Catcher's Balk

[_ukcat]

Watching the Phillies -Diamondbacks game and a ball got caught in the catcher's chest protector and there was a " Catcher's Balk" called and a runner on First base was rewarded Second. Never knew that was a call that could be my made

 

[JumperJack]

Yes. Can’t trap it with the mask either.

 

[Col. Angus]

Yes. Can’t trap it with the mask either.

I hate it when they do that **** on purpose. Really ***** up my blood pressure.

 

[Glenn's Take]

Don't know the play you're talking about but if the batter swings and hits the catcher's mitt it's a catcher's balk and the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance if forced.

 

[JumperJack]

Don't know the play you're talking about but if the batter swings and hits the catcher's mitt it's a catcher's balk and the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance if forced.

Judicious take, Glenn.

 

[vhcat70]

Don't know the play you're talking about but if the batter swings and hits the catcher's mitt it's a catcher's balk and the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance if forced.

That's catcher's interference, not a balk. Batter doesn't get 1B on a balk. Also, on interference, offense has the choice of putting batter on 1B or taking the result of the play that happens after CI. E.g., batter could still hit a fly ball to CF & runner on 3B tags up & scores & O takes the play with the out.

Another form of catcher's balk is the catcher not being in his box behind the plate at the time of the pitch. I called that once as I was totally exposed to the pitch. Catcher wanted to have a clean throw to 2nd to catch a stealing runner so set up towards 1B with just his glove behind the plate.