Another balk question.....

kevin11,

In the wind-up position if the pitcher starts with his hands apart and then reaches into the glove it is not a balk. However, after reaching into the glove (i.e. putting his hands together) he has only two choices:

1) Step off of the rubber with the pivot foot first.
2) Deliver a pitch to the batter.

If, after reaching into the glove, he pulls his hand back out he has simulated the start of his delivery and must continue and deliver to the batter. If he pulls his hand back out and just stops he has balked.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Pilsner, I was unaware of this and sitting in the stands, I couldn't hear his explanation. Thanks for the clarification.