When a Player Calls a Balk - Illegal Disengagement

[Lindsay]

Can a player call a balk? Although the answer is generally not, Chief Joe West's umpire crew in Colorado appeared to call the pitching infraction after Rockies baserunner Alan Trejo pointed out that Reds pitcher Luis Castillo had balked in the second inning on Thursday. The Play: With one out and...

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[Vegas_Ump]

While I hate it when players/coaches try to umpire, if the pitcher committed a balk, you have to call it.

Might you be giving the impression you are swayed by the offensive team (and thus you are biased)?  How would you feel if you ignored an obvious balk and looked like you were advantaging the defensive team (and maybe you are biased for them now).

If the guy balked, call it.  You may have to defend and implied bias, but your application of the rules and judgement take precedence.  If the manager wants to be a dipstick, let him prove it enough to eject him.

Mike

Las Vegas