Balk vs. Ball


Although “ball” and “balk” are right next to each other in the dictionary, there is a big difference. Not every infraction by the pitcher is a balk. Some are balks, some are balls, and some are neither.
 
Here are six scenarios that you might see on the mound this spring:


1. The pitcher starts his delivery to the plate but stops mid-delivery because the batter has moved one foot outside the batter’s box to get another sign from his 3rd base coach. Is the pitcher or batter penalized?

Call
Since the pitcher did not deliver the ball and the batter did not intentionally try to induce a balk, there is no call and the pitcher and batter start again without penalty to either: 6-2-4d1


2. Same scenario as #1, except the pitcher delivers the pitch and it bounces in front of the plate before being caught by the catcher.

Call
Since the pitcher delivered the ball, a strike is called on the batter: 6-2-4d1.


3. The pitcher takes his signs from the catcher with both feet behind and off of the rubber.

Call
This is a murky area. In MLB, the rule states that the pitcher must take signs from the rubber, but there is no penalty if you don't. In HF, some believe that 6.1.1 calls for a balk (runners on) or ball (no runners on) if the pitcher takes signs off the rubber. The practical application is to tell the pitcher to take his signs from the rubber.


4. While on the mound, but not on the rubber, the pitcher licks his fingers and then grabs the baseball.

Call
There is no violation until the pitcher engages the rubber.


5. Same as #4, but then the pitcher gets on the rubber (with no one on base)? What if there was a runner on base?

Call
In both cases, the umpire calls time and the umpire awards a ball to the batter: 6-2-1 pen.


6. While on the rubber, the pitcher licks his fingers and then wipes his fingers on his pants (with no one on base)? What if there was a runner on base?

Call
The ball is immediately dead. With no one on base, a ball is awarded to the batter. With a runner on, this is a balk: 6-1-3 and 6-2-1e.