Expert: John Priest - 6/6/2009

Question
My question is about the inside move to second base. It was my understanding that as long as the kid brings his leg up straight and then turns he can go to second. I had this called a balk the other day on one of my kids and the reason the umpire gave me was that he started to home first? That doesnt make sense to me, how in the world can a 12 year old kid lean towards home and then stop his momentum and go back to 2nd? Is there a rule regarding hesitation? Can you not bring y our leg up, hold it there for a second or two and then turn? I saw on an instructional youtube video the instructor was actually teaching the pitcher to bring his leg up and then down (as if you were glide stepping) and then turn. Please help with clarification. Much appreciated.

Answer
Rob,
In my opinion some balks can come down to the opinion of the umpire.  If the umpire makes the determination that the pitcher has made a movement toward home plate then turns to throw to a base, he will call a balk.  Sometimes this can be the umpires "determination" and you may not see it.  I believe you can pause and turn to a base as long as you don't commit to home plate.  I would suggest asking this question to one of the umpires on the all experts web site.

Thank You,
John Priest