Expert: Dennis Girardi - 5/5/2010

Question
Can you please explain what is and isn't a balk. There are questions pertaining to the differences of throwing to first, second, or third base to check on a runner. When throwing to first, pitcher can throw while engaged to the rubber? How about 2nd? Third?

Answer
Hey Ron,

Your issue seems to be, when the pitcher steps off the rubber first, and then becomes a fielder.
This becomes confusing, I know..
Here's some general rules..
I hope this helps some.

With a runner on base and the pitcher on the rubber, it is a balk[2] when the pitcher:

* switches his pitching stance from the windup position to the set position (or vice versa) without properly disengaging the rubber;
* when going from the stretch to the set position, fails to make a complete stop with his hands together before beginning to pitch;
* throws from the rubber to a base without stepping toward (gaining distance in the direction of) that base;
* throws from the rubber to a base where there is no runner and no possibility of a play;
* steps or feints from the rubber to first base without completing the throw;
* pitches a quick return pitch, that is, pitches with the intent to catch the batter off-guard;
* pitches or mimics a part of his pitching motion while not in contact with the rubber;
* drops the ball while on the rubber;
* after a feint or throw to a base from the rubber, fails to disengage the rubber before reengaging and pitching;
* after beginning to pitch, interrupts his pitching motion;
* begins to pitch while the catcher is out of the catcher's box when giving an intentional walk;
* while pitching, removes his pivot foot from the pitching rubber, except to pivot or as a natural consequence of stepping forward to release the pitch;
* unnecessarily delays the game;
* pitches while facing away from the batter;
* after bringing his hands together on the rubber or engaging the rubber with his hands together, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw;
* stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, or mimics a pitch without the ball; or
* steps to first base and throws to the first baseman who, because of his distance from the base, is (or would have been) unable to try a tag against the runner at first base

In addition, if a pitcher commits any of the following illegal actions, it may result in a balk under certain circumstances:

* expectorates (spits) on the ball, either hand or his glove;
* rubs the ball on his glove, person or clothing;
* applies a foreign substance of any kind to the ball;
* defaces the ball in any manner; or
* delivers a ball altered in a manner described above or what is called the “spit” ball, “shine” ball, “mud” ball or “emery” ball.

God Luck.. Ha!
Dennis