The "balk" take

Segment 14 in "trick or treat" month

The take sign is a very common signal in baseball circles. However, the "balk" take is not so common. Here is what it is.

It is illegal in amateur baseball for the batter to step out of the batters box while the pitcher is in his motion to throw home. In fact, the result of the play should be a strike at the least. However, I have been on the wrong end of this play where a batter steps out causing a pitcher to stop his delivery only to have the umpire rule a balk on my pitcher. It was called incorrectly but it is vey important to know the rules and how to manage to the knowledge of the rules.

The "balk" take is not illegal. It is meant to test both the pitcher and the umpire to challenge their knowledge.

As the pitcher begins to deliver the ball to home plate, the batter raises his hand apparently asking for time. He does not ask for time, he just gives the impression that he wants time. As the pitcher begins to throw, he notices the raised hand. The hope is that the pitcher will stop his delivery. It is also the hope that the umpire rules a balk as no time was granted.

This play is to be used where a run would be the gain of the balk ruling. Therefore, with a runner on 3rd base and a 3-0 count would be the ideal time to use the balk take. If you're taking the pitch anyway, you might as well see if you could score a run on the play.

The level to which you ask for time is the debatable point. However, it can not be debated that amateur level umpires can be quite vulnerable to baseball minutia.