Expert: Dennis Girardi - 4/21/2011

Question
In a Babe Ruth Game the umpire called a balk, because the first baseman was set up on the left side of the bag, but one of his feet was in foul territory.  I understand the players must be on the field of play, but is that really a balk situation?  I looked in the rulebook and I just don't see it.

Answer
Hey Mark,

Except for the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory.

Note that the penalty of a balk is listed only on 4.03a. There is no penalty prescribed for a player being in foul territory. Make sure everyone's in fair territory before you put the ball in play. Otherwise, the fielders can stand where ever they want. They're gaining no advantage from it.


Dennis