Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/15/2003

Question
My son is pitching and there is some question as to what is a balk?

Answer
Cyndi,

You've asked probably the most complicated rule in baseball to explain!  But I'll do the best I can - please ask again if something I've said doesn't make sense.

Basically, the idea behind a balk is that the pitcher may not deceive the runner or the batter about where he is going to throw the baseball.  So the pitcher can't fake a throw to first and then pitch, or fake a pitch and then throw to first.  If the pitcher wants to throw to first, he must step toward first and throw the ball.  If he is a right hander, he must step off of the rubber before throwing to first.  If he breaks these rules, he is called for a balk.

The pitcher, with someone on base, generally comes to a set position, then either throws to first or to home.  He must stop in the set position.  If he doesn't stop, it is a balk.

However, the pitcher can fake a throw to third!  I don't know why but he can.

There is lots of judgement involved in this play and if your son needs some assistance in this area, he should have a coach watch his behavior and help him out.

I hope this helps!

Brian