Jonah Patel
In baseball, a balk is a set of illegal motions or actions that a pitcher may make. The ruling on a balk differs based on the level at which it is played. For instance, in high school baseball, a balk results in an immediate dead ball, and the pitch is generally nullified. This article will explore the various illegal motions and actions that constitute a balk in high school baseball, as well as the consequences and strategies associated with this rule.
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What You'll Learn
Illegal motions or actions by the pitcher
In baseball, a balk refers to illegal motions or actions by the pitcher, which can be called by an umpire at any level of the game. It is a controversial rule that can be confusing for fans, coaches, and players. The ruling on a balk differs depending on the level at which it is played. For instance, in high school baseball, a balk results in an immediate dead ball, whereas in the MLB and college baseball, balks are considered live balls.
A pitcher can be called for a balk when they make deceptive or illegal motions that violate the rules and confuse the baserunners. This includes making deceptive movements, failing to come to a complete stop, or not delivering the pitch properly. The pitcher must bring their hands together and halt completely before pitching from the set position. The pitcher is in the set position when their body forms a 'T' with the pitching rubber and is turned perpendicular to it.
A balk can also occur when a pitcher starts their delivery towards the plate but stops for any reason, or if there is any subtle movement or extra body movement during the delivery. This can be caused by a runner stealing early or a fielder/coach yelling. If a pitcher is on the rubber without the ball, they can be called for a balk if they make deceptive movements intended to confuse baserunners.
There are specific rules regarding throwing or faking a throw to the bases. A pitcher must step towards the base in the direction they intend to throw or fake a throw. They cannot fake a throw to first base without stepping off the rubber first. If they step directly towards first base, they must complete the throw. This applies to both left-handed and right-handed pitchers.
Additionally, with runners on base, a pitcher can be called for a balk if they switch pitching positions from the windup to the set, or vice versa, without properly disengaging the rubber. With a runner on base, it is also considered a balk if the pitcher makes a motion associated with a pitch but does not complete the delivery, or delivers a quick return pitch with the intention of catching the batter off-guard.
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Failing to complete the pitching delivery
Additionally, a balk occurs if the pitcher fails to pitch to the batter in a continuous motion immediately after any movement of any part of the body that the pitcher habitually uses in their delivery. This includes failing to pitch, make an attempt, or play, including a legal feint, within 20 seconds of receiving the ball. In this case, the batter is awarded one ball, and the umpire ensures that the ball is promptly returned to the pitcher.
The pitcher must also complete their delivery to the plate if they step towards home. Failing to do so results in an illegal pitch or balk. This applies to both the windup and set positions, which are the only two legal pitching positions in high school baseball. When pitching from the set position, the pitcher must make a complete stop with their hands together before beginning to pitch; failing to do so is considered a balk.
Furthermore, a balk is called if the pitcher, with a runner on base, makes a motion associated with a pitch and does not complete the delivery. This includes situations where the pitcher bobbles the ball while in contact with the pitching plate or drops the ball while in contact with the rubber, and the ball does not break the plane of the foul line.
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Failing to make a complete stop before pitching
In high school baseball, there are only two legal pitching positions: the wind-up position and the set position. Any pitch using a modified stance would be illegal and result in either an illegal pitch or a balk.
When pitching from the set position, a pitcher must make a complete stop with their hands together before beginning to pitch. Failing to do so constitutes a balk. This is the most common type of balk in high school baseball.
If a pitcher is pitching from the wind-up position, it is legal for them to fail to make a complete stop before pitching as long as they step towards the base. However, if they step towards home, they must complete the delivery to the plate. Failing to do so is an illegal pitch or balk.
It is also important to note that a pitcher shall not make a quick-return pitch in an attempt to catch the batter off balance. This is considered a balk under the Official Baseball Rules.
In high school baseball, a balk results in an immediate dead ball. When a balk is enforced, the pitch is generally nullified, each runner is awarded one base, and the batter remains at bat with the previous count.
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Throwing from the mound without stepping toward the base
In high school baseball, a balk occurs when a pitcher makes illegal motions or actions, often involving pretending to pitch without the intention of doing so. One such action that constitutes a balk is "throwing from the mound without stepping toward the base".
This particular action refers to a pitcher throwing from the mound to a base without first stepping toward the intended base, i.e., gaining distance and direction toward that base. In other words, the pitcher must make a move toward the base before throwing the ball. This rule applies whether the base is occupied or unoccupied.
For example, if a pitcher throws to first base without first taking a step toward first base, it is considered a balk. This is because the pitcher has not gained any distance or direction toward first base before releasing the ball.
It is important to note that there are variations in the rules depending on the specific league and level of play. For instance, in Major League Baseball, a pitcher is allowed to ""feint to third and throw to first" as long as their pivot foot disengages the rubber after the initial feint. However, this move is considered a balk in high school baseball.
Understanding the balk rule is crucial in high school baseball as it can significantly impact the game. When a balk is called, the pitch is nullified, each runner is awarded one base, and the batter usually remains at-bat with the previous count.
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Feinting to an unoccupied base
In baseball, a balk involves a pitcher making illegal motions or actions, often pretending to pitch with no intention of doing so. Under the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS Baseball Rules), a balk results in an immediate dead ball.
One such illegal action is "feinting to an unoccupied base". According to the official MLB rules, a balk will be called on the pitcher when "the pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play". This is often referred to as the “fake to third, throw to first” play, which was classified as a balk in 2013.
There are specific scenarios where pitchers can throw to an unoccupied base without a balk being called. A pitcher can throw or feint a throw to an unoccupied base when making an appeal play, such as when a runner leaves too early. Additionally, a pitcher is permitted to throw to an unoccupied base during instances of a steal or an appeal. In these situations, the offense can appeal a play by having the pitcher throw to an unoccupied base after the play has finished and the ball is live.
It is important to note that if no runners are on base and the pitcher commits an otherwise balkable action, there is generally no penalty. However, if a pitcher repeatedly commits illegal actions without runners on base, they may be subject to ejection for persistently violating the rules.
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Frequently asked questions
A balk is a set of illegal motions or actions that a pitcher may make. In high school baseball, a balk results in an immediate dead ball.
A balk can be called when a pitcher makes a motion to deliver a pitch with runners on base, or when the pitcher attempts an illegal quick pitch. A balk can also occur when a pitcher fails to come to a complete stop, or does not deliver the pitch properly.
When a balk is called, runners on base are awarded one base. The pitch is generally nullified, and the batter remains at bat with the previous count.
