BALKS

What a Balk is and how to call it.

[@jeffreystark435]

the best video out there for explaining balks CLEARLY

[@jeremymejia4839]

He probably knows the rules better than you, Michael

[@stephaniekalinowski6031]

Listen to Jeremy Michael

[@shanewhitefeather6298]

This man's a good ump & teacher. This is a must video to all young pitchers. And even some older guys, too

[@stevedoe1630]

I think every balk instruction should start a brief history of the creation of the balk Rule. Especially, to discuss what was happening at that time in baseball which forced the balk Rule to be created in the first place. This would help reinforce the “intention” of the balk, and make subsequent lessons on identifying the balk more effective.

[@cymanca]

I miss baseball so much I am binge watching balk videos! BTW this is one of the best I have seen

[@miguelg4006]

Such a confusing rule. I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often.

[@OxymoronicBS]

This video is insanely helpful as an umpire. I always had an idea of what they were but I never knew the specifics until I finally found this one.

[@TheNicoyaforever]

Very good video with very simple explanations on balks.

[@Godfather19704]

The rule for the set position states that the pitcher must come to a "Discernable Stop". That means that the pitcher must pause before he delivers. A balk is a judgement call that cannot be argued. So if you think a pitcher is not coming to a stop before delivery, just balk him, that usually does the trick. I learned that from experience. If you let too many balks go, the game can get out of hand, the coaches get pissed off asking for balks, and then when you do finally balk a pitcher that's been doing the same thing for three or four innings, it'll be a tough call to sell. So balk them early and save yourself an ejection.

[@Gman6755]

Well, I finally know what a balk call is all about! Thanks!

[@jasonjjj78]

Never seen balks explained this well ever b4

[@OurWorldIsBroken]

This is an outstanding instruction video, well done!!!

[@5thman677]

Really good stuff here. These guys know the game. Love the baseball on a stick, too.

[@kylebanks4003]

Can someone show this to angel hernandez and his buddies. I must say, My little league coach who lived down the street from me, who sold propane and propane accesories, in canada, knew a fucking lot about about umpireing because he taught us all of this in the same depth as this video. Wow I kind of want to give him an award holy fuck

[@hivemind8817]

I know a guy who does that in Texas

[@andreasgottlieb2758]

Actually Angel Hernandez is quite good in identifying balks. Probably the only thing he is really good at, but if you (understandably) give him beef (for all his downsides), you also have to give him credit for this.

[@SM-xo3dv]

Best explanation i've seen yet! Nice job!

[@dylanp2921]

Thank you so much mate. This Aussie who spent one summer way back in ‘87 loving baseball in Toronto finally understands what a balk is. Now I just gotta work out why pitchers get so pissed off when a home run hitter flips his bat.

[@XXelpollodiabloXX]

It's totally an etiquette thing. Depending on how it's done, it can be seen as being disrespectful. For example, if it's late in the game and the score is tied and you hit one out, nobody is going to get on your case if you celebrate it. There is a lot of adrenaline going there, and everybody gets it. Within reason, of course. Unless it's a walk off you can't go too crazy. It's the same as if a pitcher gets a key strikeout and he pumps his fist. As long as you're celebrating *what you did*, not shoving it in the other guy's face, it usually won't be frowned on. Now, if you're up by 5 or so, or down by 5 or so, and it's late in the game, just drop your bat and jog the bases. There is no reason to stand there and admire it or to flip the bat. If you do, you're as good as plunked next time you play that team. But sometimes the pitcher is a jackass and gets his feelings hurt no matter what.

[@iamosiris3254]

Thank you for clarifying a rule that, as a remote New Zealander, I can at least partially understand.

[@gr8dane626]

The intent is to not deceive the runner. A runner will learn the pitcher's normal pitching motion and take off for 2nd base (or whatever base they are trying to steal) as soon as they see him start that motion. So , any movement - besides turning to throw to a base or stepping off the mound - and NOT pitching the ball, is deceiving and a balk.

[@spindleforceengraving750]

I've made that mistake before when nobody is on and pitcher does a balk. Don't do it guys, it is embarrassing especially when one of the coaches was in the AAA... On a side note, coach and I laughed it off. Lol

[@backpacker57]

Best balk video since Evans. Fantastic. However, at 2:55, I would not have determined that as a discernible stop.

[@alanhess9306]

I agree. Coming set means your entire body pauses. Stopping your hands while raising your leg is a balk.

[@geraldgravina9947]

8.01 b Note: In Little League (Majors) and below the pitcher need not come to a complete stop. Intermediate (50/70) Division/Junior/Senior/ League: the pitcher must come to a complete and discernible stop. STOP 1. (of an event, action, or process) come to an end; cease to happen. 2. cause (an action, process, or event) to come to an end. If you can see the whole body motionless at one time, you have a discernable pause. If not, you don't. Balk it. I have been coaching and umpiring since 1969 and the balk rule came out of the Majors in the early 90's to be called an illegal pitch and a ball instead of a balk. Rarely called I might add.

[@themaestro3034]

This has been the only clear explanation of what constitutes a balk ive seen.

[@markdavis1358]

This is by far one of the best balk videos I've seen. Why? The rules for balks as written say so much about what they pitcher *cannot* do. There are many subtle differences and it's hard to keep them straight. This video starts by explaining the very limited list of things the pitcher *can* do, and it puts all the "can't do" rules in context, making everything much clearer and easier to understand.

[@TheMomanslm]

Best explanation and demonstration I've found searching this topic. Thanks to all involved. It is a huge help to me and my son.

[@SouravKumarRoy651]

Undoubtedly the best video on explaining the rules of balk. The live demonstration makes it so crystal clear for understanding😉

[@lindalucas8731]

Very informative!

[@tetlleyplus]

Best explanation! Thanks!

[@billjrock6343]

Great video - very informative!

[@marktwain368]

Thanks Ump for putting so much info out there to clarify a key point in the game! I was charged with a balk in Little League when I was pitching and had never even heard the term before, so I was pissed at the coach. You explained this all perfectly!

[@thomasgargano8813]

Great lesson on the rules on balks, it’s never too late to learn the game of baseball,thanks🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@michaelgleason925]

Thanks for clearing up a lot.

[@keegancurley2816]

Great Video Kev, cant wait to see you on the field!

[@crpmllc]

Timeless Video Thank You

[@maxbosoxfan171]

Great video on a Tough Topic

[@markellis2675]

I like the "you have 3 options from the set" instead of "here's a list of all the things you CANNOT do from the set."

[@gr8dane626]

"Nobody had any inkling of what he said." lol

[@AlexE5250]

Nobody had any inkling of (doubt about) what he said

[@gr8dane626]

​ @Alex Edwards I know what he meant to say. But, what he actually said was funny.

[@koa022]

Other balks include clinching the knee once in set position, pivot foot leaving the rubber while pitching towards the plate, touching your mouth with your pitching hand once your pivot foot is on the rubber, taking position on the rubber with out having possession of the ball (when doing the hidden ball trick, pitcher must stay out of the mound untill he gets the ball back)

[@dannybreal]

Really great video, I've been Umping more competitive leagues and the coaches and players deserve Umps that understand these rules. Really great explanation

[@robertahaakjr]

Great explanation. Mahalo!

[@LiterallyGod]

He explains it better than any video

[@michaelmartin6862]

Great video explaining what a balk is for all umpires.

[@OlahuUber_29]

They look more like a FBI agent.

[@HMracing]

This is a awesome video because I’m a lefty and not 100on what a balk is for me

[@paulwoodhouse3386]

I think I get what a balk is now. Thanks guys!

[@graysonwilsey2752]

Really good

[@kyleh1919]

the 4th exception after coming set is the pitcher can freely move their head (only). the rules state a discernible pause before pitch delivery that's what established the pitcher coming "set". @3:43 the camera operator added "if you don't disengage" meaning to become a fielder by moving your pivot foot behind the pitching plate, he clarifies this later on in the video

[@richardsiegel2696]

At the 8:49 mark Kevin states, “ when the lefty pitcher breaks the back plane of the rubber with his non-pivot foot. He can only deliver a pitch to the plate.“ Kevin should also state at this point that it is actually also legal for the pitcher to break the plane and continue a throw or a fake to second base if second base is occupied.

[@heartlessvg2080]

great =)

[@BrianKarich]

When disengaging the rubber must the pivot foot find ground first or is clearing the rubber by the pivot foot but still in the air considered disengaging. Which one defines a defensive player?

[@fangs_out8879]

So what if there is a balk called, the pitch is made and the batter pops or grounds out. Does the play out get nullified and the runners advance one base from their position at the time of the pitch and the at bat continue from the pre balk count with the same batter? Or does the play stand and put outs are recorded as they happened?

[@nathangarciamuro]

One question, where does it says that the foot can not be side by side with the rubber as long as the toes are touching the rubber?

[@jim2386]

This was well done. Question: the breaking the plane with your lead foot causing you to have to throw home. Same is true with a right hander?

[@irish_demon9868]

Yes, the rule is the same for right handers. It won't come into play so much to first base because breaking the plane of rubber would be secondary to the fact that the pitcher already started his pitching motion and could not turn and throw to first anyway. But, making an attempt to pick off a runner at third base WOULD be the same. Once the pitcher's foot breaks the plane of the rubber, he has to deliver the pitch.

[@ambientartphotography2245]

You actually have 4 options if there is a runner on 3rd! You can step straight towards 3rd and fake or throw.

[@raymondarata6549]

This video is excellent. The game should be played according to the rules. However, the batter's box is totally lined incorrectly. The midpoint of the 6 ft side of the box should line up with the middle corner of the plate. You would be surprised at how many baseball (and softball) batter's boxes are lined incorrectly.

[@jcsoxx]

I thought if a fielder throws a ball over the fence it is one base to the runner?

[@justinpotillo2150]

No its 2, what we mostly see is a ground ball that is over thrown and you believe the runner gets one base and goes to 2nd. But the runner has not actually taken first base, so the over throw is 2 bases

[@electronbob6676]

What if the pitcher accidentally drops the ball but before the ball can roll past the fowl line the catcher picks it up?

[@alanhess9306]

That would be a balk.

[@rhpmike]

Really good video except 2:55 is a balk. Otherwise, all good explanations and demonstrations.

[@gr8dane626]

Depends on the rule set and your league advisories. I agree with you, that should be a balk. But, I know umps who say a change in direction is a stop.

[@johnbleyer8490]

Had to laugh when the field umpire claimed that "nobody had any inkling of what he said". So, everyone must have been really confused. Really, don't use words when you don't know their meaning. Other than that, a very good video

[@ryantaylor9046]

from the wind-up you cannot throw to 1st base legally without first stepping off the rubber with your right foot (if you're a righty)... In the wind-up you have 2 options, not 3. Pitch the ball, or legally step off with your right foot (if you're a righty).

[@gr8dane626]

You are correct ONLY for NFHS (high school) and this video is apparently not about NFHS rules. But for OBR, NCAA, and LL he does not have to disengage to throw to a base, even in the windup. In fact he is better off NOT disengaging before throwing to a base. Here is a snippet from OBR 5.07(a)(1) The Windup Position: "From the Windup Position, the pitcher may: (A) deliver the ball to the batter, or (B) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick-off a runner, or (C) disengage the rubber (if he does he must drop his hand to his sides)" Here's some more from OBR 5.07: "(d) At any time during the pitcher’s preliminary movements and until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such base before making the throw. Rule 5.07(d) Comment: The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk. (e) Effect of Removing Pivot Foot From Plate If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the pitcher’s plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from that position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw by any other infielder. Rule 5.07(e) Comment: The pitcher, while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, such throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the rules covering a ball thrown by a fielder." That means, if he does in fact disengage first and then throws wild into dead ball area, the runner gets TWO bases instead of ONE. So, he is better off not disengaging before throwing to first. Now, his pivot foot may come off the rubber in the process of turning and stepping to throw - but that is not the same as option C "disengage the rubber" and it is not required before throwing to a base. (BTW... NFHS has terrible rules for pitchers)

[@MH-Tesla]

​@@gr8dane626 You are correct sir. But if his first moved to throw to first base is the same first move to start his pitch, then it would still be a block. It is important that his natural movement when making a pitch is always the same. So to throw to a base from the windup that first movement has to be different than what his first movement is to pitch. It is generally best for a picture to not pitch from the windup with a runner on base. Other than possibly third base, as long as you're pitch is not so long that he can steal home before you can get the ball there. LoL

[@TheSpeyfisher]

You can it in the shadows!!!!

[@5thman677]

QUESTION- if the pitcher balks and completes the pitch, the umpire calls "Balk." I got that, But if the batter hits the ball is it still a balk if the batter-runner is put out, i.e. the BR flied out after the ump called balk? What if the batter swings and misses the pitch after the balk is called?

[@MH-Tesla]

High school rules say the balk is immediate dead ball. So what the batter does is irrelevant. Every other rule set: the offense gets to choose. If the batter gets out, then they will take the balk and it's a no pitch and runners advance one base. If the batter hits a double, they will take that and ignore the balk. It's like a free swing for the batter of he knows a balk was called.

[@gr8dane626]

@@MH-Tesla That is incorrect for OBR and LL (I dunno about NCAA). The offense has NO choice in this. If all runners and batter runner advance at least one base, the balk is ignored. If all do not advance at least one base on the batted balk, then the balk is enforced - even if a runner crossed the plate. NO choices. So, with R1 and R2, no outs or 1 out, balk is called, batter hits fair ball, R1 gets forced out at second, R2 crosses plate, batter-runner is safe at first... the balk is enforced. Batter back to the plate, runners on second and third.

[@BakoSooner]

What advantage or disadvantage does this rule serve? To average fan, this is the most archaic rule and seems very random.

[@terribleteddy1321]

No balk rule and pitchers are allowed to do a lot of stuff to deceive the batter and base runners. Essentially it would be so hard for base runners they would likely start taking really small leads and no longer stealing, which would objectively be bad for the sport. Sometimes in MLB games it seems a pitcher barely does anything to be called for a balk but remember these guys are the best in the world and if they can hit 100mph heaters an elite base runner can be deceived by a flinch that happens in the blink of an eye. That said if they wanted to make modifications to the rule in the winter meeting there’s definitely room for refinement and we even recently saw that rule change with the fake to third throw to first. Hope this adds some context

[@dtecum]

Umpires need to throw a flag when calling a balk

[@nathanullmer3374]

So, how does that affect pitch count and batter count? Can there be a balk with no runners?

[@MH-Tesla]

A balk is a no pitch. In Little League (and every rule set except high school) a balk is a delayed dead ball. So if the pitch is delivered and the batter reaches first and all runners advance at least one base, the balk is ignored. Otherwise it's a balk and runners advance one base, the pitch is not counted as a ball or strike. It's a no pitch. In Little League, a balk DOES add a pitch to the pitchers pitch count. For high school rules, a balk is an immediate dead ball. No count added to batter's count, runners advance one base.

[@MH-Tesla]

No balk with no runners on base. That would be an illegal pitch which would add a ball to the batter's count. That's all. So with no runners on base and the picture performs an illegal pitch, assuming the batter does not hit the ball and reach base safely, the umpire will call time and award a ball to the account for the batter for the illegal pitch. Also, with no runners on base, the pitcher can do things as a pitcher that he can't do with runners on base.

[@lukerowley1613]

I thought you can call a balk with no-one on and it is treated as a ball in the count unless the hitter advances naturally through a hit or hit batter which would take precedence.

[@alanhess9306]

In order for a balk to be called, there must be runners on base. An illegal move by the pitcher with no runners on is an illegal pitch and a ball is awarded.

[@flatearther7013]

What if you're in set position and a fly lands on your nose.

[@MH-Tesla]

Disengage the rubber by stepping back when the pivot foot.

[@hiben6938]

I wish all umpires knew what a balk was.....so frustrating to be at little league games and the umps are clueless.

[@davidabbitt1744]

Didn't they take balks out of the little league rule book a few years back?

[@MH-Tesla]

Not for intermediate level and above. Majors and below do not have balks and runners can't lead off.

[@wassupyo4775]

2:55 was 100% a balk

[@alexh8613]

It absolutely is. His explanation was correct, but his demonstration was just one fluid motion. There was no set.

[@spindleforceengraving750]

Correct, Pitcher wasn't set. "THATS A BALK!"

[@mircoheimbokel4511]

but guys... bang bang doesnt mean its a balk!

[@hernanmferrea]

@@mircoheimbokel4511 "Discernible Stop". That's the key.

[@mgcoleman]

Yep, no discernible stop - balk.

[@mac2894]

Doesn't the batter also get first?

[@alanhess9306]

no, the batter is never awarded first base on a balk.

[@Kennydiaz34]

i disagree with the bang bang set,

[@alexh8613]

5:31 Umm since when can you throw to a base from the wind up, without stepping off???

[@weaintplaynwicha]

I was second guessing myself on that.

[@hernanmferrea]

Since it's an option in the rules book?

[@tubes-lut]

Its allowed.

[@alanhess9306]

Alex H, Since forever. You are permitted to step and throw from the rubber in the windup under MLB and NCAA rules, but it is a balk under NFHS rules.

[@gr8dane626]

@@alanhess9306 NFHS needs to join the rest of the baseball world.

[@DavidEmerling79]

This is a bit outdated. Pitchers do not have to be engaged with the rubber with their ENTIRE foot.

[@BBJamesB]

Why is 1:37 not a balk? He didn't disengage?

[@v-check]

Jameson B It’s a pickoff, and not disengaging. But, he *has* to throw to first.

[@BBJamesB]

@@v-check but he moved his shoulder towards first without disengaging. Isn't that fooling the batter and thus a balk? I've called this a balk in a game that's why I'm trying to figure this out. The pitcher isn't required to disengage?

[@v-check]

@@BBJamesB No, he moved his back foot before moving his shoulder. I will repeat this again, in a pickoff move, you don't have to disengage, you only need to clearly move your back foot and you need to turn and throw to 1st.

[@BBJamesB]

@@v-check gotcha. Weve been calling that wrong all season. This balk rule is the hardest to understand.

[@gr8dane626]

@@v-check where does it say you have to move your back foot? What rule set? OBR and LL he just has to step toward the base. Says nothing about the back foot (I assume you mean pivot foot).

[@atticstattic]

8:17 - 'free' foot, not 'pivot' foot...

[@caio5987]

Well not quite... do your motion too fast and a balk is called

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHOmfJuHorR2qNU Is this a balk?

[@DorianPaige00]

The home plate umpire needs to get the time out sign up as he is calling the balk so the pitching goes not make the pitch.

[@adameves5970]

You misunderstood.

[@alanhess9306]

Only in High School ball is a balk an immediate dead ball. In NCAA and MLB it is a delayed dead ball and if the batter puts the ball in play and all runners including the batter advance safely, the balk is ignored. If all runners including the batter do not advance safely, the balk is enforced.

[@MH-Tesla]

This is a video for Little League. They don't have immediate dead ball on a balk. Only high school does for some stupid reason.

[@WindRider1]

I guess you are covering LL rules or some other form of Youth Baseball. In all the leagues i have ever officiated (48th year since i started) the BALK is an immediate dead ball. So if the pitcher delivers the baseball and the batter hits a homerun, it doesn't count. The ball became DEAD when the BALK was called.

[@AntonioR596]

That is not true! The rule says if a balk and the hitter is able to reach a base,the balk does not apply because the offense team was not affected by the balk commited by pitcher otherwise the balk applies if the batter is out. Check the rules.

[@WindRider1]

@@AntonioR596 what rule book are you quoting from. In NFHS, all balks are immediate dead ball. Like I stated in my OP, LL or some other sanctioning body may have a delayed dead ball. Check the rule book or state what rule book you are referring.

[@AntonioR596]

@@WindRider1 I always go by MLB rules. I do not apply any other league rules when umpiring.

[@hinney827]

9:12 lmao I mean.. that's just not right: "If he calls the balk and the pitch is made, and the batter hits a homerun, you don't call the balk." If you call a balk, the ball is dead. The pitch doesn't count if the pitcher followed through with his motion. Not to mention the ump was even balking on some of his 'legal' options for a pitcher when pitching from the stretch.

[@gr8dane626]

A balk is only an immediate dead ball in high school, not in MLB or Little League or NCAA. Also, he meant to say, if the batter hits a home run you don't ENFORCE the balk. As long as all runners advance at least one base on a batted balk, then it is not enforced. If they do not, then you must enforce it.

[@Bendecidochik]

So many mistakes

[@alanhess9306]

OK Aiden, tell us which ones are mistakes.

[@kenbrown438]

OMG ; this is way I don't "like" baseball !!!!

[@exxlppm]

Very informative!