Deception plays a crucial role in the intricate dance between pitcher, hitter, and base runner. Pitchers use subtle movements to throw off a hitter’s timing or to catch a runner off guard. Baseball created rules to prevent pitchers from taking this too far. Enter the baseball balk rule designed to keep pitchers honest and the game fair.
According to MLB, a balk, “essentially keeps the pitcher in check by limiting his ability to fake a pitch or a pick-off throw to one of the bases. If an umpire deems the pitcher pretended to do either, without a clear intention of following through, the balk is called, and each runner moves up one base.”
A Brief History of the Balk Rule
The balk rule first entered baseball’s rulebook in 1898. Initially, pitchers could fake a pickoff throw to one base before throwing to another. For example, faking a throw to third base and instead throwing to first. In 2013, MLB outlawed this practice and clarified the balk rule’s restrictions.
Dropping a ball—intentionally or unintentionally—before delivering a pitch, is also covered by the rule. A dropped ball results in a balk, which advances all runners on one base. A memorable dropped ball happened in the 1961 All-Star Game. Strong winds at Candlestick Park caused pitcher Stu Miller to be called for a balk after he was blown off the mound.
What is a Balk in Baseball Rules?
The baseball balk rule might seem complex at first glance. Breaking it down into specific dos and don’ts for pitchers clarifies the rule. The most important aspect of the rule is that a pitcher must come to a complete stop in the set position before throwing. This means the pitcher’s body must be still, and their hands must be together before starting a motion toward home plate. If the pitcher bypasses coming set set or if they flinch, the umpire is likely to call a balk.
Additionally, once a pitcher starts their throwing motion, they must follow through in the direction of either home plate or the base they intend to throw to. A pitcher is only allowed to switch from the windup position to the set by stepping off the pitching rubber. Furthermore, if a pitcher separates their hands from the set position without immediately delivering the pitch or throwing to a base, this also results in a balk.
The Differences Between Right-Handed and Left-Handed Pitchers
Understanding the balk rule also requires knowing the different application for right-handed and left-handed pitchers. Left-handed pitchers face the runner at first base. Because of this, the rules specify that if a lefty picks up their right foot, it must land in the direction they plan to throw.
Imagine a 45-degree line extending from the pitcher’s left foot. If the lefty is throwing to first base, their right foot must land on the left side of that line. The foot must land on the right side if they intend to throw a pitch to home plate.
Right-handed pitchers face third base, which means their movements are more restricted. Once a righty begins their motion, they must complete it in a clear direction—either toward home plate or toward the base for a pickoff throw. Righties cannot stop mid-motion when turning to make a pickoff throw to first base. They must step off the pitching rubber first. Failure to step off results in a balk being called.
The baseball balk rule is one of baseball’s most fascinating and complex regulations, balancing deception and fairness.
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