Brown. Black & Blue, Boners & Balks - The B thread

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by Bocabirdman

I lifted this.....When a balk is made on a pitch that is a 4th ball, it shall be ruled the same as when the batter hits a balk pitch and is safe on a hit or error, provided all runners advance at least one base on the play. Therefore, with a runner on 1st, 1st and 2nd, or 1st, 2nd and 3rd, when a balk is called on the 4th ball, the batter goes to 1st base and all runners advance at least one base. If they attempt to advance more than one base, they do so at their own risk.

I may be wrong but I think in the matter of a balk followed by a pitch and/or ball in play certain events overrule others. If a balk occurs and is followed by a safe hit.. The balk is overlooked and the hit stands.. If followed by an out (say a pop out) the balk stands and any runner advances... If followed by a ball four, the "ball" supersedes the balk and the batter takes first base. I think regardless, the batter is awarded first base on the basis of base on balls, and per your situation the runners are advancing by virtuebone same base on balls that forces them forward a base. A 3 ball count balk in and of its self (without a ball four), like not coming fully set/bending knees, etc would not result in the batter taking first, only in the runners advancing.

Regardless, I don't envy MLB umpires... Even if they did butcher those calls last week.