Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/25/2005

Question
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THE OTHER NITE DURING THE MET GAME,THE PITCHER TAKING A FULL WINDUP, STOPPED AND THEN CONTINUED HOME WITH THE PITCH AFTER HE SAW THE RUNNER ON THIRD RUNNING TOWARDS HOME.THE HOME PLATE UMPIRE CALLED A BALK,AFTER A BRIEF ARGUEMENT FROM THE OTHER TEAMS MANAGER,THE HOME PLATE UMPIRE REVERSED HIS BALK CALL AND MADE THE RUNNER GO BACK TO THIRD.CAN YOU TELL ME WHY? WHY DID THE HOME PLATE UMPIRE EVEN ASK FOR HELP?
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Answer
Gary,

I didn't see the game you mentioned, but the situation you described above is definitely a balk.  The only reason I can think off is that another umpire called time before the play started.  Him calling time would make the play dead, therefore there would be no penalty.

Hope this helps!

Brian