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Bob Shaw holds the major league record for most balks in a single game, five, in 1963.

In baseball, a balk is a set of illegal motions or actions that a pitcher may make. Most of these violations involve pitchers pretending to pitch when they have no intention of doing so. In games played under the Official Baseball Rules that govern professional play in the United States and Canada, a balk results in a dead ball or delayed dead ball. In certain other circumstances, a balk may be wholly or partially disregarded. In the United States, under the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS Baseball Rules), a balk results in an immediate dead ball. In the event a balk is enforced, the pitch is generally (but not always) nullified, each runner is awarded one base, and the batter (generally) remains at bat with the previous count. The balk rule in Major League Baseball was introduced in 1898.[1]

According to the Official Baseball Rules: "Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner."[2]

Balk actions

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A pitcher is restricted to a certain set of motions and one of two basic pitching positions before and during a pitch. If these regulations are violated with one or more runners on base, an umpire may call a balk. The batter at home plate does not advance on a balk.

Mike Hauschild (right) talks to an umpire after having been called for a balk

With a runner on base and the pitcher on or astride (with one leg on each side of) the rubber, under Official Baseball Rules, it is a balk when the pitcher:[3]

  • Switches pitching position from the windup to the set (or vice versa) without properly disengaging the rubber
  • While on the rubber, makes a motion associated with a pitch and does not complete the delivery
  • When pitching from the set position, fails to make a complete stop with his hands together before beginning to pitch
  • Throws from the mound to a base without stepping toward (gaining distance in the direction of that base)
  • Throws or feints a throw from the rubber to an unoccupied base, unless a play is imminent
  • Steps or feints from the rubber to first or third base without completing the throw
  • Delivers a quick return, a pitch thrown right after receiving the ball back, with intent to catch the batter off-guard
  • Drops the ball while on the rubber, even if by accident, if the ball does not subsequently cross a foul line
  • Unnecessarily delays the game
  • Pitches while facing away from the batter
  • After bringing his hands together on the rubber, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw
  • Stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, or mimics a pitch without the ball
  • Attempts to throw to a fielder in a spot not directly at a base
  • Delivers a pitch during a squeeze play or a steal of home, if the catcher or some other player steps on or in front of home plate without possession of the ball, or touches the batter (or the bat). The ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base, the pitcher is charged with a balk, and the run scores

With the addition of new pace-of-play rules introduced for the 2023 season, a pitcher is charged with a balk if he attempts a pickoff more than twice in a single at-bat without recording an out, and without the runner advancing.

Under NFHS Rules, a balk occurs when[4]

  • There is any feinting toward the batter or first base, or any dropping of the ball (even though accidental) and the ball does not cross a foul line.
  • The pitcher fails to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out, or drive back a runner; or throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner.
  • An illegal pitch from any position.
  • Failing to pitch to the batter in a continuous motion immediately after any movement of any part of the body such as he habitually uses in his delivery
  • Taking a hand off the ball while in a set position (unless he pitches to the batter or throws toward a base or he steps toward and feints a throw to second or third base)
  • Failing to pitch to the batter when the entire non-pivot foot passes behind the perpendicular plane of the back edge of the pitcher’s plate, except when feinting or throwing to second base in an attempt to put out a runner
  • The pitcher makes a movement naturally associated with pitching and/or places his feet on the pitcher's plate without the ball.

The pitcher's acts of spitting on the ball, defacing or altering the ball, rubbing the ball on the clothing or body, or applying a foreign substance to the ball are not balks; however, it will result in the pitcher's ejection from the game if caught.

Clarifications

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A pitcher was allowed to feint toward third (or second) base, and then turn and throw or feint to first base if the pitcher's pivot foot disengaged the rubber after the initial feint. This is called the "fake to third, throw to first" play. However, Major League Baseball classified this as a balk beginning with the 2013 season.[5]

If no runners are on base and the pitcher commits an otherwise balkable action, there generally is no penalty. However, delivering a quick return or pitching while off the rubber (which constitute balks when runners are on base) results in a ball being called with the bases empty. If the pitcher commits an act confusing to the batter with nobody on, stops their delivery, or otherwise violates, play is restarted without penalty and time is called. If a pitcher repeatedly commits illegal actions without runners on base, they may be subject to ejection for persistently violating the rules.

If, during an attempt to execute the "hidden ball trick" (where the defensive team deceives the runner(s) as to the ball's location while the play is live), the pitcher stands on the rubber prior to the fielder revealing the ball and applying the tag, the runner is not out. Instead, it is a balk, with all runners on base being awarded their next base.

Common misconceptions

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"Catcher's balk" is not a term in the official rules, but is sometimes used to describe an atypical situation relating to an intentional walk: if the catcher is not completely within the catcher's box when the pitcher releases the ball during delivery, it is a violation.[6] The balk is still charged to the pitcher, because such a pitch is defined as a "Pitcher Illegal Action."[7]

A pitcher is not required to step off the rubber before throwing to an occupied base in a pick-off attempt. With his pivot foot in contact with the rubber in either the windup position or the "set" position, the pitcher may either: 1) deliver the ball to the batter: 2) throw to a base for a pickoff; or 3) step off the rubber.[8]

MLB rules state that: "Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher’s plate" (the rubber), but the rules do not describe the infraction as a balk.[9]

Major League Baseball balk records

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Steve Carlton had 90 balks during his major league career.[10] The single season major league record is held by Dave Stewart, who had 16 balks in 1988 while pitching for the Oakland Athletics.[11][12]

The major league record for the most balks in one game is held by Bob Shaw, who had five balks on May 4, 1963, pitching for the Milwaukee Braves against the Chicago Cubs. Four of the five balks came when Billy Williams was on base: one in the first inning, then three more in the third inning. In the latter frame, Shaw walked Williams and then proceeded to balk him to second, third, and home.[13] Shaw's balks were blamed on his difficulty adjusting to a then-new point of emphasis in the rules: National League umpires were told to strictly enforce the section of the balk rule that required the pitcher, when going from the stretch to the set position, to come to a complete stop with his hands together for one full second before pitching. The rule had been virtually ignored before.[14][15][16] Seven pitchers committed four balks in an MLB game.[12]

Knuckleballer Charlie Hough was once called for nine balks in one major league exhibition game, occurring in March 1988. He was called for seven balks in a single inning of the game, as umpires set out to "enforce a full set position" for the coming season.[17]

On September 27, 2022, Miami Marlins reliever Richard Bleier was called for three balks in a row by first-base umpire John Tumpane, all while facing New York Mets batter Pete Alonso. Bleier had given up a single and was then called for three balks while facing Alonso, balking the runner home. Marlins manager Don Mattingly was ejected for arguing the third balk. After Alonso grounded out for the third out of the inning, Bleier was also ejected for continuing to argue the balks. Until that point, Bleier had never had a balk called against him in his seven-year major league career, over the course of 303 games.[18] This instance tied the record for most balks in an inning and for most balks in a single at bat.[12] Sports writer Mike Axisa wrote that: "Some balks are obvious. Those are not... You almost have to be looking for a reason to call a balk to ring Bleier up on that motion three – again, three! – times in a single inning."[19]

Notable balks

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During the 1947 World Series, New York Yankees pitcher Spec Shea dropped the ball trying to pick off Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers at first base. After at least one other attempt, Shea dropped the ball and umpire Babe Pinelli waved Robinson to second base.[20]

A famous balk came in the first All-Star Game of 1961, when strong winds at Candlestick Park caused pitcher Stu Miller to sway erratically and be called for a balk. This story is often exaggerated in re-tellings of baseball lore, some having Miller being blown off the pitching mound.[21]

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers on June 18, 2015, when Rangers relief pitcher Keone Kela committed a balk in the bottom of the ninth inning of a tie game with Enrique Hernández at third base.[22] There have been at least 25 such walk-off balks (or "balk-offs") in major league history since 1914.[23]

The Kansas City Royals won two games in the 2023 season via a balk-off. The first was on August 1 vs. the New York Mets in the bottom of the 10th inning when relief pitcher Josh Walker balked before throwing a single pitch, scoring MJ Melendez and resulting in a 7–6 victory for the Royals.[24] The Royals' second balk-off victory came 36 days later in a game against the Chicago White Sox on September 5 when Gregory Santos balked with two outs in the ninth inning and the bases loaded to score Maikel García; coincidentally, this game also ended with a score of 7–6.[25] According to Elias Sports Bureau, the 2023 Royals are the only team in the live-ball era to have multiple balk-off wins in a single season.[26]

On June 14, 2019, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen intentionally balked during a game with the Chicago Cubs. With the Dodgers leading, 5–3, and two outs in the top of the ninth inning, the Cubs' Jason Heyward was on second base. Concerned that a runner at second base could possibly steal signs, Jansen intentionally balked, advancing the runner to third base.[27] Jansen then struck out batter Víctor Caratini for the final out of the game.[28] Jansen repeated this ploy while pitching for the Los Angeles Angels against the Dodgers on May 17, 2025, intentionally balking Shohei Ohtani from second base to third base, and then retiring Mookie Betts for the last out of game.[29] Other intentional balks, while rare, have subsequently occurred in MLB.

Further information: Intentional balk

References

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Balk

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from Grokipedia
A balk in is an illegal motion or action by a on the that is deemed by the to be deceptive toward baserunners, resulting in all runners advancing one base and the pitch being nullified as a . This rule applies only when there are runners on base and aims to protect runners from unfair deception by ensuring pitchers complete their intended actions, such as delivering a pitch or making a play at a base. The balk rule was first introduced in in 1898 to curb pitchers' deceptive tactics that hindered baserunners. It evolved from earlier informal restrictions on pitching motions dating back to the mid-19th century. Over time, the rule has been refined; for instance, in 2013, faking a throw to third base became a balk, and in 2023, pitchers were limited to two disengagements (such as pickoff attempts) per , with a third resulting in a balk to speed up . Common balk infractions include failing to come to a complete and discernible stop in the set position with the pivot foot on the rubber, not stepping directly toward the base before throwing to a fielder, dropping the ball while in contact with the rubber, or throwing to an unoccupied base except for the purpose of making an appeal play. Umpires call a balk audibly by shouting "Balk!" and pointing laterally at the pitcher, keeping the ball live until play stops. In lower levels of baseball, such as Little League Major Division and below, balks are not enforced due to no-leadoff rules, instead treating violations as illegal pitches that result in a ball on the batter. Balks remain a point of contention and debate, with records highlighting their rarity and impact; for example, Braves pitcher set the MLB single-game record with five balks on May 4, 1963, against the Chicago Cubs. Despite their infrequency—historically fewer than 1,000 called per season across MLB as of 2023—the rule underscores baseball's emphasis on fair play and strategic balance between pitchers and runners.

Definition and Purpose

Definition of a Balk

In baseball, a balk is defined as an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, resulting in the advancement of all such runners by one base without liability to be put out. According to Major League Baseball's Official Rules, specifically Rule 6.02(a), this infraction occurs when the pitcher, while in contact with the pitcher's plate, engages in certain prohibited actions that may deceive baserunners, such as initiating a motion associated with the pitch without delivering the ball to the batter. The rule aims to protect runners from unfair deception, though a specific intent to mislead is not required for the umpire to rule a balk; rather, the focus is on the illegality of the motion itself. A fundamental prerequisite for a balk is that the pitcher must be touching the rubber—also known as the pitcher's plate—with at least one foot at the time of the illegal action. This rule applies exclusively when there are runners on base; with the bases empty, similar motions by the pitcher do not constitute a balk and may instead result in a or other penalties unrelated to runner advancement. The prohibition underscores the pitcher's responsibility to maintain fairness once runners are present, ensuring that any preparatory or delivery motion is completed as intended or properly disengaged from the rubber. The pitcher's rubber itself is a key element in balk judgments, serving as the designated on the pitcher's . It is a rectangular slab, typically 24 inches by 6 inches, embedded in the and positioned 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate in . All balk rulings originate from the pitcher's engagement with this rubber, as disengagement alters the legal context of subsequent actions. When a balk is called, the immediate effect is that each runner advances one base, enforcing the rule's protective intent.

Historical Purpose and Rationale

The balk rule in traces its origins to the mid-19th century, when early formalized codes sought to regulate pitchers' actions to ensure fair play. The term "balk" first appeared in in 1857, defined as an illegal act where a pitcher stepped beyond a designated line 45 feet from home plate during delivery, rendering the dead and allowing all runners to advance one base without risk of being put out. This provision addressed initial concerns over pitchers exploiting positional advantages to disrupt play, particularly in an era when was transitioning from informal variants to structured competitions under organizations like the National Association of Base Ball Players. By the 1880s, as professional leagues such as the National League diverged from amateur associations, debates over rule standardization intensified, with professional codes emphasizing stricter controls on pitching to curb deceptive tactics that could strand runners or create unfair delays, though balk specifics remained rudimentary until later refinements. The modern balk rule was formally introduced in 1898 as part of Major League Baseball's official codification, specifically targeting pitchers' tricks like incomplete deliveries or feigned throws that deceived baserunners and hindered their ability to advance. Prior to this, pitchers could employ quick fakes or hesitations without penalty, often leaving runners vulnerable or "stranded" mid-play, which undermined the game's integrity during the dead-ball era's emphasis on strategic maneuvering. The 1898 rule mandated that once a pitcher initiated a motion toward a base or the plate, they must complete it fully, making the ball dead upon violation and advancing runners— a direct response to 19th-century frustrations with "ball dead" scenarios where ambiguous actions halted live play unfairly. At its core, the balk rule's rationale has always been to protect baserunners from unfair , promoting equitable competition by requiring pitchers to either commit clearly to a pitch or legally disengage from the rubber. This intent was shaped by broader tensions between amateur ideals of gentlemanly and professional demands for tactical edge, where unchecked pitcher guile was seen as eroding the spirit of the game. Over time, the rule evolved to standardize enforcement, with significant clarifications in the early refining what constituted a "commitment" in the pitcher's motion, though major overhauls like the prohibition on sequential fakes to bases occurred later in 2013. In 2023, MLB introduced a limit of two disengagements (such as pickoff attempts) per , with a third unsuccessful attempt resulting in a balk, further refining the rule to enhance game pace while maintaining its anti- intent. These developments ensured the rule's enduring role in balancing pitcher control with runner safety.

Rules and Illegal Actions

Prohibited Pitcher Motions

In baseball, a balk is primarily triggered by prohibited motions executed by the while in contact with the pitcher's rubber, with the intent or effect of deceiving base runners. According to MLB Official Rule 5.07(a), the must adhere strictly to either the windup or set position without interruption or once the motion begins; any deviation, such as starting a delivery and then stopping or hesitating, constitutes a balk when runners are on base. This rule emphasizes that "the shall not make any motion naturally associated with the pitch while off the rubber," ensuring runners are not misled by incomplete actions. Core prohibited motions include failing to complete a pitch after initiating the windup or set position. In the windup, the faces the batter with the pivot foot on the rubber and must deliver the without altering the motion once started; stopping midway or feinting a pitch results in a balk. Similarly, in the set position—used with runners on base—the must come to a complete and discernible stop with hands together before delivering; any hesitation or quick pitch without this stop is illegal, as it deceives runners by simulating a pitch prematurely. Dropping the while the pivot foot remains in contact with the rubber is another automatic balk, regardless of intent, as it interrupts the delivery without a legal disengagement. When throwing to a base, the must step directly toward that base before releasing the ; failing to do so, such as by turning the shoulders without completing the throw or feinting excessively, violates Rule 5.07(a)(2). For instance, feinting a throw to first or third base without a proper step is prohibited, though a fake to second base is permitted as it does not typically deceive runners advancing from first. In the stretch position (a variant of set), excessive fakes or incomplete motions toward a base, like pivoting without a direct step, are balks designed to prevent the pitcher from gaining an unfair advantage through deception. These actions underscore the rule's focus on maintaining fairness, with umpires enforcing them to protect runners from manipulative plays.

Specific Balk Scenarios

A balk is fundamentally runner-dependent, occurring only when one or more runners are on base and the executes an illegal motion intended to deceive those runners. Without runners on base, the same actions do not constitute a balk but may result in an illegal pitch, typically awarding a to the batter. For instance, a quick pitch delivered before the batter is alert is penalized as a with bases empty, but escalates to a balk if runners are present. In pickoff attempts, a balk is called if the pitcher fails to gain distance by stepping directly toward the targeted base before throwing or feinting, as required under Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(3). This applies particularly to throws toward first or third base, where insufficient directional commitment—such as a subtle pivot without clear advancement—deceives runners and advances all by one base. With multiple runners, the penalty remains , allowing each to advance regardless of their position, emphasizing the rule's protection against pitcher deception in multi-runner scenarios. The 2023 introduction of the and disengagement limits created new balk scenarios tied to pace-of-game enforcement. Pitchers are restricted to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs from the rubber) per with runners on base; a third unsuccessful disengagement is ruled a balk, advancing all runners. This limit resets if runners advance during the appearance, but violations often intersect with timer pressures, where a deceptive start to the windup or set position under the 18-second clock (with runners) can compound into a balk if the motion mimics a delivery without completing it. During appeal plays, such as attempting to tag up or missed base violations, a by the nullifies the defensive opportunity. If the commits an illegal motion—such as failing to step off properly before initiating the throw—the ball becomes dead, runners advance one base, and the cannot proceed, prioritizing runner protection over the defensive challenge. This ensures appeals do not exploit balk-prone motions under time constraints.

Exceptions and Clarifications

In , a legally disengages from the rubber by stepping backward with the pivot foot, thereby ending any commitment to pitch or throw and transitioning to the status of an . This action must be a clear, direct step behind the rubber without feinting or hesitation, as any deceptive motion while in contact with the rubber constitutes a . Once disengaged, the may freely throw to any base without balk risk, and any errant throw is treated as an 's rather than a balk penalty. For legal pickoff attempts while engaged on the rubber, the must step directly toward the targeted base with the free foot, gaining both distance and direction toward that base before releasing the throw. This step initiates a continuous motion, and the ball must be thrown before the pivot foot returns to or replants on the rubber; otherwise, the action is deemed deceptive and results in a balk. ing a throw is permitted only to second base, while throws to first or third must be completed without feint unless the first disengages. Following the 2023 rule changes, pitchers are limited to two disengagements (step-offs and pickoff attempts) per . This count resets if any runner advances during the . A third disengagement results in a unless an out is recorded; if an out is made, the play stands and the disengagement count resets. These provisions aim to curb excessive pickoff attempts and promote game pace without altering fundamental disengagement mechanics.

Situations Not Constituting a Balk

In , a balk is only possible when there are runners on base, as the rule is designed to prevent the pitcher from deceiving baserunners; with the bases empty, actions such as fake throws, stops in the delivery, or other motions that would otherwise be illegal do not constitute a balk and carry no penalty beyond potentially being an illegal pitch if applicable. For instance, a pitcher may a throw to second base or interrupt their windup without repercussion in no-runner scenarios, since the absence of baserunners eliminates the deceptive intent required for the infraction. Certain violations by the are distinct from balks and receive different rulings. An illegal pitch, such as delivering the without proper contact with the pitcher's plate or failing to come to a complete stop in the set position, results in a being awarded to the batter when no runners are on base, but escalates to a balk only if runners are present. Similarly, the use of foreign substances on the or glove leads to immediate ejection from the game and an automatic suspension, rather than being classified as a balk, as outlined in the guidelines for such infractions. Timing is critical in determining whether an action qualifies as a balk, which must occur while the is in contact with the rubber or during the pitching motion. Post-delivery actions, such as a follow-through that inadvertently trips a baserunner, do not constitute a balk because they happen after the pitch has been released and the motion is complete. Additionally, if a potential balk occurs but no runners are positioned to advance (e.g., due to a play already in progress or all runners safe), the call may be voided or not enforced, as the rule's purpose centers on runner advancement. These clarifications ensure umpires distinguish between preparatory, in-motion, and post-motion behaviors to maintain fair play.

Enforcement and Penalties

Umpire Judgment and Calls

In , the home plate serves as the primary official responsible for calling balks, given their optimal vantage point for observing the pitcher's motion and foot placement on the rubber, though any member of the umpire crew may initiate the call if they detect an infraction. Upon identifying a balk, the verbally announces "That's a balk" or simply "Balk" in a clear, authoritative tone to alert players, coaches, and spectators, often accompanied by a pointing gesture toward the pitcher to specify the infraction. For certain balks, such as those involving a to step directly toward a base before throwing, the may supplement the verbal call by slapping the side of their leg to indicate the nature of the violation. In ambiguous situations, the crew chief may convene a consultation among the umpires to confer on the call, ensuring consistency and accuracy based on collective observation, as demonstrated in instances where initial judgments are revisited for clarity. Umpires exercise subjective in determining whether a pitcher's action constitutes a balk, primarily by evaluating if the motion demonstrates deceptive toward baserunners, such as an unnatural , incomplete stop in the set position, or that misleads runners about an impending pitch or throw. This assessment hinges on the naturalness and completeness of the pitcher's delivery, including precise footwork—ensuring the pivot foot remains in contact with the rubber until disengaging—and timing of any pauses, where even a brief stutter or twitch can be ruled deceptive if it advantages the defense. Balk calls are not eligible for video replay in MLB, as they fall under non-reviewable subjective judgments, a policy established with the expanded replay system implemented in 2014, which limits reviews to objective matters like /out calls and /foul determinations. To maintain consistency, MLB umpires undergo rigorous training through annual clinics and the Umpire Development Program, where instructors emphasize precise evaluation of pitcher footwork, the duration and stillness required for a legal stop (typically one to two seconds), and real-time timing to distinguish legitimate motions from deceptive ones. These sessions, often held at facilities like the Umpire Training Academy in , incorporate video analysis of past games and simulated scenarios to refine judgment calls, reducing variability across crews. Internationally, under (WBSC) rules, which closely align with MLB's Official Baseball Rules for balk definitions and penalties.

Effects on the Game

A ruling results in an immediate , with all baserunners awarded one base without liability to be put out. If the pitcher delivers the ball during the illegal motion, the pitch is nullified, and the batter retains their original , as no pitch is ruled. However, if the batter reaches first base safely—such as on a hit, error, , , or —the balk penalty is not enforced provided all runners have advanced at least one base. Strategically, the balk rule limits pitchers' ability to employ deceptive pickoff moves, as the risk of advancing runners discourages borderline actions that could otherwise hold baserunners in check. In close contests, a single balk can dramatically shift game dynamics by moving a runner from third base to score, potentially deciding the outcome without further action. Teams often scout pitchers for balk tendencies, using video analysis to identify exploitable patterns in motion or disengagement habits that could yield free bases. Variations occur during steal attempts, where a balk call advances the runner one base from their starting position, effectively granting an extra base if the steal succeeds before the call; in rare cases, if the play completes fully prior to the umpire's signal, the on-field result may stand without additional advancement. The 2023 disengagement rule further amplifies these effects by treating a third unsuccessful pickoff or step-off as a , forcing pitchers to balance aggression with caution in runner control.

Common Misconceptions

Frequent Rule Misinterpretations

One common misinterpretation of the balk rule is that it requires deliberate to deceive runners on the part of the . In , many balk violations are determined by the pitcher's motion or position alone, regardless of intent, as outlined in Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a), which lists objective criteria such as failing to come to a complete stop in the set position or dropping the while touching the rubber. For instance, an accidental hesitation or incomplete stop during delivery can result in a balk penalty, even if the pitcher had no deceptive purpose, emphasizing the rule's focus on maintaining consistent mechanics to avoid any potential advantage over baserunners. Another frequent error involves assuming that all feigned or fake throws by the constitute a balk. Feints are permissible if the pitcher properly disengages from the rubber by stepping off with the pivot foot first, allowing legal fake throws to any base without penalty, as clarified in the comments to Rule 5.07(a). This distinction often leads to confusion with other infractions like obstruction, where fielders improperly hinder runners, but balks specifically target the pitcher's actions while engaged on the rubber. Fans and media commonly err in believing that balk rules apply exclusively to the windup position, overlooking their equal application to the set position, where pitchers must adhere to the same motion restrictions with runners on base. Additionally, since the 2023 introduction of the , there has been widespread confusion mistaking certain balk calls for mere time violations; for example, a failing to deliver within the 18-second limit while engaged and starting an illegal motion results in a balk rather than just an automatic . This stems from the clock's emphasis on timely delivery, which intersects with balk enforcement to prevent rushed, deceptive actions.

Differences from Other Violations

A balk differs from an illegal pitch primarily in the presence of runners on base. According to Rule 6.02(a) of the Official Baseball Rules, a balk is an illegal act by the that deceives runners when bases are occupied, such as failing to step directly toward a base before throwing or making a deceptive motion while in contact with the rubber. In contrast, an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b) occurs when the delivers the illegally with the bases unoccupied, such as a quick pitch without proper engagement of the rubber; the penalty is simply a added to the , with no advancement for runners since none are present. If an infraction that would be an illegal pitch happens with runners on base, it is instead ruled a balk, entitling runners to advance one base. Balks are also distinct from defensive interference, which involves actions by fielders other than the pitcher that hinder the offense. Rule 6.01 defines defensive interference as any act by a fielder that obstructs a batter from making contact with a pitch or impedes a runner's progress, such as a catcher obstructing the batter's swing (catcher interference under Rule 6.01(c)). Unlike a balk, which is limited to the pitcher's deceptive motions and requires runners on base for the call, defensive interference can occur at any time and typically awards the batter first base while allowing the manager to elect the result of the play if advantageous. This fielder-focused violation emphasizes physical obstruction rather than the pitcher's intent to deceive base runners. Prior to the implementation of the pitch timer in 2023, certain non-deceptive delays by the , such as unnecessary prolongation of the game under Rule 6.02(a)(8), could be penalized as a balk when runners were on base. Under the current rules, however, the pitch timer in Rule 5.07(c) governs timing separately: pitchers must begin delivery within 15 seconds with bases empty or 18 seconds with runners on base, and violations result in an automatic regardless of deceptive or runner presence, distinguishing these from balks which require a specific illegal motion. This separation ensures that pace-of-play infractions are handled uniformly without conflating them with deceptive pitching actions.

Records and Notable Instances

Major League Baseball Records

In Major League Baseball, balks are a relatively rare occurrence, but historical records highlight pitchers and teams that committed them most frequently. holds the all-time career record with 90 balks, accumulated primarily during his tenure with the Phillies from 1972 to 1986, more than double the total of any other pitcher. In the , leads with 32 career balks, split between the Texas Rangers and . Among more recent pitchers, recorded 15 balks over his 16-season career (2000–2015), primarily with the . For single-season records, Dave Stewart set the American League mark with 16 balks in 1988 while pitching for the Oakland Athletics, a year noted for heightened balk calls across the league. In the National League, Steve Carlton again leads with 11 balks in 1979 for the Phillies. Team records reflect similar peaks, with the 1988 Oakland Athletics committing the most balks in a season at 76 in the American League, driven by multiple pitchers including Stewart. The National League high is 41 by the 1988 Montreal Expos.
CategoryRecord HolderTotalYear/SpanLeague
Career BalksSteve Carlton901965–1988MLB
Single-Season BalksDave Stewart161988AL
Single-Season Team BalksOakland Athletics761988AL
Balk frequency has trended downward since the early 2000s, with league-wide totals stabilizing between 100 and 200 per season, attributed to clearer rule interpretations and pitcher training focused on legal motions. This decline contrasts with earlier eras, such as the 1980s, when annual totals often exceeded 300 due to less consistent enforcement. In 2022, MLB recorded just 122 balks, the lowest full-season figure since 1973. The introduction of the pitch clock and disengagement limits in 2023 aimed to increase scrutiny on pitcher movements, potentially reversing the trend slightly, though balks remained infrequent relative to overall play.

Famous Balk Events

In Game 2 of the 1988 National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, a balk called on Mets pitcher David Cone proved pivotal in the Dodgers' 6-3 victory, evening the series at 1-1. With one out in the bottom of the first inning, Dodgers outfielder Mickey Hatcher drew a walk and stood on first base. With two outs and one strike on batter Mike Marshall, second base umpire Dutch Rennert signaled a balk on Cone for failing to come to a complete stop in his motion, allowing Hatcher to advance to second base. Marshall then dropped a bloop single into shallow left field between shortstop Howard Johnson and left fielder Kevin McReynolds, enabling Hatcher to score the game's first run and give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. This early advantage set the tone for Los Angeles, which added four more runs in the second inning off starter Ron Darling to take a commanding lead. The 1988 postseason balk highlighted broader enforcement issues with the rule that year, as MLB umpires called a record number of balks league-wide due to stricter interpretation of the pitcher's set position and motion, leading to 924 balks across the majors—more than double the previous season's total. This surge prompted discussions on rule clarifications to balance pitcher deception with runner protection, though major changes were not implemented until later decades. One earlier incident that underscored enforcement challenges occurred in the 1961 at , where San Francisco Giants pitcher Stu Miller was called for a balk after high winds blew him off the rubber with runners on base, allowing the tying run to score in a game the National League ultimately won 5-4 in . The unusual call, attributed to the gusty conditions rather than intentional motion, highlighted the subjective nature of balk judgments and contributed to ongoing debates about in adverse weather. On September 27, 2022, reliever was called for three consecutive balks by umpire while facing the , allowing a runner to score from third base and marking one of the most unusual sequences in recent MLB history. In a strategic twist, on May 17, 2025, closer intentionally committed a balk to prevent star from stealing second base, demonstrating an innovative use of the rule to neutralize a baserunner's speed.

References

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