Question Regarding Balk (or potential balk)

No balk.  The batter, another player, or coach cannot cause pitcher to balk.  He should have thrown the ball but him stopping is  not a balk because the umpire ruled the actions of the batter caused the pitcher to stop.

For OBR rule reference, see 5.04(b)(2)  Comment, starting on page 18

https://content.mlb.com/docume...all_Rules_FINAL_.pdf

thanks.

As stated by @PitchingFan it’s not a balk as the umpire ruled the batter induced the pitcher’s actions.

Not a balk and if the batter had stepped out of the box on the delivery and the pitch is thrown, your mind may have been blown because *2* strikes could be called (7-3-1 PEN - unnecessary delay leaving the box) and 7-2-1 (strike rule).  Typically though only one is called for the stepping out.

We were in a travel tourney once.  Bases loaded.  Same deal.  Batter called time and my son (10 at time) just stopped his pitch and the ump called balk.  It's considered a judgement call per him.  But the balk rule is in place because the pitcher is attempting to deceive a runner.  Not the case here.  But they got the run anyway. 

Son threw a pitch in SEC game Saturday and the umpire never called time.  Batter stepped in and got everything adjusted and then as son was in motion stuck his hand up and called time. Son pitched and Umpire called strike and place erupted.

And, unfortunately, the ump gave the batter a make-up call on the next pitch, which should have been called third strike, but instead gave him another swing and cost a run.  Oh, well...  I was still an awesome save.