In baseball Balk Rules occurs when the pitcher makes an illegal movement on the mound, which is considered deceptive to the runners. This leads to an advancement of bases.
Typically, a pitcher may fake a pitch with no actual intention of throwing the ball. A pitch resulting in a balk rules is considered a dead ball.
The umpire has the duty of identifying and calling a balk. When this happens, all base runners move forward one position, except the batter.
The balk rules was initially implemented in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1898. According to the Official Baseball Rules of MLB, the primary objective of this rule is to prevent the pitcher from intentionally deceiving the runners.
As of 2023, there have been minor modifications to the rule, such as restricting the number of pick-off attempts. Now, a pitcher cannot make more than two unsuccessful pick-off attempts for each batter.
Major League Baseball Balk Rules
The pitcher for a balk rules are designed to prevent the pitcher from making any prohibited movements while on the mound, as these can distract the batter at the plate.
Consistent engagement in any forbidden actions can lead to the player being expelled from the game by the match official for continuously breaking the rules.
In baseball, a balk is the term used when a pitcher:
- Changes stance from set to windup or the reverse without correctly disengaging the rubber.
- Initiates a pitch movement on the rubber but doesn’t finish the delivery.
- Doesn’t fully stop hands before throwing the ball from the set position.
- Throws to a base from the mound without moving toward the base.
- Leaves the rubber or fakes a throw to first or third base without making the throw.
- Throws or pretends to throw to an empty base.
- Quickly pitches right after getting the ball to surprise the batter.
- Loses grip of the ball while on the mound.
- Causes unnecessary delays in the game.
- Pitches facing away from the batter.
- Separates hands after joining them on the mound, unless throwing the ball.
- Pretends to pitch without a ball or stands over the mound without the ball.
- Throws the ball to a fielder not positioned at a base.
A balk is also called during instances like a squeeze play or a home steal if a pitch is thrown. It is also considered a balk if the catcher or any player steps in front of the home plate and makes contact with the batter or bat without having the ball.
In such situations, the batter gets awarded first base, the game stops momentarily, a ball is recorded against the pitcher, and a run is counted.
Phillies’ famous pitcher, Steve Carlton, has the highest number of career balks in the major league, a total of ninety. Also, Dave Steward holds the record for the most balks in a single season.
In 1998, while playing for the A’s, Steward recorded sixteen balks. Moreover, the MLB record for the most balks in a single match belongs to Bob Shaw. He made five balks in a match against the Cubs on May 4, 1963.
Balk Rule Changes
In 2023, Major League Baseball (MLB) implemented several rule changes, including modifications to the balk rules and the introduction of a pitch clock.
These alterations are part of a broader effort to improve the pace of play and are expected to have a substantial impact on the game.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a pitch clock, which is designed to speed up the game by putting a time limit on how long a pitcher has to throw the ball.
The clock allows 15 seconds for a pitch with no runners on base and 20 seconds when there are runners on base. If a pitcher fails to deliver the ball within this timeframe, a ball is added to the count.
However, the clock is reset if a runner advances during that time. This change has resulted in a notable increase in both the number of stolen base attempts and their success rates.
Another major change is the limitation on pitcher disengagements, pickoff attempts, or step-offs per batter. Now, a pitcher can only disengage twice per batter; otherwise, they will be charged with a balk.
This rule is intended to minimize disruptions to base runners’ timing and shorten the average length of MLB games, which has been on the rise.
Disengagements include faking a throw to first base or stepping off the mound for any reason, but do not count team timeouts, mound visits, or injury timeouts.
This restriction on pickoffs is also aimed at increasing base action, which has been gradually decreasing over the past few years.
Despite a slight increase in 2022, the average number of stolen bases per team was still significantly lower than a decade ago.
However, the new balk rules has already shown positive results, with a more than thirty percent increase in stolen bases in the first three months of the current season, and the success rate of stolen bases rising from 75% to 83%.
Furthermore, once a pitcher starts his pitching motion, he is no longer allowed to step off the mound. This modification is designed to eliminate the previously legal fake to third, throw to first move.
Overall, these rule changes have been successful in increasing the pace of play and the action on the bases, both of which are crucial for maintaining the excitement and popularity of the game.
What Is A Balk In Pitching Baseball?
A balk off in baseball is a rare event where a team wins because the pitcher commits a balk. This is also called a walk-off balk.
A balk happens when the pitcher does an illegal move on the rubber, causing the base runners to move forward a base.
A balk-off occurs when there’s at least one runner on base, the score is tied, or the home team is behind by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning or extra innings, and the pitcher balks, letting the base runners advance.
If there are no runners on base and the pitcher does something that could be a balk, there is no penalty for the pitcher.
However, if the pitcher throws a quick pitch or pitches while not on the mound, they are charged a ball in the count.
If the pitcher tries to trick the batters with no one on the bases, the ball is declared dead, and the game restarts with no penalty. If the pitcher does this many times, the umpire may warn or even eject them.
Also, if the pitcher is on the mound during a hidden ball trick, where the fielding team tricks the runners about the ball’s location before revealing it and tagging the runner, the runner is not out. Instead, a balk is called, and all base runners move forward a base.
Sometimes, a pitcher is charged with a balk even if they haven’t made an illegal move. This is when the catcher is not in the catcher’s box when the ball is thrown.
Here, a ball is called, and the pitcher is charged with the call. Additionally, sometimes pitchers intentionally balk as a strategy.
This usually happens when there is a runner on second base, and the pitcher purposely balks to move the runner to third base, so the player on a base can’t signal a steal.
Some FAQs
What Does A Balk Call In The Baseball?
In baseball, a balk is called when the pitcher performs a prohibited movement on the pitching mound with the intention of misleading the base runners.
What Are The Components That Make A Balk In Baseball?
In baseball, a balk occurs when the pitcher, while on the mound, carries out a prohibited action with the aim of deceiving the players running the bases.
How Can One Call A Balk In Baseball?
The referee declares a balk in baseball if the pitcher performs an unlawful act while preparing to pitch from the mound.