What Constitutes a Balk?
by: Todd Williams The balk: an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base; is probably the least understood infraction in all of baseball. The rule centers on the actions of the pitcher and it’s important that developing pitchers learn about the do’s and don’ts of pitching, to avoid getting called for the balk. In short, the intent of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving a base runner, and thereby gaining an unfair advantage over the runner. Umpires are instructed to rule based on the “intent” of the pitcher, if there is any doubt. It’s important to note for developing pitchers that once they step on the rubber, they have changed their status from “infielder” to “pitcher” and the rules governing pitchers are in effect. To change their status back to “infielder” all they have to do is step off the rubber with their pivot foot. Note that it’s illegal to act like a pitcher when you’re not on the rub
