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Situation:

Right Handed Pitcher in stretch with runner on third.
In a "bulldog" stance (bending over at waist, glove hand on L knee), with pitching arm (R) hanging down, moving, with ball in the pitching hand.
Glove on left knee.

Is this a balk?

My understanding is that it was not a balk as there is no intent to deceive the runner.

Was called as a balk during game yesterday, and explained that pitcher can hang arm BUT ball MUST be in the glove, NOT in his throwing hand.

Your comments, rule interpretations, suggestions are appreciated.

We are following MLB Baseball Rules, and under The Pitcher Rule 8.05, I just don't read it.

Thank you!!
Original Post

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quote:
Originally posted by pioneers3:
quote:
Originally posted by piaa_ump:
This is called the "Gorilla stance" and it is a balk as you described under NFHS rules....

it is not a balk under NCAA or OBR (mlb) rules......


So in High School the baseball has got to be in the glove?


Prior to this year, In NFHS rules the "gorilla stance" was illegal... period.....

This year, the NFHS rule was modified that the stance is now legal, but that the arm must remain stationary and not swing back and forth....the ball can be in either the hand or the glove...
as described in the OP, the ball in hand, moving...it would be the moving back and forth that would make it a balk offense....

This is covered in NFHS rule 6-1-3 on page 38 and in the case book on 6-1-3P on page 51.
Last edited by piaa_ump

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