How a World Series Controversy Ignited "The Year of the Balk"

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Richard Bleier did something on Tuesday that hasn't been done in decades. Over the course of one at-bat against Pete Alonso, Bleier, in collaboration with first-base umpire John Tumpane, was responsible for three balks in one inning. This was the first time such a thing had been done since Jim Gott in 1988.
In 1988, though, Gott's balks were hardly more than a blip on the radar. Because during that season, more balks were called against pitchers than in any other year in baseball history. In this video, we'll talk about Tuesday's Marlins/Mets game, take a look at the origins of 1988's balk-a-thon, and highlight why the balk is the "glitchiest" rule in the game of baseball.
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[@BaseballHistorian]

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[@jimwerther]

As I wrote to you in a stand-alone comment, I believe blaming Giamatti is rather unfair. I hope you respond.

[@jimwerther]

Ron Luciano was an MLB ump for ten years. "I never called a balk in my life," he wrote. "I didn't understand the rule." True story.

[@HufflepuffBaseball42313]

I hope he wrote this after his career

[@petercollin5670]

@@HufflepuffBaseball42313 Luciano admitted to stuff that would be scandalous today.

[@Matt-dp7ze]

King 👑

[@Diesel257]

I only clicked on this video to get a better understanding of balks. Particularly, why do they really matter.

[@HufflepuffBaseball42313]

@@petercollin5670 like what?

[@johncassani6780]

This just brings to my mind how much better baseball was when stolen bases were a big part of the game. Balks definitely mean something when the runner at first is looking to take 2nd. Balks are to baseball what false starts are to football, which is, in part, a real pain for tv viewers.

[@zacharywigans4738]

But at least false starts are clear. I agree with you, but your final point is entirely wrong. We all know what a false start is, and when the opposing team does it, is ultimately satisfying. A clear penalty. Balks AR entirely blues decision, and some times make no sense to anybody. Balks can be a pain to all, false starts are a pain to the fans of the team committing the penalty. Its totally different

[@maxsilverstone8600]

JomBoy did a breakdown of this and he included side by side footage of Bleier pitching in this at bat and there’s literally never any difference in that motion. It was ridiculous for the ump to keep calling balks.

[@hdtripp6218]

Glad I wasn't the only one that could not tell a difference

[@brettlawsonboats]

Closecallsports also covered this as well.

[@tedgey4286]

What's ridiculous is he still didn't come to a stop. There's a reason the pitcher has to do that. Btw Tumpane is probably the best umpire in the game

[@lizard3074]

@@tedgey4286 that's funny

[@kasjams2216]

But "how he always has done it" has no bearing on if it's a balk or not. If you don't come to a stop you don't come to a stop. Just means he's gotten away with breaking the rules his whole career.

[@foxyfoxington2651]

I've seen the side-by-side video comparisons of balk vs. no-balk and I can't for the life of me see the difference. This came across to me less as a player disregarding a rule and more as an umpire trying to make an example of a guy for some reason.

[@msolec2000]

Maybe, but a good player should be able to adjust when they see the umpire is being unusually strict.

[@J.C...]

😂 You must be a casual fan

[@RetroBaseball]

Late night baseball historian is my new favorite thing.

[@fiveoneentertainment900]

Swear

[@decker528]

Sleep would be better, but if that isn't working, it's a decent second option

[@rars0n]

I always thought that the balk rule was intended to prevent deceptive motions by pitchers that might deceive runners. Having said that, I understand why you'd require the pitcher to come to a complete stop. However, I still don't understand why ANY of Bleier's deliveries were called as a balk. I might be slightly biased, as I really liked Bleier when he was on the Orioles. But I watched Jomboy's breakdown, and the replays as closely as possible, and I simply couldn't discern any difference from deliveries that were and weren't called as balks. I'm also a very poor judge of this as I rarely notice balks (I see the obvious ones), and it's one of those rules that I've never really understood. I think this is primarily *because* the rule is so nebulous to begin with. When you have a HOFer and one of the best pitchers to ever play the game like Jim Palmer doing commentary, and he calls out a balk as it happens, it's often easy to see in retrospect why a balk is called. Clearly Jim can easily notice a balk the vast majority of the time, so these are mostly NOT phantom calls. As a viewer, most of the time the replay and the explanation demonstrate something that you may have missed. But when the announcer misses it, or the balk doesn't get called, then even if you noticed it at the time, it makes you ask the age-old question: *what actually is a balk?* I get the feeling that a good number of balks go unnoticed, and that just contributes to its nebulous nature. It can be a very frustrating or glorious thing when it obviously happens, depending on which side you're on and how high the stakes are, but it's frustrating when the call seems arbitrary. And in this particular case, I would love to understand the umpire's reasoning for calling the 3 balks, but I absolutely can't understand any one of them for the life of me. I, too, am of the opinion that the rule should stay. It's there for a reason and it's a very baseball thing that can and does happen during important moments. I just want it called correctly. It's all the more ironic that a pitcher would be called for a balk because of a failure to make a complete stop on the mound when MLB is doing everything they can to try to speed up the game.

[@Flowerz__]

They just need to be consistent imo. Did mlb ever release an explanation? Honestly in my mind it’s highly suspicious and seems like the ump had some other motive for doing this.

[@fedordedov783]

bro you pfp is fire lmfao

[@J.C...]

That's exactly why. This guy us just a fool. Don't know why it exists? Smh. That tells you right there that, this ain't the guy to listen to about baseball. He doesn't understand the most basic stuff.

[@Il_Exile_lI]

Kind of wild to hear you say at the at the end that "no one knows why the balk rule exists." It's not a mystery or some weird pointless holdover rule from the ancient past. The balk serves the important purpose of protecting baserunners and base stealers from being deceived. If the balk rule was abolished, stolen bases would essentially go extinct, and you'd see guys on base taking much smaller leads to avoid being picked off. The balk is very important.

[@taojones8]

I'm surprised you didn't mention how the balk rules are changing in 2023. If a pitcher attempts a pick off and/or steps off the rubber more than twice in an at bat without producing on out, it’s and automatic balk.

[@Mike_LaFontaine75]

Lol, so you mean if a pitcher attempts a pick off twice, the runner will be able to get a huge jump on the 3rd? I think you may be misreading the rule.

[@VideosbyStew]

Was a pitcher for 13 years, I was always dealing with this crap...You could go 10 starts doing the same thing, on the 11th the ump would start calling balks, then the next game back to normal...

[@mylesmarkson1686]

Hey hey! Ho ho! That stupid balk rule has got to go!

[@mrmoose6619]

I remember around this time the Pittsburgh Pirates installed giant STOP signs in their bullpen. Yea, the balk was enforced that highly....

[@heyfling]

The bases loaded balk off is the most exciting play in sports history 🤣

[@travisfinucane]

I remember going to A's games when I was a kid in '88 and all the rowdies would yell balk on every pitch.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

This is the main reason I stopped going to games. Every drunken fool in the stands thinks they're an expert.

[@slompywompus7966]

Classic example of why the mlb should get rid of the umpire union

[@Subangelis]

Classic example why players should follow the rules.

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@Subangelis classic example of when umpires dont officiate the rules correctly

[@nb_nic]

happy that ump could get that big league RBI he's been dreaming about since he was a kid, just wish he chose a less important game to do it in. very glad it didn't effect the end result otherwise. hoo boi.

[@rayray4192]

Childish sarcasm and irresponsible accusation with zero proof. When will you make a quality decision to grow up

[@Subangelis]

Tumpane is one of the best in the business. All three balk calls were good. Between Bleier's hands and legs, he never came to a complete stop. That's all on him.

[@rayray4192]

@@Subangelis a voice of reason and understanding.

[@jamesberry3230]

Subangelis Gaming read Max Silverstone's comment above and then look it up

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@Subangelis all three were horseshit

[@zrich61788]

The Mets are in the middle of a close pennant race for the first time in forever. Look at the umpire scorecard that game. +2.75 runs for the Mets and they were still losing. Manfred has shown that he has no respect for the game by how he called the commissioner's cup "just a piece of metal" after the Astros were caught cheating. He wants the Mets to win because they have a larger market.

[@daltonfarris]

Fax

[@mbdg6810]

Just a piece of metal was trying to make a point, (and you’ve missed it clearly) but I understand that Manfred does a terrible job of keeping the sport balanced. Terrible teams staying terrible in smaller markets is just insane.

[@jimwerther]

Conspiracy theorists are exceedingly boring people, although they tend to impress themselves with their ideas.

[@jasontstein]

That umpire needs to be investigated for corruption. He literally gave a team a run. The most probably reason would be betting on baseball.

[@kimfalleiro]

thtat 3 pitch 3 balk for Bleier were complete robbery but that 80's season damn thats some crazy shit

[@josemacias5709]

As a pitcher, one thing I worked on more than anything, was my pickoffs! I also felt like the whole, coming to a complete stop, was pretty common sense honestly lol. Once I'm set, I at least wait about 2 to 3 seconds. And of course longer at times to change the timing.

[@_will795]

I remember when I was a kid, I was the starting pitcher and I alwayssssss balked lmao. I never understood the rule and thought it was silly

[@DarkKnightofHeaven]

A balk is basically any move that deeks out the runner while a pitcher is set to throw to home. Once a pitcher becomes set he must either A. Make a 100% commited movement in 1 direction (this direction could be to a base like 1st in the case of a LHP pickoff move, which has the pitcher wind up straight up before moving his leg to first and throwing to first instead.) Essentially, once a pitcher leans towards home, he has to throw home. B. Take his foot off the rubber before making a move. Any deviation from a single complete movement after becoming set to pitch is considered a balk and most balks are very small in nature and a lot of things can trigger a called balk, even the glove twitching can be considered a balk. Balks are really annoying when they're called since they feel so tiny most of hte time and only 1 or two people ever see each one first time through.

[@andrewolding8747]

Which just makes that Mariners-Mets game even more baffling. That didn't remotely happen in any of those calls.

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@andrewolding8747 and the same here. People wanna talk about his hands... Dude is readying the ball in his hand to throw

[@derfvcderfvc7317]

Jomboy proved there was no difference between the pitches that were called a balk and the ones that weren't.

[@CalebsCards]

When I played rec-league baseball many years ago I kept getting called for a balk by the umpires. The first one was legit, the second one and there may have even been a third I can't remember wasn't. The other team had a pitcher who kept stopping and starting towards home with his foot, and they never called it on him. It was found out that the other coach was good buddies with them or paid them or whatever. So they purposely were trying to throw the game. We still ended up beating them, and when they came to our ballpark one of the coaches got thrown out LOL!

[@willisskull2676]

I always thought a balk was basically when a pitcher goes into their windup, but then doesn't throw to home. I didn't know the pitchers are required to stop mid pitch. The whole intention of the rule seems to be so pitchers do not deceive baserunners. So why is the pitcher not pausing cause for a free base? This seems like one of those rules where you have it to be safe, but do not have to penalize every infraction regardless of intent or outcome. This video makes me feel dumb, and I'm off to research balks. Thank you for the video and thank you comment section for the info.

[@lukewancewicz488]

Just as someone who was taught that when hitting swing at the pitch if a balk is called, that 79mph slider looked like a free homer imo

[@davidsonna9502]

They shouldn't be calling balks unless they're clearly trying to deceive the runner (or batter). That's why they made the rule.

[@Subangelis]

That's NOT what the rule says.

[@LadyAnuB]

As an A's fan, I am thankful that I was in the US Army in 1988 otherwise I may have balked the rule change out the freakin' door.

[@pyrobryan]

I saw a video where they did a side-by-side of the pitches in this at bat and you had to guess which one was a balk and which one wasn't. There's one that's called a balk where he stops longer than one that wasn't called a balk. This was absolutely an ump making the game about himself.

[@kasjams2216]

What a timely lesson on balk history. It's crazy how the entire concept is so controversial and half the people in the sport and fans don't fully understand the rule. Nuts.

[@Mike_LaFontaine75]

There's like 9 balk rules, it's one of the hardest calls in baseball umpiring.

[@ryanthompsonthompson820]

The umpire might have been paid off to change the score of the game.

[@rayray4192]

Childish irresponsible statement.

[@Subangelis]

Tumpane is one of the best in the business. All three balk calls were good. Between Bleier's hands and legs, he never came to a complete stop. That's all on him.

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@Subangelis his hands, namely the one holding the vall, doesnt need to come to a complete stop as hes getting the ball in position to throw the pitch you clown. His legs always were still though. Watch the tape, get glasses.

[@redeadhead4]

Removing the balk rule in baseball really isn't feasible, and should not happen. You can't allow a pitcher to fake a throw to home plate before attempting to pick off to first. Editing the rule may be up for discussion but runners can't steal if balks don't exist

[@TantrumFTW]

There's a game from 88 between the Yanks and Brewers here on KZbin that featured no less than 5 balks between the two teams. Hawk Harrelson and Bobby Murcer were absolutely fuming on the call. Great game if you want to check it out

[@hockeyfanmn]

@Baseball Historian your initial part saying it was the 1985 World Series was actually corrected seconds later when you said the 1987 baseball playoffs

[@ernestogonzalez4776]

I don't know where you come up with bleir having disregard for the sanctity of baseball spirit, he did the same pitching motion, blame the ump, he probably wasn't clear on the balk call either

[@monkeeee]

my Richard Bleier trivia will be unmatched

[@baseballguy0125]

Would LOVE to see a video on Kyle Wright!!!

[@JoeKyser]

Idk. Being a baseball fan for 35 plus years, I don't understand the balk completely. When I watch something like high school, it's clear sometimes. In MLB? Its like a travel call in the NBA. These guys are so good at what they do, it can be deceit at the least while witnessing it in real life. Thats my only explanation. I feel like the ump put thought into his call before he made it. I feel like he watched and watched and then said ahhh thats it.

[@dustanglx50]

That was not a balk. The balk rule is there so a pitcher can't deceive a better or base runner with his pitching motion.

[@nicholasanderson9072]

There was a lot of harping on the pitchers "stubbornness" in this video which I honestly don't feel is warranted. After watching his pitches a dozen or so times I still don't see how this is breaking the rule when other pitchers apparently are not, so I'm guessing he thought he messed up the first time and went back to his original routine thinking that the accident was subconscious. Judging by his body language he really does no understand how he is not complying with that rule and I would say that I don't either, since he does in fact come to a complete stop. Lastly, since he has been pitching that way his entire career, it is pretty unreasonable to ask a pitcher to change his mechanics on the fly, and even if he tried to, it would be extremely hard to immediately break the routine. I don't really see any way that the pitcher could be blamed for this situation.

[@KittyPurrfect100]

It’s like the police watching people at 4 way stops. You have to come to a complete stop or you get a ticket.

[@alaskajdw]

Good one

[@pyRoy6]

Without any balk rules, it would be impossible to steal a base. Without the particular balk rule about coming to a complete stop, a runner would have to guess when a pitcher is actually set (and, therefore, when a pitch might happen). You say "A balk is kind of like a glitch in an old video game. Nobody who's around anymore is really sure why it's there. It doesn't provide much tangible benefit in most circumstances, but as annoying as it may be to some, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little rush of excitement every time I see one happen." But it's not just that. It provides tangible benefit for every circumstance in which there are runners on base. What's strange is that MLB has gotten so used to allowing pitchers to get away with balks. Maybe it's because stealing became less and less important to winning? But maybe stealing would be more important if it were a little easier...say, if pitchers were forced to strictly adhere to balk rules.

[@Flowerz__]

The ump very clearly had some other motive for this. Either it was a directive from the league or a personal reason. That is extremely clear bc there was no visual difference in the guys delivery on the balk calls vs non balk calls.

[@fedordedov783]

The umpires have been really questionable this season between the balk nonsense as well as calling numerous balls strikes and vice versa. I've noticed it across a wide range of games and certainly not in regards to just the teams I "like" but the league as a whole. I realize rule changes are going to have somewhat of an impact but I also don't think the box moved ..so it really doesn't make sense to see them calling pitches strangely.

[@jonhill7677]

I always thought the rule was to regulate higher stolen base rates/ lower outs at attempted throws to the base runners

[@joshuapatrick682]

If a balk is called then the ball is dead so how can it lead to a strikeout?

[@andrewphillips969]

I live in Missouri and I’m a fan of the other Missouri team. Trust me, when the Cardinals don’t win, there’s always a “reason” in their mind

[@KevinQuinn81]

I don't remember the conversation around this (I was only 7) but I feel like it wasn't the rule change that caused the issue, I think it was just the fact that everyone's eyes were on it from Blyleven and the rules change.

[@KevinQuinn81]

As for Bleier, I don't know how he's never been called for a balk before. He NEVER comes to a stop. That being said, he takes long enough from when his hands come together to when his leg lifts that he's not really deceiving the runner or making it that much harder to run on him so he's definitely within the spirit and reason for the rule so this was dumb.

[@CoolSteve77]

7:02 - Would have been hilarious if they actually did that. 😂

[@WhatHappenedtoBaseball]

Wait, did you make this whole thing in three days??

[@brennanbarnes7628]

Damn, it appears I'm in the minority here, Belier is pretty obviously still moving every time he delivers in that clip. I can't comment on his other outings as he's not a pitcher I'm very familiar with, but those were blatent enough that the ump's hands are tied.

[@ryanthompsonthompson820]

The minus world's in Super Mario Brother's. I remember that. That was cool 😎

[@bocephus1911]

They need to start calling it more , because it happens more now and it’s not being called

[@aaronbalakey5377]

The first one was a balk definitely. I would’ve called it too… he clearly buckles his back leg as if he’s about to go to first or step off… it’s the old balk move, usually done by righties but it’s def a balk imo

[@gretz5792]

To me it looked like he came set. What is considered “a complete stop”. stand perfectly physically still in space and time?

[@tedgey4286]

Yes it's not that hard. There's a reason you can't roll through your set position like a stop sign. If there's no set position then when can the runner steal second?

[@gretz5792]

@@tedgey4286 I’m not arguing the rule, all Imm saying is that it’s physically impossible for a person to be perfectly still. Just like it’s impossible for there to be a tie at first base. It looked like he was still enough for me.

[@tedgey4286]

@@gretz5792 fair enough. Just realize the purpose of the rule is to make a definite break from the time when he's looking in to get a sign from the catcher and the time he's pitching because once he starts his pitching motion the pitcher can no longer stop and pick off a runner. If there's no stop in between then in theory the pitcher could stop his pitching rotation any time he pleases to catch a runner stealing. The set position is designed so a runner can take off at the first movement after the set. Same reason why the pitcher can't come to two set positions. Once they stop the next movement is either a pitch, a pickoff, or stepping off the rubber

[@BaseballAF]

I WAS SLEEPING AND MISSED IT Better late than never?

[@bookemdanno5596]

It's not the umpire thinking he is bigger than the game because he was completely low-key and non-confrontational the entire time. Angel Hernandez does more posturing in .1 seconds of sleep than Tumpane did the entire at-bat.

[@colbierb22]

Balk is a good rule. But should only ever matter if the pitcher is deceiving the runner. If you’re ignoring the runner entirely, coming to a complete stop just doesn’t matter. If he was throwing pick off attempts and trying to use that timing as deception, then all of those are balks. But if not, he’s not getting any advantage and it doesn’t matter.

[@rayray4192]

There is no wording in the rule about deception. Either you come to a discernible stop or you don’t

[@claywhisman9721]

There is an advantage because it makes it more difficult for the runner to assess when the pitcher is starting towards home. Tougher to steal a base. It's deceptive and why the rule exists.

[@rayray4192]

@@claywhisman9721 thank you. A voice of reason and understanding.

[@colbierb22]

@@claywhisman9721 he wasnt even paying attention to the runner and ostensibly never does, which is why he'd never been called on it before. i am all for more balks on some of the lefties in the league. but hes not getting an advantage out of this.

[@colbierb22]

@@rayray4192 there's no wording, but its not a league full of robots and robot umps. if its not creating an advantage, nobody cares.

[@J.C...]

I bet Bleier didnt do that again after that night 😂😂😂😂

[@rayray4192]

Wrong, the ball is not dead on a balk. If a pitcher balks and delivers a pitch and the batter puts the ball in play the ball is delayed dead and depending upon the results of the ball being put in play runners can advance and the batter can advance. A batter can hit a grand slam on a balk.

[@joedimaggio2378]

It’s there to protect the offense just like runners getting hit with batted balls is there to protect the defense

[@Mike_LaFontaine75]

There's not a lot of balks because nobody wants to give runners free bases. Without the balk rules, the pitcher has an advantage over the runner. Let's please not throttle base running anymore than it is now, it's one of the few things that make the game more exciting.

[@ryanpotts9163]

1988 elite year

[@Tykoon22]

You might say baseball went a little… balk wild.

[@princejellyfish3945]

See yourself out sir

[@slibertas1996]

The ump was likely in the wrong. The pitcher should’ve protested.

[@pjsneeringer5942]

Marlins or Muts game VS Phillies,pitcher was balking EVERY PITCH

[@bobcoleman9045]

They were all balks

[@nathanjm000]

How did Hershiser throw 59 straight scoreless innings in the year of the ball

[@bwburke94]

This isn't Fed. A balk doesn't create an immediate dead ball.

[@Geoff_G]

Here's another video with side by side comparison of a balk and a legal pitch. They're identical. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p56cYWWtn66qoLs

[@SkilesHasFun]

"Let's simplify things by making the rule wordier, clunkier and stupider."

[@tankeater]

4:55 yah, date on the screen and words coming out of your mouth don't quite match up lol

[@alexdiaz9755]

can someone explain how the last clip was a balk?

[@GeoffBosco]

It's all about the pitcher's procedure while men are on base. Because he was in a set position, with his foot on the rubber, he needs to do certain things that show his intent to either throw to a base or to the batter at home. His indecision caused him to flinch and make his intent unclear where he was going to go with a potential throw, which is a balk.

[@rayray4192]

@@GeoffBosco wrong, it’s a start/ stop balk. Hands must come to a complete stop with both feet on the ground.

[@pyRoy6]

@@rayray4192 Are we all talking about 9:51 or the one just before? 9:51 looks like the pitcher began a motion to go from the stretch to set, but hesitated.

[@rayray4192]

@@pyRoy6 I did not address the balk at 9:51. Only the Mets pitcher. He’s not stopping.

[@pyRoy6]

@@rayray4192 When is Mets pitcher? I couldn't find it. I think this comment is about the last clip (which I'm assuming was 9:51)

[@jackvankirk8552]

From what I saw, he came set. Blue was on a power trip IMO. Balks are often arbitrary calls.

[@rayray4192]

Your observation skills are weak. A change of direction is not a stop.

[@Subangelis]

Never stopped.

[@ashtonlikes9443]

@@Subangelis he did stop, the only thing that didn’t stop was his head, which doesn’t have to stop

[@booradley6832]

The fun part about this is that umpire can do this every game all year and CANNOT be fired. Their union rules restrict it. An umpire can literally destroy MLB in a quest for self recognition and the league has no recourse. Angel Hernandez has been trying for years.

[@booradley6832]

I am severely unimpressed by the channels chromosomally above average opinion on the balk though. "It doesnt matter but I like it so it should stay." Gripping commentary, douchebag. Lets reintroduce segregation, lots of people were in favor of it when it was outlawed, even though it realistically benefitted nobody.

[@bobdrooples]

A vague esoteric rule... Cricket

[@theoriginalshew]

I still don't know what a balk is.

[@smokeymchaggis73]

The balk needs to be there but this was ridiculous. As Larry Anderson would say, just another ump thinking people come to the ballpark to watch them make calls.

[@rayray4192]

Asinine childish statement.

[@pyRoy6]

I don't know. Bleier's hands clearly remained in motion the first time. The ump called it, and told him that his hands have to stop completely in set position. Bleier either didn't put in the effort to remain compliant, or he chose to ignore the umpire's direction deliberately to make a point. What's the ump supposed to do? As a pitcher, why not just be extra careful for the rest of the game, and then complain to the league afterwards?

[@rayray4192]

@@pyRoy6 a voice of reason. Mr. Tumpane has the best view of the pitcher’s hands. He’s an excellent umpire with very little ego. I’m only speculating but I would not think a pitcher would balk purposely to make a point. I speculate he doesn’t know how to evaluate his own body which means he’s not an athlete. Pitchers aren’t real baseball players. They have a specialized skill. I have movement on all three balks. He may be convinced he’s stopping. I’ve said this before and I hope it’s helpful- a change of direction is not a stop.

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@rayray4192 that is what your comment is, yes

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@rayray4192 how does he have the best view? The hand thats moving is obscured from his location

[@somerandomguy5977]

Dude. How do you guess an 89mph pitch from Richard Bleir is a slider? He averages in the high 80's with his fastball. Could've been a harder cutter but a slider? You already used a clip of it earlier in the video and it was 79mph. You have to double check your videos before posting them because that is a dumb and silly mistake that really shouldn't be included in a final cut.

[@jamesoliver6625]

Since the reason for the balk rule is suspect IMO from the get go, eliminating the ambiguity would be better than ANY umpire interpretation.

[@spencerludman3915]

The only mortal I’ve ever been scared of besides my dad is Dave Stewart

[@williamrogers7974]

Folks, the rule is designed to allow the runner the chance to read whether the pitcher is doing a pick off move . When I allow that no stoo come to the plate, I can't steal. Ots cheating by the pitcher

[@gandalug1]

A little man on a power trip

[@jimwerther]

John Tumpane once saved the life of a woman who was about to commit suicide. Let's not judge his life based upon some balk calls.

[@gandalug1]

@@jimwerther and I congratulate him for that. As a professional ump, that day he behaved like a little man on a power trip

[@misterscottintheway]

@@gandalug1 is that somehow worse than a big man on a power trip?

[@jimwerther]

@@gandalug1 Or maybe he called balks on someone who balked

[@josephgelinas7283]

I understand the intent but I think its not always the most consistently enforced.

[@JayAyers]

I think that's where the problem lies. I'm sure if it was enforced more then we'd see more balks. Thus more and more of us can discern what a ball actually looks like.

[@jimwerther]

Why did you blame Giamatti? I remember the balk craziness well; some people didn't want Giamatti to become commissioner because of all that. But Giamatti was bewildered as to people thought it was his idea. The going theory was that "discernible" was a fancy word, and Bart Giamatti was a Yalie, which has got to be the worst piece of evidence of all time. As it is, the rule came out of the Commissioner's office while Bart was still NL president. Unless you can produce evidence that Giamatti was behind the "discernible" rule change, you really ought to edit this video and not blame a man who can longer defend himself.

[@rayray4192]

This guy is ignorant and irresponsible

[@nintendonerdsvideos4727]

get ready for more balks with the only 2 throws to 1st rule for 2023

[@leftysheppey]

Looking at it, he technically did balk, but not in a way that would have affected the game. I dont think the ump was wrong, but maybe a bit anal

[@ICECREAMandPIES]

Okay but what's a balk?

[@8.-.3]

The ball was invented when a guy blamed it on his hitting slump

[@Subangelis]

ball?

[@Adkb123]

Why don’t you use upside on a better mic?

[@sasda]

I think the comparison is like the carry rule in the NBA. There is no way to crossover without carrying the ball. Yet NBA rarely call it because everyone is doing it. In this case I don't see the point of calling something so minor and borderline, especially you have refed this player multiple times without calling it.

[@Subangelis]

Says someone who doesn't watch or play baseball.

[@sasda]

@@Subangelis lol any serious baseball fan knows the balk rule is obtuse and arbitrary. The judgement on "discernable stop" is purely subjective. And please I watch the game since when the best pitcher in the game are Roy Halladay and Johan Santana. A lot of time a LHP's pick off move to 1st base is a balk but the ump turns a blind eye. Jomboy recently did a breakdown on Richard Bleiber. In that video there are split images of him balking and not balking, the deliveries are virtually the same.

[@pokefan7897]

Is there a jomboy of this situation *

[@ultrametric9317]

There is no doubt he was not coming set. It's the rule. BTW in 1963, Billy Williams walked and then balked 3 times home. I call this an "elephant walk" :)

[@sartainja]

Sounds like a 🐂💩 regulation from a retired IRS agent who is an expert in such rules.

[@izaman56]

Fun fact i lost a travel team semi final game on a balk

[@twig4590]

David Cone has entered the chat.

[@tlukewinder6433]

ive always thought the balk definition should be changed- The balk was there to defend the base stealers since pitchers kept trying to fake the runners out like they were coming home when they werent, so forget about the complete stop crap, just say that a pitcher cannot make a move towards any other base if he has already come set and begins his pitch motion to the plate. problem solved!

[@gregdiamond6023]

This channel is so underrated.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

Who rated it?

[@gregdiamond6023]

@@mylesmarkson1686 I did. It’s worthy of my precious time bro.

[@yamomwasthebomb7159]

Hilarious drunk driving joke, bro. Nothing funnier than that.

[@jhope1923]

It’s so weird. Whenever I think of the word balk, Dave Stewart comes to mind.