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TOPIC: Result of Pitch on a Balk Call |
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| Bob Bressler
June 14, 2011
8:42:25 AM
Entry #: 3745719
| We had some confusion in our game last night. The umpires and coaches had different takes on the rule.
scenerio:
Runner on Second, 3-2 count on batter. The field umpire called balk as the pitcher delivered the pitch. The result of the pitch was a hit batsman. The call was first to give the batter 1st base and the runner 3rd. It was then changed to just give the runner 3rd, and the batter had to return to the plate.
If a balk is called while the pitch is being delivered the offence can take the result of the pitch which should have been balk ignored, and runners on first and second. Is this correct?
Thanks.
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| Dan Y.
June 14, 2011
9:49:36 AM
Entry #: 3745772
| The call was (eventually) correct.
There is no such thing as a "manager's option" on a balk. The result of the play will dictate whether the balk is enforced or ignored.
If a pitcher balks, but still pitches the ball, the ball is still live and can be batted.
If the the result of the play has all runners and the batter advancing at least one base, you will ignore the balk and take the play. If the play does not result in all runners and the batter advancing at least one base, you'll ignore the play and enforce the balk.
In this scenario, a balk followed by hit batsman, the batter would have advanced to first, but the runner at second would have stayed at second. So, you need to enforce the balk, put the runner on third and ignore the pitch. HOWEVER, if the same thing occurred but the runner was at first, you would have ignored the balk as the hit batsman would have forced both the batter and runner to advance one base.
Furthermore, you can have outs on plays that start with a balk. For example, runner and first, pitcher balks but delivers the pitch that goes for an infield single. The runner at first is thrown out at third. Since both the runner and batter advanced at least one base, you'll ignore the balk and take the play even though it resulted in an out.
Dan Y.
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