Have you ever wondered what a balk is in baseball? It’s not as simple as it seems. According to the rulebook, a balk is an illegal act by the pitcher when there are runners on base, resulting in all runners advancing one base. But did you know that there are actually 13 ways a pitcher can balk? Today, we’ll delve into the most common ones: stopping and starting, not stopping when coming set, and flinching. Let’s explore these balk rules in detail.

Watch this Demonstration Video of All the Balk Rules

If you prefer visual explanations, we have a demonstration video that covers all the balk rules. You can find it below. It’s a great resource for understanding balks better.

Official Definition of a Balk

The official baseball rule book defines a balk as an illegal act by the pitcher with runners on base, allowing all runners to advance one base. In simpler terms, a balk means that the pitcher has made an illegal move while there are runners on base.

Here are a few key points about balks:

• All runners move up one base, even to home if a runner is on third.
• If there are no runners on base, a balk is called an “illegal pitch,” and a ball is added to the count.
• If the pitcher decides to deliver the pitch despite the balk, the batter can and should swing. There’s nothing to lose for the batter in this situation.
• The catcher can also cause a balk by not being in the catcher’s box (if there is one).

To fully understand balks, it’s best to see them in action. We recommend watching this video of MLB pitchers balking. It showcases pitchers starting and stopping, twitching, dropping the ball, and other common balks.

Now that you’ve seen a few examples of balks, let’s dive into the rules themselves.

Rule #1: You can’t start your pitching motion and stop, or have extra body movement

A pitcher is not allowed to stop their motion after they’ve started it. This can happen when a pitcher is about to throw a pitch but suddenly stops. It’s also common for pitchers to subtly start their motion and then stop again. These sudden stops are often flinches or other small movements caused by unexpected events, like a runner stealing or a fielder yelling at the pitcher.

Pitchers must be mentally tough to remain calm and relaxed, avoiding these flinches to prevent balks.

Rule #2: You can’t fake a throw to first base

When a pitcher performs a pick off move to first base without stepping off the rubber, they cannot fake to first. If they do, it will be considered a balk. However, if the pitcher steps back off the rubber before making the pick off throw, they are no longer bound by pick off rules and can fake or throw to any base.

Remember, it is legal to fake a throw to second base. There are specific pick off moves to second where faking to second is allowed.

Rule #3: While on the rubber, you can’t throw to a base without stepping toward it

Left-handed pitchers performing their hang move to first base must step far enough toward first, as determined by the umpire, to be considered stepping toward first rather than home. This rule also applies to right-handed pitchers making a pick off move to third base or performing the now-illegal fake-to-third-throw-to-first pick off move.

Rule #4: You can’t throw or fake a throw to an unoccupied base

A pitcher cannot throw or fake a throw to a base where there is no runner. However, they are allowed to throw or fake a throw to a base where a runner is running.

Rule #5: You must come set and fully pause in the stretch position

Once a pitcher comes set, they must pause for at least one second before delivering the pitch. They cannot “roll through” coming set. This rule ensures that the pitcher is properly set before making their pitch.

Rule #6: You cannot perform a quick-pitch

There are legal and illegal types of quick pitches in baseball. A legal quick pitch involves throwing the pitch before the batter is ready in the box. This can be a strategic move to disrupt the batter’s timing. However, an illegal quick pitch occurs when the pitcher delivers the ball before the batter is ready and time is “in.” Umpires usually regulate this by keeping time “out” until the batter is ready and signaling “play” when time is back in.

Rule #7: You can’t pitch while not facing the batter

This rule is a bit vague, and it’s rarely enforced. It’s unclear what exactly “facing the batter” means. One interpretation is that the pitcher cannot be looking at a runner on second base while starting their delivery. However, the official baseball rules don’t elaborate on this point.

Rule #8: You can’t perform part of the pitching motion while not on the rubber

Pitching is only allowed on the rubber. A pitcher cannot act as if they are going to pitch when they are not on the rubber. This rule prevents pitchers from deceiving runners or creating unnecessary confusion on the field.

Rule #9: You can’t unnecessarily delay the game

Pitchers are not allowed to unnecessarily delay the game. This rule prevents pitchers from stalling or prolonging the game. Although uncommon, it ensures that the game progresses smoothly.

Rule #10: You can’t stand on or straddle the rubber without the ball

When a pitcher stands on or straddles the rubber, they must have the ball in their hand or glove. This rule prevents pitchers from tricking runners by pretending to pitch without actually doing so.

Rule #11: You can’t separate the hands once in the set position

Once a pitcher comes set, their hands must stay together until the pitch is delivered or a pick off is performed. The pitcher can only break their hands by stepping back off the rubber first.

Rule #12: You can’t drop the ball while on the rubber

Pitchers must be careful not to drop the ball while on the rubber. Even if unintentional, dropping the ball constitutes a balk.

Rule #13: The catcher must be in the catcher’s box for a pitch

The catcher has to be behind the plate within their designated area, known as the catcher’s box.

Conclusion

Understanding balk rules in baseball is essential for both pitchers and coaches. By familiarizing yourself with these rules, you can prevent embarrassing mistakes on the field. Remember, seeing and doing are the best ways to learn, so make sure to watch the demonstration video and explore the related pitching resources mentioned in this article.

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