach that the ones you balked him on you had no stop and the ones you didn't balk that you did have a stop. 

 

Almost exactly what I did say.  

[johnnyg08]

A complete and discernible stop.

[zm1283]

Just tell the jack-wagon coach that the ones you balked him on you had no stop and the ones you didn't balk that you did have a stop.  Real simple coach.

 

You stole my thunder.

 

"I had a stop" or "I didn't have a stop"

 

No further explanation needed. 

[Rich Ives]

My old mentor told me to use the word "boom"....to say it in your head when the hands stop....that's the pause I'm looking for....

 

Everything has to stop.

[Mr Ump]

I set when he sets. If I can't set then he didn't pause.