You might have noticed it during a baseball game: a pitcher makes a subtle move, the umpire stops play, and the runners advance a base — all without any clear action happening.
This curious moment is often followed by the broadcasters mentioning a quirky term, “balk,” and then the game continues.
But what is a balk in baseball, really?
Having played and coached baseball for years, I’ve seen my fair share of balks. It’s one of those rules that can baffle even seasoned players and fans.
Let’s explore the rules about balks, and I’ll show how knowing them can make you a better player or a more informed fan.
Now, What is a Balk in Baseball?
A balk occurs when a pitcher makes an illegal motion on the mound that deceives the base runners. The purpose of the balk rule is to ensure that pitchers don’t use unfair tactics to catch runners off guard. It’s a safeguard to maintain fairness and integrity in the game.
Here are the key components that define a balk:
| Key Component | Description |
| Set Position | After agreeing on a pitch with the catcher, the pitcher must come to a complete stop before pitching. |
| Switching Positions | The pitcher cannot switch from the windup to the set position without stepping off the rubber. |
| Hands Apart | Once the hands come together in the set position, they must not come apart unless delivering a pitch or making a pickoff throw. |
| Foot Placement (Left-Handed Pitchers) | Lefties must ensure their right foot lands toward the intended target, maintaining a clear direction. |
| Foot Placement (Right-Handed Pitchers) | Righties must continue their motion toward the home plate or the base they are throwing to. |
| Mimicking a Pitch | Any motion that mimics the pitching delivery without throwing the ball is considered a balk. |
| Catcher’s Position | The catcher must be in the box when the pitch is thrown. |
Throwing to an Unoccupied Base
It’s not something you see every day, but occasionally, a pitcher will make a move that baffles even seasoned fans: throwing to a base with no runner.
If not part of a strategic play, this action is considered a balk under Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(4). This rule states that a pitcher commits a balk while on the pitcher’s rubber if he throws to an unoccupied base without a defensive objective.
Example: Consider a scenario with a runner at second base. The pitcher sets and unexpectedly throws to an empty first or third base. This move results in a balk because the throw wasn’t part of an active play, showing how such a misstep can shift the game’s momentum.
Grasping this rule thoroughly can prevent game-changing errors and keep runners rightfully in place.
Examples of Balks in the Set Position
Pitchers must handle their movements with precision when in the set position to avoid confusion and unintentional balks. Below are some typical errors that could lead to a balk:
- Complete Stop Required: Pitchers must come to a clear and complete stop in the set position. Failing to do so may result in a balk call.
- Switching Positions: It is against the rules to transition from the windup to the set position without stepping off the rubber entirely.
- Shoulder Movement: Rotating or turning the shoulders while set is considered deceptive and could be called a balk.
- Hand Movement: After setting their hands, pitchers must keep them together unless they are delivering the ball or attempting a pickoff.
- Ball Handling: Dropping the ball while on the rubber and set is an automatic balk.
These specific pitcher actions are scrutinized closely as they can directly affect the game’s fairness by misleading runners.
Catchers and Balks
Catchers, too, play a critical role in maintaining the game’s integrity, with specific actions leading to balks if not carefully managed:
- Catcher Interference: Touching the batter or his bat during the plate appearance can lead to a balk, emphasizing the need for catchers to maintain careful positioning.
- Positioning in the Catcher’s Box: The catcher must remain within the confines of the catcher’s box until the pitch is thrown. Stepping out too early can disrupt the flow of play and result in a balk.
Understanding these roles and rules is vital for teams to prevent avoidable penalties and ensure the game proceeds smoothly without undue advantage.
Historical Context
The balk rule has greatly changed since it first appeared in Major League Baseball in 1898. It was created to stop pitchers from tricking runners on the bases. As pitchers got better at confusing runners, the rules had to be updated to keep up.
A big update happened in 1950 when they defined a balk in more detailed to help everyone understand what a pitcher can and can’t do.
Another important change was in 1963, after a year with lots of balks, which led to even stricter rules.
Knowing these changes helps us see how baseball has grown and helps players and fans understand the deeper parts of pitching and running bases.
Notable Balk Records in Major League Baseball
Here are some notable records and incidents related to balks:
Steve Carlton’s Record
Renowned for his pitching prowess, Steve Carlton holds the record for the most career balks at 90. This high number reflects his long career and era’s evolving enforcement of balk rules.
Single-Season Record
The record for the most balks in a single season is held by Dave Stewart, who recorded 16 balks in 1988 while with the Oakland Athletics. This was during a period of heightened scrutiny over pitchers’ movements.
Record for Balks in One Game
Bob Shaw set a remarkable record by committing five balks in a single game on May 4, 1963, pitching for the Milwaukee Braves against the Chicago Cubs. This game highlighted the challenges pitchers faced when adapting to new interpretations of the balk rules, specifically the enforcement of the rule requiring pitchers to pause in the set position.
Exhibition Game Record
In an unusual turn during a 1988 exhibition game, knuckleballer Charlie Hough was called for nine balks, seven of which occurred in just one inning. This incident underscored the strict enforcement of the set position rule that umpires emphasized for the upcoming season.
Recent Notable Incident
On September 27, 2022, Richard Bleier of the Miami Marlins experienced a rare and controversial moment when he was called for three consecutive balks in one inning against Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.
This unusual sequence not only tied the record for most balks in an inning but also marked a significant moment in Bleier’s career, as he had never been called for a balk before that inning. The calls led to heated disputes and the ejections of both Bleier and Marlins Manager Don Mattingly.
Related: When Was Baseball Invented? Uncovering the Game’s Origins
How to Avoid Balks
As a coach and former pitcher, I’ve learned that avoiding balks comes down to a few key practices:
1. Thorough Understanding of the Rules
Every pitcher should spend time learning the balk rules as part of their fundamental training. This includes understanding how different leagues might interpret certain actions, which can vary significantly.
2. Consistent Pitching Routine
Developing consistent movements when coming to the set position can help prevent unintentional balks. Practice these routines regularly to ensure they become second nature.
3. Focus on Clear Intentions
Be deliberate with every movement. Clear and intentional actions are important when throwing to a base or preparing for a pitch, as they help prevent confusion and reduce the risk of a balk call.
4. Regular Feedback from Coaches and Umpires
Use feedback during practice sessions and games to adjust your techniques. Understanding how umpires perceive your motions can provide valuable insights and help refine your pitching strategy.
5. Mental Preparation
Pitchers should work on their focus and composure, especially in high-pressure situations where balks are more likely to occur. Preparing mentally can reduce the risk of making rushed or unclear movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they call it a balk?
The term “balk” comes from the old English word “balc,” which means “to hinder” or “obstruct.” In baseball, the term was adopted to describe pitchers’ actions that hinder a fair chance for base runners to advance, essentially obstructing the game’s fair play.
What is an example of a balk in baseball?
An example of a balk occurs when a pitcher starts his pitching motion but stops abruptly without throwing the ball. This can deceive the base runners, making them think a pitch is coming when it isn’t.
Why is balking illegal in baseball?
Balking is illegal because it involves deceptive movements by the pitcher that can unfairly trick base runners. The balk rule aims to maintain a fair playing field by ensuring that runners have a reasonable opportunity to advance bases without being misled by the pitcher’s actions.
What is a balk for dummies?
Simply put, a balk is an illegal action by the pitcher when facing the batter. If the pitcher makes any misleading movement that could confuse the base runners or fails to comply with specific pitching rules, it’s called a balk. This results in each runner advancing one base.
What is the most common balk in baseball?
The most common balk is when a pitcher fails to come to a complete stop with the ball in the set position before delivering the pitch. This quick pitch can catch runners and batters off guard, and umpires often look out for this infraction.
How many ways can a pitcher balk?
There are several ways a pitcher can commit a balk, with the major ones including not coming to a full stop in the set position, making deceptive or illegal movements, pitching while not facing the batter, dropping the ball during the pitching motion, and making an illegal pick-off attempt. The exact number can vary as interpretations of actions leading to a balk can be quite broad.