Balk - Defensive Player (other than Catcher) With One Foot In Foul Territory

[rightcalls56]

Please clear this up. Some of our coaches and evidently some of our umpires seem to think that this is a Balk - most do not.

First and Third Basemen are usually the guilty parties on this as they try to hold a runner. Usually one foot may find it way in foul territory and a coach barks about it. It's not something that I typically focus on unless mentioned.

My understanding is that we are just to tell them to get back into fair territory - nothing else. I find nothing in the OBR to support this violation as a Balk. Is this correct?

Also, what defines "in fair territory" for these defensive players? Can a foot be on the foul line, with some of the foot extending into foul territory or must the entire foot be on or inside the line? Splitting hairs, I know but that's what these coaches seem to do.

[shickenbottom]

Originally Posted by rightcalls56

Please clear this up. Some of our coaches and evidently some of our umpires seem to think that this is a Balk - most do not.

First and Third Basemen are usually the guilty parties on this as they try to hold a runner. Usually one foot may find it way in foul territory and a coach barks about it. It's not something that I typically focus on unless mentioned.

My understanding is that we are just to tell them to get back into fair territory - nothing else. I find nothing in the OBR to support this violation as a Balk. Is this correct?

Also, what defines "in fair territory" for these defensive players? Can a foot be on the foul line, with some of the foot extending into foul territory or must the entire foot be on or inside the line? Splitting hairs, I know but that's what these coaches seem to do.

This is covered in rule 4.03.

Many coaches interpret this to be carte blanch that all players must be on fair territory except the catcher but they don't read the rule correctly and it's interpretation.

Common interpretation is this is ignored for the most part. However, if one coach complains, then you've got to enforce it for both teams. It is never a balk, it's a don't do that and correct. If the player continues then you can get them under 9.01(d).

As for standing on the foul lines, are the lines in foul or fair territory? If a ball comes to rest half on and half off the foul lines is it fair or foul? That should answer your question about foul lines.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by shickenbottom

Common interpretation is this is ignored for the most part. However, if one coach complains, then you've got to enforce it for both teams. It is never a balk, it's a don't do that and correct.

That's how I was taught.

[mturman]

Both feet in fair territory are not required...If one foot is in fair territory, it is acceptable...and it is not a balk...

But as stated in the NAPBL, if a the offense objects, the rule will be enforced as written for both teams...

Aloha,
Mike

[Rich_Ives]

Originally Posted by mturman

Both feet in fair territory are not required...If one foot is in fair territory, it is acceptable...and it is not a balk...

But as stated in the NAPBL, if a the offense objects, the rule will be enforced as written for both teams...

Aloha,
Mike

The OP referenced OBR and in OBR both feet have to be in fair territory.

MLBUM:

2.16 FIRST BASEMAN PLAYING IN FOUL TERRITORY
Official Baseball Rule 4.03 provides that when the ball is put in play at the start of or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory. In particular, when holding a runner on first base, the first baseman shall position himself with both feet in fair territory. There is no penalty specified for violation other than the first baseman shall be instructed to keep both feet in fair territory if brought to the attention of the umpire, or-if blatant or recurring violation upon immediate direction of the umpire. If a player, after so directed by the umpire, blatantly refuses to comply, the player is subject to ejection.


The NAPBL is old and outdated. Get a PBUC or MLBUM.

[mturman]

Originally Posted by Rich_Ives

The OP referenced OBR and in OBR both feet have to be in fair territory.

MLBUM:

2.16 FIRST BASEMAN PLAYING IN FOUL TERRITORY
Official Baseball Rule 4.03 provides that when the ball is put in play at the start of or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory. In particular, when holding a runner on first base, the first baseman shall position himself with both feet in fair territory. There is no penalty specified for violation other than the first baseman shall be instructed to keep both feet in fair territory if brought to the attention of the umpire, or-if blatant or recurring violation upon immediate direction of the umpire. If a player, after so directed by the umpire, blatantly refuses to comply, the player is subject to ejection.


The NAPBL is old and outdated. Get a PBUC or MLBUM.

Wow! Just goes to show you...Thanks for the update...

Aloha,
Mike

[Rich_Ives]

Originally Posted by mturman

Wow! Just goes to show you...Thanks for the update...

Aloha,
Mike

FED is just one foot - crossed signals perhaps.

[mturman]

Originally Posted by Rich_Ives

FED is just one foot - crossed signals perhaps.

No...I do Fed and knew that...I used an old BoR book that was at my desk

No worries...

Aloha,
Mike

[mturman]

As I recall one umpire saying...This rule was often referred to as the Keith Hernandez rule as he had a penchant for pushing this one...

Aloha,
Mike

[Ozzy]

"What's that coach? Oh, sure, I'll be sure to keep him in fair territory. By the way, I'll be watching your players like a hawk, so ya better tell 'em!"