What Are the 12 Most Common Ways That Pitchers Commit a Balk in Baseball?
A balk is any action taken by the pitcher to deliberately deceive a base runner or base runners, to gain an unfair advantage. When a balk is called by the umpire, time is called, and all base runners are awarded a one-base advance. It is a judgment rule made by one of the umpires. Here are what I consider to be the 12 most common balk calls in baseball at all levels of play. • The pitcher delivers from the set position without coming to a stop. • The pitcher causes an unnecessarily delay the game. • The pitcher fakes a throw to first base, without stepping off the rubber, and does not throw the ball to first base. (The pitcher is allowed to fake a throw to second and third base when a runner is occupying those bases. If the pitcher steps off the rubber, he does not have to make the throw.) • The pitcher does not step toward a base when making a throw to that base. The 45 degree rule applies in this case. • The pitcher makes his normal pitching motion but does not throw the ball to the
