|
|
Post by jlilleston on Apr 10, 2006 8:03:54 GMT -5
I had this situation yesterday. Bases loaded, the pitcher does not come set, I call BALK the ball is dead and he still pitches to the batter the batter swings anyway and hits a line drive to left field (base hit). The manager of the team at bat says he can either take the balk or the result of the ball being hit for a base hit. Two runners continue to run the bases. The other manager saying if a BALK is called then the ball is dead. That is what I believe to be the rule. I made the two runners go back to there bases and the original batter finish his at bat. Did I make the right call? I probably should of warned the pitcher first since this was a preseason game for everyone involved. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Dane Zeller on Apr 11, 2006 10:44:57 GMT -5
Jlil,
We would need to know what rules you are playing under. Also, it would be helpful to know the age group. Under pro rules, you would signal a balk by pointing at the pitcher and saying: "THAT'S a BALK!" You would not immediately call time...because of the very situation you encountered. If you call a balk, and the play continues, the balk will be ignored if the batter gains first and all runners advanced at least one base. That is what happened in your case, therefore, no balk, and coaches have no choice in the matter.
As far as warnings are concerned, I avoid them at any level, at any time in the season. If you tell the coaches you'll give warnings, then you have to specify a whole new set of rules. Like, one warning per pitcher? per inning? per type of balk? What will you do when he balks and picks off a runner at 1st while R3 is scoring from third? In pre-game conference, if they ask, I'll say that I'm calling balks. In reality, I won't call all balks. I have a sliding scale of pickiness that I use for all levels of play, age and competition. Young players, just introduced to balking, I'm not very picky at all. Sometimes I'll casually mention something to the pitcher that he needs to do different. As you gain experience, you will develop this scale of pickiness (not just in balks but in other areas, too).
One of the best tools to getting better is frequenting an umpire discussion board like this one. Good question....you'd be surprised how often the situations you come across are frequently experienced by other umpires.
Dane
|
|
|
|
Post by jlilleston on Apr 11, 2006 11:58:03 GMT -5
Dane, thanks for the reply. This was a KCMSBL game over 38 league. Our rules mirror the MLB rules. I did some research over the weekend and rule 8.05(m) under MLB rules specifically talks about what you said. So I guess its safe to say that if a BALK is called and the pitcher continues the pitch to the batter and he elects to swing and gets a base hit the BALK would be ignored. If he swings and misses would that then be a strike? Does the manager of the team batting have the option of either taking the balk or the result of the play continuing? Sorry for all the questions. I will take your advice about warnings, it was the first game for both teams this year. Thanks again for your help.
Jim Lilleston
|
|
|
|
Post by Dane Zeller on Apr 11, 2006 15:33:17 GMT -5
Jim,
Two requirements in order to ignore the balk. 1) The batter reaches 1st. 2) all other runners advance at least one base. That is to say, if there is a runner on second, and the pitcher balks, and the batter hits a short fly to left, freezing the runner on second, and the batter/runner reaches first after ball drops in front of the left fielder....you have a balk because the runner did not advance. Runner is given third on the balk. Batter resumes position at the plate with the same count that he had before the pitch. Remember, balk or not, there is no coaches choice.
If batter swings and misses on a balk, advance the runner and batter regains his original count (strike does not count).
I'm glad to help. It helps my game, too, to sort through the rules and stick my neck out here so that I might stand corrected, if need be.
Dane
|
|
