BALKS
TLDRThe transcript discusses the intricacies of pitcher positioning and rules in baseball, emphasizing the importance of the 'stretch position' and 'set position'. It explains the three permissible actions from the set position: pitching, disengaging, or throwing to a base. The consequences of incorrect movements, such as balks, are highlighted, and the differences in rules for right-handed and left-handed pitchers are noted. The transcript also touches on the umpire's role in observing these rules and the impact on gameplay.
Takeaways
- 📍 Pitchers must have at least half their foot on the rubber when in the stretch position.
- 🤚 When hands are not together, pitchers are not considered in a set position and can move freely.
- 🤲 Once hands are together in front of the body, the pitcher is considered set and has three options: pitch, disengage, or throw to a base.
- 🚫 Turning to throw to first base after setting hands together is mandatory; throwing to other bases is not.
- 🏃♂️ If a pitcher steps off the rubber after setting, they become a fielder and different rules apply.
- 📌 Umpires must pay attention to the pitcher's movements to determine if a balk has occurred.
- 🔄 The 'double set' is not allowed; pitchers cannot set and then re-set their position.
- 💭 Dropping the ball while on the rubber is not considered a balk, but if it gets past the pitcher, it's a ball.
- 👣 For left-handed pitchers, the angle of the pivot foot breaking the plane of the rubber is crucial for determining the required action.
- 🥊 A balk is not called if there are no runners on base; umpires may choose to let certain infractions go if they do not affect the play.
- 📣 Umpires should clearly communicate their calls, especially in complex situations involving multiple runners.
Q & A
What is the term used to describe the pitcher's position when there are runners on base and the pitcher is not in a set position?
-The term used is 'stretch goal', specifically referring to the pitcher's position from the stretch on the rubber.
What are the three things a pitcher can do once they are in the set position?
-Once in the set position, a pitcher can throw out their pitching motion to deliver to the plate, disengage by stepping backward with their pivot foot, or turn and make a throw to another base.
How is the 'set position' defined in baseball?
-A pitcher is considered to be in the set position when they have stopped their motion, and have their hands together in front of them.
What is the significance of the pitcher's foot position on the rubber in District 57?
-In District 57, the least half of the pitcher's foot must be on the rubber. The pitcher cannot go side to side without fulfilling this requirement.
What happens if a pitcher turns and throws to first base without having thrown to the plate first?
-If a pitcher turns and throws to first base without having thrown to the plate first, it is considered a balk, and the runner is awarded second base.
How does the outcome change if a pitcher steps off the rubber and throws the ball over the fence?
-If a pitcher steps off the rubber and throws the ball over the fence, it results in a two-base award because the throw came from a fielder, not a pitcher.
What is a 'double set' in baseball?
-A 'double set' occurs when a pitcher, after coming set and receiving a sign from the catcher, moves again in a way that is not one of the three allowed options (pitching, disengaging, or throwing to a base), resulting in a balk.
What is the importance of the pivot foot for a left-handed pitcher when pulling a baserunner?
-For a left-handed pitcher, the pivot foot is crucial when pulling a baserunner. The pitcher must step more towards first base than towards home to successfully pull the runner. If the pivot foot breaks the plane of the rubber towards home, the pitcher is required to deliver the pitch to home.
What should an umpire do if a pitcher commits a balk while the batter hits a home run?
-If a pitcher commits a balk and the batter hits a home run, the umpire should not call the balk. The run scored by the batter due to the home run is allowed, and the balk is not enforced in this situation.
How do you determine if a left-handed pitcher has committed a balk when making a step to first base?
-A balk is committed by a left-handed pitcher when making a step to first base if their pivot foot breaks the plane of the rubber towards home before stepping towards first base. This indicates that the pitcher has committed to delivering the pitch to home.
Outlines
🏐 Understanding Pitcher's Stretch and Set Position
This paragraph discusses the pitcher's actions during a game, specifically when there are runners on base. It explains the concept of the 'stretch goal' from the 'fish position', detailing the pitcher's foot placement on the rubber and the rules enforced in District 57. The speaker clarifies the difference between being set and not set, the three options available once in the set position (pitching, disengaging, or throwing to a base), and the consequences of each action. It also touches on the importance of the pitcher's position and movements in determining whether a play is a balk or not.
🚫 Common Pitcher's Mistakes and Balks
The second paragraph addresses common mistakes made by pitchers, particularly focusing on incorrect movements that result in balks. It describes situations where a pitcher steps down from the stretch without performing one of the three allowed actions, resulting in a balk. The paragraph also explains the concept of a 'double set' and its implications, as well as the unique challenges faced by umpires in observing left-handed pitchers. The speaker emphasizes the need to distinguish between a pitch and a fielder's throw, especially when determining the number of bases to award in case of a balk.
📣 Umpire's Call on Balks and Loaded Bases
In this paragraph, the focus is on the umpire's role in calling balks, especially in high-pressure situations with loaded bases. It outlines the process an umpire follows when a pitcher commits a balk, including the use of clear and loud communication to award bases to the runners. The speaker also mentions the protocol for calling balks when multiple runners are involved, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and consistency in umpiring decisions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Stretch Goal
💡Set Position
💡Balk
💡Pivot Foot
💡Disengage
💡Runners on Base
💡Rubber
💡Fielder
💡Windup
💡Umpire
💡Double Set
Highlights
The importance of a pitcher's foot position when there are runners on base and the term 'stretch goal'.
Enforcement of foot position in District 57, requiring at least half of the pitcher's foot to be on the rubber.
The pitcher's freedom of movement before settling into the 'set position', including turning shoulders and checking runners.
Once the pitcher's hands are together, it is considered a 'set position', limiting the pitcher's actions to three options.
The definition of 'set' involves the pitcher's free foot starting to come up before the glove reaches the bottom.
The absence of a strict time rule for the 'set' position, refuting the notion of a required one, two, or three-second pause.
The consequences of not properly coming 'set', resulting in a balk if the pitcher's free foot starts to rise before the glove is down.
The rules regarding throwing to first base after coming 'set', and the distinction between a throw to first and a throw to third.
The impact of the pitcher stepping off the rubber on the nature of the throw, affecting whether it's a one-base or two-base warning.
The common occurrence of the pitcher coming up from the stretch and the importance of recognizing a 'double set'.
The unique challenges of calling a balk for left-handed pitchers due to their different foot positioning and pivot foot.
The specific angle that left-handed pitchers must consider when stepping off to throw to first base to avoid a balk.
The demonstration of calling a balk, emphasizing the importance of not calling a balk if there are no runners on base.
The process of awarding bases to multiple runners in the case of a balk, with the umpire pointing to each runner and directing them to their respective base.
The strategic decision of not echoing the umpire's call in certain situations, such as when the pitcher makes a mistake and the batter hits a home run.
The importance of the umpire's clear communication in awarding bases to the runners, ensuring that everyone on the field understands the call.
Transcripts
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