Malcolm Rivera
In Major League Baseball, a balk is a confusing and complex rule that involves a pitcher's illegal motion while on the mound with runners on base. The rule was introduced in 1898 to prevent pitchers from intentionally deceiving baserunners and giving them an unfair advantage. Umpires are responsible for calling a balk, which results in the advancement of all runners on base by one base. The specific actions that constitute a balk vary, but they generally involve the pitcher making deceptive movements, such as pretending to throw to one base and then throwing to another, or stopping their delivery mid-motion.
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What You'll Learn
The pitcher's motion
Pitchers must adhere to a specific set of motions and one of two basic pitching positions before and during their pitch. They must first agree on a pitch with their catcher and then get to the set position, which involves a complete stop with the body still and the hands together. Any fluidity between receiving the sign and throwing home that skips the set position can result in a balk. Additionally, pitchers cannot switch from the windup back to the set position without fully stepping off the pitching rubber.
Right-handed pitchers, who face the third-base side, must complete their motion once it begins and it must be directed clearly towards either home plate or the base they are throwing to. They cannot stop mid-motion unless they step off the pitching rubber. Right-handed pitchers also cannot make a deceptive move to any base other than first base. For example, they cannot pretend to throw to third base and then attempt to pick off the runner at first base.
Left-handed pitchers, who have a straight-on view of the runner at first base, must land their right foot in the direction they plan to throw once it is raised. They must also ensure that their body forms a "T" with the pitching rubber and is turned perpendicular to it when in the set position. Left-handed pitchers cannot fake a throw to first base without stepping off the rubber. If they step directly towards the base, they must make the throw.
In general, once a pitcher starts their delivery towards the plate, they cannot stop or add any extra body movement, as this can result in a balk. Any illegal movement by the pitcher can be called a balk by the umpire, who has the discretion to make this decision.
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The pitcher's position
Pitching Motions and Positions:
Firstly, pitchers are restricted to a set of prescribed motions and one of two basic pitching positions before and during their pitch. They must either be in the stretch position or the windup position. The stretch position is commonly used when there are runners on base, and it involves the pitcher stepping back with the rear foot, rocking, and throwing while keeping their body oriented towards the batter. The windup position is typically used when the bases are empty, and it allows for a more fluid and dynamic pitching motion.
Agreement with the Catcher:
Before starting their motion towards home plate, pitchers must first agree on a pitch with their catcher. Any fluidity or skipping of the set position between receiving the signal and throwing can result in a balk. Pitchers must come to a complete stop, with their body still and hands together, before initiating their pitch.
Left-Handed and Right-Handed Pitchers:
The rules for left-handed and right-handed pitchers differ slightly due to their varying orientations on the pitching mound. Left-handed pitchers, or "southpaws," have a straight-on view of the runner at first base. They must be careful when raising their right foot, ensuring it lands in the direction they intend to throw. Right-handed pitchers, on the other hand, face the third-base side. They must complete their motion once it begins, and it must be clearly directed toward either home plate or the base they are throwing to.
Deceptive Movements:
Pitchers are prohibited from making deceptive movements to any base other than first base. They cannot pretend to throw to one base and then attempt to pick off a runner at another base. This rule was introduced in 2013 and is intended to prevent pitchers from intentionally deceiving baserunners.
Stopping Mid-Delivery:
Once a pitcher starts their delivery toward the plate, they cannot stop for any reason. If they do, it is considered a balk. Any hesitation, flinching, or subtle movement during the set position can result in a balk.
Faking a Throw:
Pitchers are not allowed to fake a throw to first base without stepping off the rubber. If they step directly toward first base, they are obliged to make the throw. This restriction is in place to prevent pitchers from feigning a throw to gain an advantage over the runners.
Dropping the Ball:
Embarrassingly, if a pitcher drops the ball before delivering a pitch, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it is considered a balk, and the runners advance.
In summary, the pitcher's position in relation to balks is highly regulated to maintain fairness and prevent deception in the game. Pitchers must be mindful of their movements, agreements with the catcher, and the type of pitching position they are in to avoid committing a balk.
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The pitcher's hands
Right-handed pitchers, who face the third-base side, must ensure their hand movements are fluid and continuous once they begin their motion. Any stopping or hesitation during their delivery can be deemed a balk. For example, if a right-handed pitcher mimics their normal delivery and then stops before releasing the ball, it will be called a balk.
Left-handed pitchers, who have a direct view of the runner at first base, must be careful with their footwork and hand coordination. When a left-handed pitcher raises their right foot, they must ensure it is directed towards their intended throw. Any deceptive moves, such as pretending to throw to third base and then attempting to pick off the runner at first, are considered balks.
In addition to hand movements, pitchers must also be mindful of their feet and overall body positioning to avoid balks. The pitcher's body must form a "T" with the pitching rubber, and they must come to a complete stop with their hands together before releasing the ball. This rule was strictly enforced, leading to records of multiple balks in a single game for some pitchers.
Understanding and avoiding balks are essential in Major League Baseball. While the rule may seem complex and open to interpretation, its primary purpose is to prevent pitchers from intentionally deceiving baserunners and gaining an unfair advantage. Umpires are responsible for calling balks and ensuring fair play.
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The pitcher's foot
Firstly, pitchers must understand the concept of the set position. Before starting their motion towards home plate, pitchers must get into the set position, which involves achieving a complete stop with their body still and their hands together. The pitcher's foot should be stationary during this set position. Any subtle movement or flinching, including the separation of their hands, without immediately delivering the pitch or a pickoff throw, can result in a balk being called.
Right-handed pitchers, or "righties," face the third-base side. When making a pickoff throw to first base, they must complete their motion without stopping mid-motion unless they step off the pitching rubber. Righties must ensure their feet are positioned correctly and maintain fluidity in their movements.
Left-handed pitchers, or "southpaws," have a direct view of the runner at first base. When a lefty raises their right foot, they must ensure they land it in the direction they intend to throw. Lefties must also be cautious when faking a throw to first base. If they step directly toward the base, they are obligated to make the throw; otherwise, it will be considered a balk.
In addition, pitchers of both orientations must be aware of the fake to third, throw to first play, which was classified as a balk beginning in the 2013 season. This rule change prevents pitchers from deceiving baserunners by pretending to throw to one base and then throwing to another.
Overall, the pitcher's footwork is crucial in avoiding balks. Any illegal movement or deception detected by the umpire can result in a balk being called, impacting the game significantly.
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The pitch
The balk is one of the most confusing rules in baseball, with a lot of grey areas that can be frustrating to fans, coaches, and players. In essence, a balk is a pitcher's illegal action while on the mound with runners on base. The balk was introduced to the rule book in 1898 to prevent pitchers from intentionally deceiving baserunners.
When a pitcher starts their delivery towards the plate, they cannot stop for any reason. If they do, it results in a balk. Pitchers are also prohibited from making deceptive moves to any base other than first base. For instance, a pitcher cannot pretend to throw to third base and then attempt to pick out the runner at first base if there is a runner occupying first. This would qualify as a balk.
There are three deliveries that pitchers can use: stretch position, windup position, or set. Pitchers frequently throw from the set position if there is an unoccupied base. They step back with the rear foot, rock, and throw while keeping their body towards the batter. Before kicking or sliding and throwing the ball to the home plate while in the set position, pitchers must bring their hands together and come to a complete stop.
Umpires have a wide discretion on what is or isn't a balk, and they don't have to explain themselves. If an umpire deems the pitcher pretended to throw without clear intention of following through, the balk is called, and each of the runners moves up one base.
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Frequently asked questions
A balk is a pitcher's illegal motion while on the mound with runners on base. This act results in the advancement of all runners on base.
A balk is called when the pitcher pretends to throw the ball but doesn't, in order to trick the base runners. If a pitcher makes any sort of motion that mimics their normal delivery and then stops before releasing the pitch, that's a balk. A pitcher also can't throw a pitch right after getting the ball back from the catcher.
In the MLB, balks are live balls and the runners are awarded bases after the play fully develops. If a balk is called and the batter hits the pitch, all the runners, including the batter, must advance safely by one base for the play to stand.
Pitchers must get to the set position or a complete stop with the body still and hands together before starting their motion toward home plate. If there's any fluidity between receiving the sign and throwing home that skips the set, or if a pitcher flinches during the set, the umpire can call a balk.
