Is there such a thing in softball....or is a balk (as we are all familiar with) nothing more than an illegal pitch? What is the proper ruling?
Thanks,
T.
Thanks,
T.
Balks
- Thread starter T.J.
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- Jun 22, 2008
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No, there is no such thing as a balk in softball
Yeah that's what I thought ....thanks for the reinforcement.
No balks in softball, although in baseball a balk is much more than just an illegal pitch.
Penalty for an illegal pitch is ( with no runners on base) a ball added to the count.
If there are base runners then they advance one base.
Of course this depends whether or not the batter and base runners advance at least one base after the illegal pitch--such as after a base hit, walk, etc.
Penalty for an illegal pitch is ( with no runners on base) a ball added to the count.
If there are base runners then they advance one base.
Of course this depends whether or not the batter and base runners advance at least one base after the illegal pitch--such as after a base hit, walk, etc.
How is a balk "much more than just an illegal pitch" in baseball? I think that we can all agree that it doesn't take a pitch for their to be an illegal pitch in softball.
I would guess that it's because runners in softball aren't allowed a preliminary lead, so there is generally no attempt to deceive the runner in softball; whereas in baseball a pitcher, for example can balk in an attempt to pickoff runners or hold them close to the base.
- Jun 22, 2008
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- 48
In baseball, a balk is an advancement of the baserunners. In softball, the IP is an advancement of the baserunners and a ball on the batter.
IMO, the IP call would be administered more frequently if the result was just a ball on the batter. OTOH, an IP would be thrown more frequently if the result was just a ball on the batter.
