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8 replies

Balk or not to Balk - that is the ?

N NeilfishMember
I have searched a few rule books and I connot find where a pitcher getting the signal from the catcher while not footing the rubber is a balk.

I have asked & asked and I get a different anwser everytime.
1. It's a catchers balk
2. It's a balk
3. It's a warning the first time, then if it occurs again the pitcher can be removed.
4. Give a warning, if it happends again the Head Coach & Catcher is ejected.

What gives & can anyone give me the rule #.

Thanks. Smile
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Michael S. TaylorMichael S. Taylor1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by TRhit:
How does anyone know when the pitcher got the actual sign?

You are exactly right and is why we generally try to leave the sign taking alone. I've actually have suggested that the manager give them directly to the pitcher. I have told the catcher has to know what is coming so they give the catcher the sign and then he gives it to the pitcher. Confused
Can't they both see it at the same time?
Last edited by Michael S. Taylor
Jimmy03Jimmy031,000+ posts
As Mr. Taylor has stated, this in only described as a balk in FED.

The intent of the rule is to require the pitcher to take signals, or simulate taking signals from the rubber to avoid a quick pitch. No where does it state he must take signals ONLY from the catcher.

Proper inforcement in all codes is to simply prevent the quick pitch.
N NavyUmp10+ posts
I think emphasis of the question in the OP is whether F1 must be engaged while taking signs. And yes, the pitcher shall be on the rubber when he leans in to take signs from the catcher. It is not a balk in OBR but the umpire should correct it (see Jim Evans Balk video).

Base runners can be at a disadvantage if they think F1 is engaged while he is taking signs. If F1 is not engaged then he doesn't have to step to throw.
N NeilfishMember
quote:
Originally posted by NavyUmp:
I think emphasis of the question in the OP is whether F1 must be engaged while taking signs. And yes, the pitcher shall be on the rubber when he leans in to take signs from the catcher. It is not a balk in OBR but the umpire should correct it (see Jim Evans Balk video).

Base runners can be at a disadvantage if they think F1 is engaged while he is taking signs. If F1 is not engaged then he doesn't have to step to throw.


I can understand your point - if the pitcher has his foot just behind the rubber (bending over to take signals) and yes I can see this as a balk, because the pitcher is trying to decieve the runner and pretending that he is on the rubber. But the cases I am refering too is if the pitcher is just standing at the back of the mound, in no way is he trying to decive the runner.

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