Expert: Andrew Senger - 7/21/2009

Question
Game being played under PONY rules. Runner on 2nd, pitcher throws ball and a balk is called batter hits ball and lines out to an infielder, what should be the ruling? Umpire awarded 3rd base to runner and called a dead ball batter is up to bat again.

Answer
George,

I'm not experienced in PONY rules, but I will give you the answer based on Official Baseball Rules.

The umpire's call was correct. In a balk situation, the ball is still live. However, if the ensuing play does not allow each baserunner to advance at least one base AND the batter to advance at least to first base, the play is ignored, all runners advance one base, and the batter returns to bat with the same count as before the balk.

The applicable rule is 8.05 PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit  batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base,  in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk.

This rule prevents the defense from gaining an advantage if the offense were able to advance bases on the play. For example, it wouldn't be fair to the offense if the batter hit a home run.

I will also add that this rule does not apply in High School baseball. Under Fed rules, the ball is immediately dead on a balk.