Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 10/21/2009

Question
My grandson plays 11u select ball, and the umpires call by the Nations Rule Book.  The other day our catcher flashed signs while our pitcher was straddle the rubber, and runners on 1st and 3rd.  The umpire called a Balk on us.  I had never heard of this before.  Was this the correct call.  Shouldn't the intent of both the catcher and pitcher been taken into consideration?  Or should he have been given a warning or just had a Ball called?

Answer
William,

It is very difficult to make a ruling based on not seeing the play.  There is a rule that you can't appear to be getting ready to pitch when you aren't in contact with the rubber.  So if the umpire felt that they were attempting to deceive the runner, then he made the right call.

Hope this helps!

Brian