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Trying to create a little humor over a balk question seeing how the other balk threads are getting a little contentious.

Last night our pitcher was balked for taking signs while off the rubber. I think it was a good call although my catcher said he wasn't giving signs. In my opinion my guys messed up in two ways - 1) the pitcher was looking at the catcher without engaging the rubber and 2) our catcher was adjusting his cup while the pitcher was looking at him. I believe the ump (I may be wrong) called the balk because of what the pitcher was doing and he saw the catchers arm moving while adjusting his cup.

My questions are - what does an umpire actually look for to make this call? Would the plate ump or field ump be in better position to make the call?

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. Thomas Jefferson

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quote:
Originally posted by coach2709:
Trying to create a little humor over a balk question seeing how the other balk threads are getting a little contentious.

Last night our pitcher was balked for taking signs while off the rubber. I think it was a good call although my catcher said he wasn't giving signs. In my opinion my guys messed up in two ways - 1) the pitcher was looking at the catcher without engaging the rubber and 2) our catcher was adjusting his cup while the pitcher was looking at him. I believe the ump (I may be wrong) called the balk because of what the pitcher was doing and he saw the catchers arm moving while adjusting his cup.

My questions are - what does an umpire actually look for to make this call? Would the plate ump or field ump be in better position to make the call?


You are awfully good natured for a coach who was on the receiving end of such a terrible call.

This is not a balk.

The statement "Pitchers shall take their signs from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher's plate" in intended to avoid a quick pitch. There is no penalty attached to the rule. (8.01 (a))

If the move leades to a quick pitch, that can be called. Other than that, the umpire is to instruct the pitcher to follow the rule. If he persists in refusing, he is subject to ejection. But this is not a balk.

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