Talk:Balk

Clean up

I cleaned up this page a little. First of all, balks are not judgment calls (i.e. "ball/strike" is a judgment call). Balks are simply violations of rules as outlined in the rule book. Additionally, the pitcher's intent has nothing to do with a balk.

I train umpires, so I see these misconceptions from coaches and players very often. If you have any questions, I would be happy to clarify anything. Please discuss on this page. Ags412 06:15, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Again, ball/strike is not a judgement call last i checked. Being a trainer for umpires i guess you knew that.

i am not sure where you are going with the statement that "Balks are things a pitcher does to deceive a runner". Then what is the purpose of the rule to begin with? Balks are when pitchers attempt to deceive batters or runners with where they intend on going with a pitch. The procedures you cite that cause a balk are baseball's description of what is deceptive and what is not. They can change tomorrow if they feel pitchers have found new ways to deceive runners. Then your article is wrong and you will need to change it.

The purpose of the balk rule is to prevent pitcher's from performing actions deemed illegal. The words "deception", "deceive", etc. are no where to be found in the rule book. The list of violations is NOT baseball's description of what deceives a runner like you said. For example, does dropping the ball on the rubber deceive a runner? No, but it is a balk because it's a rule violation. Does throwing to an unoccupied base deceive a runner? No, and it certainly won't get anybody out if the base is unoccupied! But again, it is a balk because it's a rule violation.

Balks are simply a list of things a pitcher is prohibited from doing. Pitchers are in reality encouraged to deceive runners if they can find legal ways to do so. And no, baseball cannot change the rules tomorrow. In fact, the balk rules have not changed in almost 100 years. It is sad the majority of baseball fans have never read the rule book, it provides such a better understanding of the game. But the fact is, balks are very clear cut rule violations. and have nothing to do with "deceiving runners".

This is not meant to be an attacking post, I'm just trying to help more people understand balks.Ags412 18:37, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

My point is what is the purpose of the rule. All rules serve a purpose for existing. I dont have a historical book on how all of the rules developed- Im sure the intent of a rule is not included in the baseball rule book. Since day one pitchers have been encourgaged to deceive runners and hitters- i agree- but one of the violations you cite for a balk is throwing when a hitter is not ready. I think this would be considered deception or tricking the hitter. I think the problem you are having in regards with people thinking balks are intended to limit the pitchers ability to deceive- is your are just applying codes without attempting to explain why they exist. Rules are meant to be created, changed, and removed however the heart of a rule will never change. I believe the original intent for a balk was to limit the pitchers ability to "over deceive". Do not cite the MLB rule book saying this is not right. Get some history about the codes you are citing and why the codes exist to begin with. For instance- the NJ driver's handbook says dont speed- doesnt say why - there is certainly a reason why we have speeding limits. This article would be better with a history of the rule along with the violations you cite.

I appreciate your interest in the history of the balk rule, however what you are seeking is not the purpose of this article. You are literally asking for my opinion on the intent of balks and/or original research into their purpose. There is no official documentation of the intent of rules. Why is it three strikes for an out as opposed to two or four? Now of course the balk rules aren't an arbitrary number and there is purpose behind them.

If asked my opinion, I would say the balk rules force a sense of order and discipline upon pitchers so everyone knows what is expected to happen. But this is my opinion and I cannot put that in the article. Another umpire might have another theory. Maybe there is a credible source we can find that has a credible opinion, so if you want to find it (and cite it) you have that ability.

I am however adamant that the phrase "to deceive a runner" remains out of this article. That misconception completely misrepresents the rule and will only confuse readers. It is not true and connecting it to this rule will only do a disservice to readers trying to understand the balk rule. It is an untrue statement and belongs nowhere in this article.Ags412 17:39, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

What I find intersting though- is no doubt you have been around baseball for a while but I was watching a telecast of a game the other day and heard sarge matthews say a balk is when a pitcher decieves a runner or hitter. Mr. Matthews probably has a bit more experience with baseball than either you or I.

While Mr. Matthews does have more experience in baseball, it does not mean he knows the rules precisely. Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver make the same mistake all the time. It is unbelievably frustrating that people who have spent their lives in baseball do not understand this rule. This is why such a rumor exists. But unfortunately there is no requirement of reading the rulebook to become a player, coach, or announcer. I guarantee if you ask an MLB umpire, they would not make the same mistake. I of course concede Mr. Matthews knows much more than me in hitting, fielding, coaching, etc. But experience is not a factor in this instance, it is merely a case of reading the rulebook correctly.Ags412 16:01, 16 April 2007 (UTC)

In this portion: <<This is called the "fake to third, throw to first" play because the pitcher first fakes to third and subsequently throws to first.>> is the "because" portion really needed? It seems obvious from the name. Jeisenberg (talk) 01:01, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

Deception

In the Official Baseball Rules, the Comments to Rule 8.05 specifically refer to determining intent to deceive the runner. Here is one such reference:

"Comment: Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire’s mind, the “intent” of the pitcher should govern. However, certain specifics should be borne in mind:

(a) Straddling the pitcher’s rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.

(b) With a runner on first base the pitcher may make a complete turn, without hesitating toward first, and throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as throwing to an unoccupied base.

"

Of course, the Comments in essence have the same effect as rules, as noted in the Foreword to the Official Baseball Rules:

"IMPORTANT NOTE

The Official Playing Rules Committee at its December 1977 meeting, voted to incorporate the Notes Case Book Comments section directly into the Official Playing Rules at the appropriate places. Basically, the Case Book interprets or elaborates on the basic rules and in essence have the same effect as rules when applied to particular sections for which they are intended. This arrangement is designed to give quicker access to any written language pertaining to an Official Rule and does not require a reader to refer to different sections of the Official Playing Rules book in considering the application of a particular rule."

Justus R 01:55, 12 May 2007 (UTC)

So it is never allowable to fake a throw to first base? In other words would the play seen in "Little Big League" (Yes, I know it's just a movie) where the pitcher fakes the throw to first as if to pick off Griffey, everybody runs to foul territory as if the ball got away, and then the pitcher throws Griffey out at second have been correctly ruled a balk? ---B- (talk) 04:20, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

The purpose of this section when I wrote it was to refute the argument that was going on, above, over whether intent to deceive the runner was a part of the balk rule, not to talk about which specific actions should be called balks in a game.

This discussion should be more about the article rather than a forum on the application of the rule, unless that impacts the editing of the article. Having said that, in answer to your question, if the pitcher steps towards first base directly from the set position, he must throw to first. He may, however, step backwards off the pitcher's plate (legally coming out of the set position), then throw or fake a throw to first base. I have not seen the movie, but I did find a clip on You Tube. In the clip, you can't see the pitcher's feet, so it is not possible to tell with 100% certainty if he stepped backwards first. However, it appears that he did not. If it is correct that he faked the throw to first base without first stepping off, then that was a balk and the runner would be awarded second base. Justus R (talk) 14:58, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

Doesn't it depend on the handedness of the pitcher? i.e. a left handed pitcher can fake to first base from the set position, but a righty can't? Marendrent (talk) 18:44, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

The balk rule does not differentiate between what a left-hander and a right-hander can do. What left-handers often do is to make a quick step backwards with their left (pivot) foot, then fake a throw. That play is legal because the back step legally disengages the pitcher from the rubber and they are no longer in the set position. At that point, they may throw or fake a throw, but they may not pitch or fake a pitch. Justus R (talk) 00:54, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

Editing list of balkable actions

It seems today one or two editors (depending on who the IP address belongs to, have added balkable actions to the list without providing comment or source. They are not reflected in the rule. WHile there are instances where such actions may result in a balk being called, the specifics are contained in other portions of the rule already listed. For example, "throws to the first baseman, who because of his distance from the bag, cannot make a tag attempt on the runner" is not listed in the rule. However, "unnecessarily delays the game" covers that particular action by the terms of the Comment: "Rule 8.05(h) Comment: Rule 8.05(h) shall not apply when a warning is given pursuant to Rule 8.02(c) (which prohibits intentional delay of a game by throwing to fielders not in an attempt to put a runner out). If a pitcher is ejected pursuant to Rule 8.02(c) for continuing to delay the game, the penalty in Rule 8.05(h) shall also apply."

Also, how is "Engages the rubber with his hands together; the balk may be called once he separates his hands" different from "after bringing his hands together on the rubber, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw"?

I am removing these two on the list for now, pending an explanation of why they belong in this list. Justus R 03:05, 11 July 2007 (UTC)

I added the part about the first baseman because it is specific to first base. For some reason in the rules, first base has some special designations. For example, you cannot fake a throw to first base while in contact. Also, you cannot throw to the first baseman if, because of his distance from the bag, cannot make a play on the runner.

I've cleaned up the wording on this a bit. Clearer, but not as elegant. Locarno

But, you could fake a throw to second or third base. Also, for example, you could throw to the shortstop who is 10 feet from the bag if there is a runner on second. I cannot cite an online source, however, this is coming from Jaksa and Roder's Rules of Professional Baseball. You can find their book at rulesofbaseball.com. These guys taught at the only umpiring schools that are licensed to train umpires for Major League Baseball. This example of throwing to the first baseman is specifically covered in that. It is not directly in OBR because it is a casebook example. In fact, I believe it might be in the PBUC Umpire Manual. No offense Justus R, but you cannot claim to be a "rules freak" if you don't know about this example Jpm986 13:27, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

Editing Article to conform language to OBR

In the Official Baseball Rules, the rule on calling a balk for delaying the game says "unnecessarily" not inordinately. That is why I put in "unnecessarily" in that bullet point. Also, throwing to the first baseman while in contact with the pitcher's plate when not close enough to make a play on the runner is no different from throwing to another fielder who is not close enough to make a play. Hence, I removed that listing as being non-comprehensive and not reflective of the rule. While it is true that such an action can be called a balk, it is certainly not described in that manner.

If there are citations to rules other than OBR that do use that wording, then some compromise language referring to the differing rules certainly may be possible.Justus R 21:54, 12 July 2007 (UTC)

This article need not match OBR; it should instead report whatever verifiable rules there are on the balk. I can confirm that Jaksa/Roder manual is an authoritative source when it comes to baseball rules. Also there are dozens of errors in the OBR; the "unnecessarily" wording is one of them. It is obvious to any baseball fan that pitchers at all levels unnecessarily delay the game all the time. Do I really need to go find a journalist who wrote about this just so we can change the wording here? Could someone who has a copy of Jaksa/Roder please look this up and reference it? Locarno 18:33, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

Jaksa and Rodder has it as unnecessarily as well. I'm going to update the first baseman balk rule. I just cross-referenced it with the PBUC manual (which is where many of these interpretations come from that MLB umpires use that are not specifically stated in OBR Jpm986 23:43, 25 July 2007 (UTC)

Pronunciation

How do you say "balk." Is it "Bawk" as in rhymes with "talk," or like "ballk"? 63.26.67.75 (talk) 00:15, 8 December 2008 (UTC)eric

Yes, it rhymes with talk and walk. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.141.242.40 (talk) 20:20, 9 July 2009 (UTC)

Records

Someone pointed out that the record for balks in a single season was only partially correct. I confirmed on mlb.com that there is no tie for most balks in a single season. Marendrent (talk) 18:41, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

You are absolutely correct. I read the figure in the wrong column from Carlton's page on Baseball-reference.com. Thank you for correcting it. Justus R (talk) 00:47, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

Must have Runner(s) on Base for Balk Call

The definition of a balk in Rule 2 of the Official Baseball Rules:

"A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base."

Other rule sets are similar. If there is a rule set which provides for a balk to be called with no runners on base, please provide a citation. Justus R (talk) 19:33, 10 October 2009 (UTC)

Feint v feign

All rule sets refer to the action of making a false display of pitching or throwing to a base as a "feint", as in OBR Rule 8.05(d) "The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play; ..."

While both words convey a similar sense, there is a difference between them that is intended in the baseball rules. That is, "feign" means to give a false appearance, while "feint" means to make a deceptive show of an action. To illustrate: After a balk is called, a pitcher might feign ignorance of the rule that prohibits feinting a throw to an unoccupied base.Justus R (talk) 02:57, 13 October 2009 (UTC)

Feint (Wikipedia) "Feint is a French term that entered English via the discipline of fencing.[citation needed] Feints are maneuvers designed to distract or mislead, done by giving the impression that a certain maneuver will take place, while in fact another, or even none, will." Justus R (talk) 14:57, 15 July 2012 (UTC)

Common usage

To anyone outside baseball, the verb "to balk" is very common. I think its more commonly use outside baseball than within. I think this should be mentioned in article, and there should be a link to the Wiktionary definifition of the word.(mercurywoodrose)66.80.6.163 (talk) 16:28, 26 August 2011 (UTC)

Clarification of "delayed dead ball"?

This term was used in the article, but not explained.

Can a pitcher balk in throwing to the plate (fail to come to a complete stop), and have the batter swing and get a hit? Swing and hit into a double play? — Preceding unsigned comment added by NitPicker769 (talk • contribs) 19:02, 24 May 2012 (UTC)

Rationale?

I came here looking for the "philosophy" behind the balk rules. But the article is very light on reasoning. It doesn't mention that balk rules are intended to prevent certain kinds of deception until almost the end of the article. That should be in the first paragraph, IMO. And in the list of individual prohibited actions, it would be nice if it mentioned the particular deception that is being addressed. Having said all that, I acknowledge that I am griping without contributing to correcting the problem. But I am not a baseball player or coach, so I don't feel qualified to do it myself. 2602:306:839B:1150:78C4:1CE6:9290:8FF8 (talk) 20:25, 16 May 2015 (UTC)

Pronunciation guide

• • The following is copied from talk page:

But the American pronunciation should be given for a term from an American (US) sport. HGilbert (talk) 11:40, 8 October 2015 (UTC)

Why do you consider that the American pronunciation? The source you linked to gives the 'American' pronunciation with an L sounded, which we both agree is incorrect. I am American; I say /bɔk/ and I know of no other way unless the L is sounded. /bɑk/ is how most people would pronounce Bach, which is quite different.

Wiktionary gives the 'General American' as /bɔk/, with /bɑk/ listed as 'cot-caught merger'. But people with the merger don't distinguish the phonemes anyway, so it makes little sense to say that one rather than the other is being used; and Wikipedia's standard is to represent such distinctions. 24.131.136.147 (talk) 12:34, 8 October 2015 (UTC)

I have fixed the IPA so that it conforms to the cited source. If you find other non-Wiki sources that give alternative pronunciations these could be added.HGilbert (talk) 20:22, 8 October 2015 (UTC)

How do you say the word? If you never do, why should you have any interest? Look, Wikipedia articles don't need to have any pronunciation at all, but if they do it had better be the correct one that would actually help readers. Not only do I pronounce it to rhyme with 'hawk', but I watch baseball and all the commentators say it that way, too; and as far as I know, everyone concerned with baseball does. Most people won't need any guidance on pronunciation, but those that do will probably want to be sure that what they hear as 'bawk' (or 'bock' with the merger) is the same thing as they see written 'balk' - your edit no matter what source you can find doesn't help the encyclopedia. One might find a source that gives Newcastle only with first-syllable stress, but if we didn't say also that the place in England is locally new-CASTLE we'd be misleading our readers.

I can't believe you're making such a big deal out of this when you either don't know the proper pronunciation or don't care. That sort of conduct is yet another reason sane people leave Wikipedia. 24.131.136.147 (talk) 23:51, 10 October 2015 (UTC)

Because sane people may disagree, WP is based on finding WP:Reliable sources to ensure accuracy. See WP:Truth to see why we shouldn't even be having this discussion. If you wish to contribute positively here, you should decide whether you can get used to citing sources rather than arguing about what you know to be true. FYI: I agree with the dictionary pronunciation, but recognize that there are regions where people seek the word differently.HGilbert (talk) 03:27, 11 October 2015 (UTC)

So you pronounce it with the L? Strange that you never said that before I pointed out that the source you cited without looking had the L! I think you're trolling.

The online Webster's, which is the one I use along with Wiktionary, also gives the same /bɔk/ first (I can't find a pronunciation key for their symbols, but I'm used to it, plus the list of rhymes below shows it). 24.131.136.147 (talk) 16:40, 11 October 2015 (UTC)

• • Above copied from user talk page.

It is Wiki policy to assume good will. Please respect this, and keep the discussion focused on content, not personality. HGilbert (talk) 17:00, 11 October 2015 (UTC)

It seems helpful to have a pronunciation guide, but User:24.131.136.147 keeps removing the following longstanding content (with recently updated reference). Any thoughts?

• (/bɑːlk/). HGilbert (talk) 16:38, 11 October 2015 (UTC)

References

Balk list needs to be updated.

I have latterly read the "balks" section of the most current version of the Official Baseball Rules, and the list is slightly deviant, as a result of recent update, than that of the one on this page. I paraphrased this list below in accordance with the most updated list in the rule book. Just wanted a consensus first. Here it is

- With at least one runner on base, a move is considered a balk when: 1) The pitcher, while on the rubber, makes any motion associated with his pitching motion, but fails to deliver a pitch. 2) The pitcher feints a throw to first or third base while on the rubber (The pitcher is permitted to feint a throw to second base; he may throw to an unoccupied second base withal, given a runner on first base. These occurrences are not balks). 3) The pitcher does not take an overt step toward a base wherein he is attempting to pick-off while on the rubber. 4) While on the rubber, the pitcher throws or feints to an unoccupied base, save for acting on an imminent play. 5) The pitcher delivers an illegal pitch such as a quick pitch (pitches thrown rapidly and without taking proper pitching preliminaries first, such as coming to a complete stop after the stretch). 6) The pitcher delivers a pitch while facing away from the batter. 7) The pitcher makes any motion associated with his pitching motion while off of the rubber. 8) The pitcher excessively defers the game. 9) The pitcher stands on the rubber or bestrides it without possession of the ball or feints a pitch. 10) The pitcher removes one hand from the ball while on the rubber upon coming to a legal pitching position, aside from actually delivering the pitch. 11) The pitcher drops the ball while on the rubber, even if inadvertently. 12) The pitcher delivers a pitch while the catcher is not fully in the catcher’s box (with both feet). 13) The pitcher delivers a pitch in the set position without coming to a complete stop. 14) The catcher, or other infielder, steps on or in front of home plate during a steal of home or a squeeze play without possession of the ball (unless they are attempting to field an already thrown ball in the umpire's judgement). 15) The catcher contacts the batter or his bat during a squeeze or steal of home. 16) The pitcher switches from the wind up to the set, or reciprocally, without disengaging the rubber. - In scenarios 14 and 15, the batter is awarded first base along with the normal balk call procedures (each runner advances one base).

The last two were acquired from observation of other sections of the rule book that mention balking. 1-13 is explicitly stated in the "balks" section. Feel free to suggest an addition if you noticed I missed anything; the rule book is very prolix and I may have overlooked or not read a specific piece. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Guitarguy84 (talk • contribs) 11:58, 25 May 2016 (UTC)