Is it a balk when a pitcher drops the ball when on the rubber?

Question

Or does he have to be in teh "set" position?

Answer 1

Any time the pitcher drops the ball while intentionally in contact with the rubber, it is a balk with runners on base.

While we're at it, let's clear up some misconceptions:

(1) With no runners on base, it is NOTHING.

(2) A balk is not defined as an attempt to deceive a runner.

Answer 2

Yes as long as there is at least 1 runner on base. If you drop the ball at anytime while touching the rubber (with a runner on) then its a balk. It doesn't matter where you are in your motion and it doesn't matter if its intentional or not.

If a pitcher commits an infraction that would be a balk, but there are no runners on base, then it is ruled as an illegal pitch which awards a ball to the batter.

Answer 3

yea

Answer 4

yes it is but i dont like that rule.  if thats a balk i think the fake move to third and back to first should be a balk because the definition of a balk is when a pitcher tries to decieve the runner

Answer 5

yes/dropping the ball is no excuse

Answer 6

A Balk is when a pitcher starts his motion towards the plate and for ANY reason discontinues that motion. You will se most Balks during pick-off attempts.

Answer 7

Yes.