Balk Whisperer
@balkwhisperer
Followers
862
Following
69
Media
628
Statuses
9,284
Just an umpire trying to educate the world
Joined July 2020
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Eagles
• 232598 Tweets
Packers
• 133849 Tweets
श्री गणेश
• 123537 Tweets
Ganesh Chaturthi
• 117299 Tweets
गणपति बप्पा
• 87165 Tweets
भगवान गणेश
• 45130 Tweets
#二度と撮れない画像を貼れ
• 43577 Tweets
JustinOn NCAA100Kickoff
• 34349 Tweets
Party Love AndaLookkaew
• 34118 Tweets
Jordan Love
• 33114 Tweets
#GanpatiBappaMorya
• 31339 Tweets
#マイナビTGC
• 26019 Tweets
#Smoke1stWin
• 24062 Tweets
#学マスデビュー初心_名古屋
• 18735 Tweets
ビッグラン
• 16685 Tweets
Nikocado Avocado
• 12730 Tweets
ボンドガール
• 10559 Tweets
クリスマスパレード
• 10530 Tweets
紫苑ステークス
• 10372 Tweets
@BauerOutage
@BenVerlander
Face it, Trevor. You come with a lot of baggage. Is your talent enough to put up with the baggage? So far the answer is no.
34
0
574
@EStFan1964
@JomboyMedia
The movement/bending of the front knee obligates pitcher to throw a pitch. He didn’t. Balk.
9
0
222
This could not be any more obvious. It’s 1000% INT on Soto.
Juan Soto was called for out interference on this infield fly rule play and Aaron Boone was ejected
398
124
4K
29
5
123
His pivot foot is parallel which means he’s in the windup. If he wants to do that as well as be in the windup he must declare he’s using windup. If he doesn’t it’s a balk as soon as he steps with his non pivot. NCAA has same rule.
34
6
110
Sets up legally inside base line. Moves with direction of throw. That’s why this was deemed legal.
this angle from ian happ throwing out Pete Alonso is insane man oh my god shoutout the broadcast 🔥🔥
38
123
3K
53
2
88
@TalkinBaseball_
This is not a balk of any sort. It's a lodged ball. Same penalty but not a balk. Don't listen to announcers.
2
3
80
@MichaelJBier
The non-call was correct. If a fielder has to slide to catch the ball it doesn’t meet the requirement of “ordinary effort.”
53
2
70
@amblingrambler
@JomboyMedia
Ramble, you are 100% incorrect. If there is a corner umpire it's his call once the ball reaches the base. 100% of the time. All levels. Plate guy screwed the pooch on this one.
3
0
62
@dtylermadlock
@rsickinger12
@CodifyBaseball
That's not a correct interp. Had he started towards the plate and then thrown over it would be a balk. This is legal.
2
0
54
A couple of good reminders from this video. 1)
@JomboyMedia
is not an umpire, has no desire to learn rules, has no desire to check on rules. He gets paid to entertain and does it well. 2)This is NOT a balk. The violation is for using detached equipment to stop a pitched ball.
Go-ahead run scored in the 11th inning when the field umpire called a balk on the catcher
340
139
3K
7
3
53
For the record I can’t see how this is legal in MLB.
Nestor with the fake pitch in the middle of his wind-up 💀
276
248
7K
11
2
51
Took umpire a second to process it but this is an immediate dead ball for intentionally dropping the ball.
If you say it's a double play, you don't know baseball...
244
29
1K
11
0
51
No umpire with integrity supports this umpire. We understand frustration but you can’t do this. Period.
8
4
38
0
0
35
@coachzilly
@bigdonkey47
Gerry, If R3 is trying to steal on the pitch he's going on first move. If we allowed this move the pitcher would gain an advantage.
5
0
33
Smart play
From the Arkansas-Florida game today. With a runner on 3B tagging the Arkansas CF dekes an early catch before he really catches the ball. It triggers the Florida runner to leave early & then return to 3B to retag the base. That gives Arkansas time to throw him out at HP.
80
545
9K
5
3
32
Dalton meant to say “ umps are going to abide by the actual rule.”
Brewers lost 1-0 because of this "batters interference". Think this is absolute BS. The contact happened after the ball got by the catcher. Run should've counted. Umps are gonna ump
68
16
353
8
1
31
@PitchingNinja
Can someone tell me why MLB umps don’t call this a balk ? Specifically the “without interruption “ part? His entire motion comes to a stop. It’s a balk at lower levels.
10
0
31
@snidog
This is type 2. Umpire decides if it was likely runner could have advanced. He decided it wasn’t likely. I agree.
3
0
30
2
0
27
@TheMahiMike
@TalkinYanks
Incorrect. If they deem it an intentional drop it’s an immediate dead ball and batter out.
0
0
27
Catchers have to do more than this
23
3
30
When you read that players and coaches know the rules…. That’s a myth. Just like “intentionally deceive” is required for a balk.
4
2
29
@OwenMohler
@JomboyMedia
Any balk is credited to the pitcher. A "catcher's balk" is actually a balk by the pitcher. However, this was not a catcher's balk. It's a detached equipment violation.
1
0
23
@umpjob
This is not new. Angel is enforcing the rules. Pitcher cannot come set until the batter is ready to receive a pitch. He has his faults but this play ain't it.
9
0
25
@JomboyMedia
Folks, 99% sure this has nothing to do with
@his
unusual motion. Foot lined up in the set position. He used his windup motion. That would be legal IF he declared he was using it. Most likely , he never declared so it’s a balk. Had he declared this would have been legal.
5
0
26
Welp. We wrapped up another baseball year tonight (assuming Dbacks don't make a comeback). As always, it's been good discussing the game's rules. Enjoyed the conversation with all. Enjoy the holiday season and we'll get back into when college ball starts in February.
3
0
26
Why do players/coaches/fans think a player gets to run his mouth and then walk away and umpires can’t respond? They always say “ but he was walking away.” Walking away isn’t a get our ejection free card.
13
0
25
We’ve all done it
8
0
25
This picture is where the runner was when F5 started the tag attempt. By rule he has 3 feet from where he is. Looks odd but I have this as legal.
This baserunner is not out of the baseline running into the infield grass? 😂
99
63
1K
14
0
25
Correct call.
Umps called INTERFERENCE on this play to end the game as the White Sox had the winning run at the plate
382
283
3K
9
2
25
Fans love bat flips in NCAA baseball. The problem for umpires is that the NCAA does NOT like what often results from bat flips and they've instructed umpires to penalize the action. So when you want to blame the umpires remember we do as we are instructed.
3
3
25
In MLB/NCAA if a pitcher puts his foot parallel to the rubber WITH runners on base he is in the SET position. That means he can't take the step back w/his non-pivot foot. He CAN if he declares to the umpire he is using the windup and not the stretch. He didn't declare. Balk.
5
1
24
@Seth_3773
Interesting. I tell the catcher to ask any time and I’ll get help. No harm. My feelings aren’t hurt if my partner says he went. Sometimes I’m so focused on the location of the pitch that I’m not 100% on the checked swing.
7
0
24
Welp. Time to hang it up. Google disagrees.
It was a good run.
9
0
23
Sometimes your reputation bites you in your own ass
Aaron Boone listened to the umpire and was ejected anyway. You can hear the entire interaction here
545
917
10K
8
1
23
This is life for an umpire. "wasn't even close."
also how did the ump blow that call, it wasn’t even close
0
0
0
4
0
23
27
0
22
Good reminder that the 3 foot rule uses the base PATH and not the base LINE. Path is created from the point of a tag attempt.
One of the more wacky plays you'll see ends with Twins manager Rocco Baldelli being ejected
37
21
856
3
0
22
Something I tell new umpires. Most coaches know they deserved to be ejected. It's not personal. They're not going to stay mad. Ran into a coach that I ejected this season this morning at the gym. No issues. Forgotten about.
Do what you have to do to keep order.
3
1
22
Rarely see this one but I'm good with this call. A myth is the batter has to "make an attempt" to get out of the way. Simple rule used by umpires: Did the ball hit the player or did the player hit the ball? IMO Rizzo moved into it. Note: This is an automatic strike in NCAA.
8
3
22
Good rules discussion play here. 1. The ball was dead. So no play can happen until the plate umpire makes the ball live. To make it live 3 things have to be in place: pitcher on mound, batter IN box and ready, catcher ready. 1/
Mets tried appealing and Rizzo took off but was told to go back
78
99
2K
7
3
21
A person who calls games daily explains to a guy who Google’s a rule what the rule really means. Google guy won’t concede that he’s incorrect so continues to argue.
Twitter explained in two sentences.
@balkwhisperer
@DaleScottMLB5
@_MWBC_
Is an umpires job not to police the game and uphold its rules?
A run is only counted when a runner legally touches 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home.
He did not legally touch home in this case. Why is that so hard to understand?
2
0
0
3
2
22
Lots of replies in this thread think being on the base is a safe haven. It’s not. Runner is out.
5
0
22
Saw folks talking about this. His strike zone is determined based on his body position when he swings. You can see the umpire called this a strike. Does my zone get a little bigger for a player that does this? Off the record? Yes.
4
3
21
Lots of rules myths in this thread.
A runner can run wherever he wishes on his way to 2nd. 3 foot rule only applies at point of tag attempt.
MLB has specific requirements for this play. Good explainer here.
2
1
20
For those wanting automated ball/strike this was a strike. Never trust TV on up/down.
Kevin Gausman was ejected after arguing this third strike call
🎥: MLB
40
48
578
5
1
20
@Jacoby_27
Jacob, your video shows that the plate umpire made the right call. By rule, you have to get into the running lane at the 45 foot mark. He obviously never did. Had he, his last step would then be legal. This is a correct call.
5
0
19
Can’t be INT if F3 catches the ball
Umpires ruled Victor Robles safe despite running on the grass down the first base and impeding Andrew Heaney’s throwing lane.
The play is not reviewable and Bruce Bochy was ejected from the game.
7
6
79
4
0
20
@musicman495
@NBCSGiants
You have now heard the term but you didn’t see one. It was not a balk. It was a detached equipment violation.
2
2
17
@jhog667
John, that's now how the rule works. It's a pitch. The batter has every right to hit the pitch. This is INT on the catcher.
3
1
20
The answer is “ Yes” unless the defense subsequently appeals.
Pitcher caught the ball and doubled off the runner at 1st. Does the run count?
3K
142
4K
12
1
20
If the pitch crosses plate or foul line it’s legal
4
0
20
No one likes this call but it is correct. Safety rule used by NCAA and high school. You can’t go to the same side of the base as the defender. Straight in or away.
6
0
20
High school coaches will be showing this video of Trey Yunger busting his ass from left field to backup a ball hit off the center field wall and executing a perfect relay home
11
112
3K
3
0
20
This is Type 2 OBS. The rule says umpire waits until play is over and then determines the likelihood of runner advancing if the OBS did not occur. Since F8 got ball in so quickly it was decided he wouldn't have advanced so he stayed at 2nd.
Nothing to do with him stopping. 1/
Any rules experts want to weigh in on this interesting play in Baltimore a bit ago?
Daulton Varsho stole second, throw went into center, Varsho turned to go to third and collided with SS Jorge Mateo. Umpire clearly signaled obstruction, but Varsho didn't see the call and
63
2
126
7
1
19
I think we talked about this previously but this again is NOT a "catcher's balk." It's a lodged ball. Same penalty but not a balk.
3
1
19
If I made this call and it got overturned I'd have zero issue with it. If you have to zoom and go super slow then my call was good. Might not be 100% accurate but it was good.
7
1
19
“Not touching” does not make it foul. If any part of the ball is over the line it’s a fair ball.
Very weird sequence of events as the umpires call this bunt fair as the Yankees try to let it roll foul
Bobby Witt Jr. proceeds to attempt taking second base and gets thrown out
37
20
784
4
0
18
Umpires love seeing this rotation
A relay that coaches dream about.
A 3rd out at 3rd base in a tied game that coaches will bench your ass for
7
6
251
4
1
18
Eye exam today. Need surgery for cataracts in my left eye.
Let the jokes begin.
13
0
18
MLB and NCAA rule says that if a pitcher has his foot parallel to the rubber with runners on he is in the stretch position. If so, he cannot take the rocker step. He COULD if he declared ahead of time that he was using the windup instead of the stretch.
The Fightins score their first run on a balk from Sea Dogs pitcher, Helcris Olivarez. Portland leads 2-1.
0
0
4
4
2
19
This rule ALWAYS gets folks wound up. I get it. But the rule is clear. Runner has to get IN the lane at the 45 foot mark. If he does he can then step back inside to touch the base. This runner did not do that. Correct ruling including taking the run off the board.
Oklahoma's run on this play was taken off the board after the batter was called for interference at first base.
378
120
3K
4
1
18
First games this weekend. That first squat behind the plate are always tough the next day.
5
0
19
Atrocious? When the circle is completely white it’s registered as a strike. So… hardly atrocious.
Someone said Judge said “ you’ve been horseshit all game.” Who thinks that’s not getting an ejection.
Aaron Judge was just ejected for the first time in his career by umpire Ryan Blakney after an atrocious strike three call. What an absolute fucking embarrassment MLB umpires have become. This motherfucker should pay serious consequences for this. Remember the name — Ryan Blakney
1K
193
2K
5
0
18
Question posed: Isn't the runner out for missing the plate when he enters dugout? No. Umpires never call runner out for missing a base until the defense properly appeals. If they do not appeal it's as if the base was touched.
It it really that hard to step on home plate after hitting a home run?
262
205
7K
7
1
18
@KeithAtSu
@MLBUA
Always good when a guy who has never been trained to call pitches not only claims he knows better but then tags
@MLB
as if some 22 yr old kid monitoring Twitter is going rushing into Manfred’s office.
4
0
18
Merry Christmas to all. Starting to get the baseball juices flowing again. College games starting to show up on the schedule. Can't wait!
4
0
18
@KevinMcCune
@BallySportsCIN
@MLBUA
@MLB
@Reds
Kevin, the Giants pitcher executed a common and legal move.
1
0
18
NCAA has instructed umpires to NOT grant time unless special circumstances like dirt blowing or bug flies into batter face etc.
6
2
17
No way you can tell from this angle but...EVERYONE wants any curveball that is close to the plate to be a strike. More so than fastballs in the same location.
@mopibaseball
@thevicindy
@MikeySzatkowski
@LCIndiansBball
@therealhogand
Lake Central wins on a walk-off walk & they are your 2024 4A State Champs.
Griffin Tobias punches 9 in 8.1, Blake Sivak provides 3.2 scoreless relief innings to pick up the win.
11
23
126
12
0
18
@TJSmithSocial
@BrettHollander
@realbenmcdonald
In order to be a catch he has to maintain control. He has to show voluntary release. This is not a catch.
4
0
18
Two year anniversary of this classic play. Baez signaling safe gets me every time.
1
0
17
Rule says catcher cannot come out in front of plate. Catcher INT. Batter to be 1st. Any runner stealing moves up a base.
Great recognition by umpire.
@KalenClemmens
@jtsum25
@JeffreyRice05
@brady_laubscher
@Danny_Mercado25
@jackhu992
Better angle of the final play.
Mercado looks clearly out but the catcher was standing in front of the plate before the pitch was thrown.
Batter has to have a chance at the pitch. Would have been catcher’s interference if the batter had swung and hit him.
#PDPreps
3
1
6
4
0
17
This is not a catch.
7
0
17
Fans want "old school" ball allowed until it's their guy on the receiving end.
Didn’t even notice that slide into home lmfao Garrett Stubbs is such a piece of shit
122
90
3K
2
0
17
@JomboyMedia
Jomboy, this is where you lose credibility. It wasn't b/c he didn't establish eye contact. It was b/c the batter was not yet looking at the pitcher. Quick Pitch violation.
6
0
17
4)You will see lots of people calling this "ump show" or umpire just wanting to show off his knowledge. Umpires call the rules as they're written. There are no caveats. Even if we don't like the rule we call it.
0
0
17
NCAA day 1: one pitcher balked 4 times and one batter was hit 7 times in a doubleheader. His sub was also hit.
4
0
17
Question came up about how quickly umpire got to the mound- said it was too early. Rule says he gets 30 seconds from the moment "time" is granted. I've got the umpire reaching the dirt at about :26. All umpires then stand there for a few seconds before telling them time to go.
Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker wasn’t even looking at the umpire when he got ejected 😭
186
116
3K
4
1
15
Here is a clear violation
Things are past the point of crazy at SEC Tournament.
Runner interference at 1st base takes the leading run off the board for Alabama
8
0
10
6
1
16
S/O to U1 for busting his hump
‘25 OF Trevor Goldenetz (TCU) sends one to the wall in RCF for a triple.
@HBHS_basebll
threatening in T10.
@ShooterHunt
||
@prepbaseball
2
11
73
4
0
16
From this angle I have the batter remaining legal.
7
0
16
What am I not seeing here ?
8
0
16
@TalkingFriars
Here's Manny when pitcher is putting ball in glove to come set. Manny is ready. This is legal.
1
0
16
Sometimes as umpires we can’t worry about taunting. Notice he chases the batter. Did he see if R3 touched the plate ? Prioritize.
Game winning Grandslams in the 9th never get old, at New Mexico State.
Way to go Dawson!
2
8
31
7
0
16
This is an incorrect ruling by the umpire.
@bjbockhop
@wiaawi
@travisWSN
Not sure the ruling here. My son hit a game leading HR in the T7. Teammate gives him a 5 right b4 touching home. Ump calls him out and takes HR away. That’s a warning, right? I believe ump robbed my son/team from a win tonight.
0
3
6
8
1
16
NCAA is cracking down hard on actions that might incite retaliation. Talking to and tossing the bat towards opponents is an ejection.
5
0
16