Catcher's Balk

[Guest Buffy Barlow]

Can a catcher's balk be called in a 12U tournament if the catcher's box is not lined on the field?

[Mizzou2016]

Unless the defense is gaining a significant advantage, and the offense is egregious, then I wouldn't call it. That isn't to say it can't be called.

The umpires aren't responsible for lining the fields. If in their judgement the catcher was out of position at the time of pitch, then yes, they can call a balk.

[Rich Ives]

Can a catcher's balk be called in a 12U tournament if the catcher's box is not lined on the field?

What rules?

In OBR it can only happen on an intentional walk attempt, lines or no lines.

Only a pitcher can balk. The balk here would be for pitching while the catcher is not in his box.

[basejester]

Yes.

If you supply more information (e.g., what rules, where the catcher was standing, the situation), we can give a more complete answer.

 

 

[maven]

Visible lines are a convenience, so that everyone knows where a boundary is. So, to answer your question, consider a parallel question:

Can a ball hit to the outfield be foul even if there's no foul line painted out there?

[catsbackr]

Geez guys, just answer Buffy's question.

 

Buffy, yes.

[Rich Ives]

Geez guys, just answer Buffy's question.

 

Buffy, yes.

But only in certain circumstances. Methinks Buffy's team had a balk called and Buffy wants to know if it was legit. That's why we need to know the circumstances.

[ScubaUmp]

YES in OBR rule set, it can be called. Had To Be There. (HTBT) I wasn't.  Still need RULE SET info you were playing under. 

?????? Has the catcher and pitcher been instructed on the mechanics of a properly executed OBR intentional walk, and do they spend time practicing this procedure???????? If not, they should.

If your team is going to be playing more OBR tourneys, introducing the pitching/catching staff to a proper LIVE BALL appeal of a missed base, leaving early on a tag up, along with the Intentional Walk mechanics during practice, should help in preventing situations like this from happening.

Practice like you play.

 

Edited August 4, 2015 by ScubaUmp
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