Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/29/2007

Question
I was watching a game and there were runners on first and second. The pitcher Turned to throw to second but the second baseman did not move to cover so he threw the ball to where the second baseman was standing (About 15 ft from second base). is this a balk?

Thanks
Ryan

Answer
Ryan,

Unfortunately, I can't give you a definitive answer.  It depends on the umpire's judgement.  If the pitcher hesitated after turning or hitched in their throw, then it probably should have been a balk.  If they cleanly turned and threw and did everything else legally, but the ball went to the second baseman, then it probably wasn't a balk.

Just think about it this way - the pitcher did everything legally, but made a wild throw 20 feet to the right of the player covering.  This wouldn't be a balk - just an error.

Hope this helps!

Brian