What Does Balk Mean In Baseball?

Learn the definition of balk in baseball, plus get tips on how to prevent balks and what to do if a balk is called against your team.

The Balk Rule

In baseball, a balk is an illegal motion by the pitcher when one or more runners are on base. The balk rule is in place to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the base runners and to keep the game fair. If a pitcher commits a balk, the umpire will call “Balk” and all runners will advance one base.

What is a balk?

In baseball, a balk is a motion by the pitcher when he or she hesitates or stops in the process of delivering the ball to home plate. A balk can also be called if the pitcher makes an illegal motion such as throwing to first base after coming to a set position. Balks are also called when a pitcher fake-throws to second base in an attempt to pick off a runner.

What are the consequences of a balk?

A balk is a call made by an umpire when a pitcher breaks one of baseball’s set of rules regarding his delivery. When this happens, each runner on base is awarded one extra base. For example, if there are runners on first and second base when the balk is called, they are both awarded third base and score if there is already a runner on third base.

When is a Balk Called?

A balk is an illegal motion by the pitcher when he is on the mound. The balk rule is in place to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the base runner. There are a few different ways that a pitcher can commit a balk, but the most common is to fake a throw to first base.

Pickoff Attempts

A balk is called when the pitcher does one of several things that are against the rules. The most common is probably when the pitcher starts his windup to throw to the plate, but then doesn’t actually throw the ball. If there are runners on base, they can try to advance. If a runner was already steal second, for example, and the pitcher tries to pick him off but doesn’t throw the ball, the runner can try to advance to third.

Other things that can result in a balk include:
-Not coming to a complete stop before throwing to first on a pickoff attempt
-Feinting a pickoff throw to first base and then throwing to another base
-Throwing to an unoccupied base
-Leaving the rubber while holding the ball without pitching it

Fake Pitches

Balk is a rule in baseball, governed by Official Baseball Rule 6.02, that prohibits the pitcher from making any motion towards home plate with the apparent intent of delivering the ball to the batter when there is a runner or runners on base. A balk can also be called if the pitcher illegally delivers the ball to home plate without first coming to a stop on the mound.

The most common type of balk is when the pitcher makes an illegal move towards home plate while there is a runner or runners on base. This is often referred to as a “fake pitch.” Other common causes for a balk call include:

-Throwing to a base without first coming to a stop on the mound
-Leaving the bullpen and not coming to a complete stop on the rubber before throwing your first pitch
-Pitching out of the stretch position without first coming set

Intentional Walks

An intentional walk is when the pitcher throws four balls outside of the strike zone, giving the batter a free pass to first base. This is usually done to avoid letting the batter hit the ball and potentially score.

There are two situations when an intentional walk can occur:
1) The bases are loaded and the pitcher does not want to risk giving up a run by pitches that may be more hittable.
2) There is a power hitter batting with fewer than two outs and no one on base behind him. The theory here is that it is better to put the hitter on base and deal with a runner in scoring position rather than risk giving up a home run or extra-base hit.

Balk History

A balk is a move by the pitcher that is against the rules of baseball. When a pitcher balks, the runner is able to advance to the next base without the risk of being thrown out. The history of the balk dates back to the 1800s when the game was first created.

Notable Balks

A balk is a move by a pitcher that is meant to deceive the baserunner. If a pitcher makes a motion toward the bases as if he is about to throw the ball, but then does not, it is considered a balk. Balks can be called when the pitcher tries to pick off a baserunner, when he fake throws to second base, or when he steps off the rubber without throwing the ball.

Some of the most notable balks in baseball history include:
-In 1965, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson balked with the bases loaded, giving the Pittsburgh Pirates a 4-3 victory.
-In 1976, New York Yankees pitcher Jim Beattie balked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Baltimore Orioles a 5-4 victory.
-In 2001, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Albie Lopez balked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 3-2 victory.

Rule Changes

In January 1920, baseball owners met to discuss several rule changes, including the addition of the balk rule. The balk rule was designed to prevent pitchers from deceiving baserunners, and it was approved unanimously. It went into effect for the 1920 season.

The balk rule has undergone several changes since it was first introduced. In 1955, the rule was changed to state that a balk could be called if a pitcher stopped his motion while on the rubber (previously, he had to come to a complete stop). In 1964, the rule was changed again to state that a pitcher couldn’t fake a pick-off throw to first base. And in 1975, the rule was changed so that a pitcher couldn’t feint a throw to second base in order to pick off a runner at first.

Today, the balk rule is still in effect and is enforced by umpires. If a pitcher commits a balk, the baserunner(s) are awarded one base from their current position(s).

How to Prevent a Balk

Balk can be defined as an illegal move by the pitcher with the intention of deceiving the base runner. It is a type of deception where the pitcher tries to make a false move to trick the runner. It is important to know how to prevent a balk so that you can avoid this type of deception.

Pitchers

A balk is a move by the pitcher that is illegal and causes the runner or runners to advance. Balks can happen when the pitcher doesn’t come to a complete stop before starting his windup, or if he hesitates in his delivery. Balk calls are rare, but they can be important in close games.

Catchers

There are a few things that catchers can do to prevent a balk. First, they should make sure that they have a good grip on the ball when they are receiving it from the pitcher. Second, they should make sure that they keep their feet parallel to the pitcher’s rubber while they are in their stance. Third, they should make sure that they don’t step out of their crouch until the pitcher has released the ball. Finally, they should make sure that they stay in their stance until the ball has been hit by the batter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a balk is an illegal move by the pitcher that causes the runner to be awarded an extra base. There are several different ways to commit a balk, but the most common is to fake a pick-off throw to first base while the runner is on second. Balks are fairly rare in baseball, but they can be crucial in decide close games.