Balk - Common Misconceptions

Common Misconceptions

A "catcher's balk" occurs when the catcher does not stay in the catcher's box until the pitcher delivers the ball. The rule is rarely enforced, though. However, a catcher's balk is still charged to the pitcher. This is because the pitcher is deemed to have illegally delivered a pitch while the catcher was out of position.

While the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately befuddling the base runner (per comment to Rule 8.05, OBR), or occasionally the batter, there are many legal ways for pitchers to deceive runners: pickoff attempts, look-backs, and speeding up the pitching motion all are efforts at deception. Only actions that violate the balk rules, however, may be penalized with a balk.

Another misconception occurs when in the set position, a pitcher must step off the rubber before attempting a pick-off or appeal play. Rule 8.01(c) allows a pitcher to pitch, throw to an occupied base, or step off while in contact with the rubber. The pitcher may also throw to an unoccupied base if appealing that a runner missed a base or left too early on a fly ball.

Additionally, there is no "fielder's balk" for a player other than the catcher being in foul territory during a pitch. It is also not a balk for a pitcher to take a sign from a catcher while not in contact with the rubber. These are listed in the rule book as infractions without penalties. The umpire shall call "time" and correct the issue without penalty.