Welcome to Call of the Month!

Each month, we’ll break down an important umpiring tip, rule interpretation, or best practice to help you improve your game behind the plate or in the field. Whether it’s fine-tuning mechanics, mastering tricky calls, or sharpening game management skills, our goal is to make sure you’re always one step ahead. Stay sharp, stay confident, and make the right call!

April’s Call of the Month: "The Balk – Recognize It, Call It"

A balk can be one of the most difficult calls for an umpire, especially for those new to the game. It’s a subtle violation that can happen quickly, but when recognized and called correctly, it keeps the game fair and ensures the pitcher isn’t gaining an unfair advantage. Let’s break down how to spot and properly call a balk.

What is a Balk? A balk occurs when the pitcher makes an illegal motion on the mound that could deceive the baserunner. This is typically when the pitcher attempts to deceive the runner by feinting a pitch or failing to follow proper pitching mechanics.

Common Balk Violations: 

✅ The Pitcher Fails to Come to a Complete Stop: Before pitching, the pitcher must come to a complete stop in the set position. If they fail to do so, it’s a balk. 

✅ Illegal Movements or Feints: The pitcher can’t fake a throw to a base or make an improper motion toward home plate without completing the pitch. 

✅ The ‘Drop Step’ Violation: If the pitcher pivots while attempting to throw to a base but doesn't fully step off the rubber, it results in a balk.

How to Call It:

Be Confident: When you see a balk, call it loud and clear—“Balk!”—and point in the direction the runner advances. Be decisive in your action to signal the violation.

Signal the Call: Use the standard balk signal by pointing towards the pitcher and then toward the base the runner is advancing to (if applicable).

Common Misconceptions: 

❌ A balk only happens if the pitcher fakes a throw to first. (Not true! There are several actions that could constitute a balk, including improper wind-ups and quick pitches.) 

❌ The pitcher must be trying to deceive the runner for it to be a balk. (Not always. A simple mistake in the pitching motion, like failing to come to a full stop, is enough to call a balk.) 

❌ It’s always obvious when a balk happens. (Sometimes, it’s subtle and hard to spot, so watch carefully for illegal motions.)

Pro Tip for Umpires: Be aware of the pitcher's body language and movement, especially with runners on base. Watch for any motion that could be considered deceptive or illegal. If in doubt, stay calm and wait for the right moment to make the call.