Intentional balk
The intentional balk is a tactic used in baseball. It involves the pitcher deliberately balking in order to move a baserunner from second base to third base, in order to prevent sign stealing.[1]
Early history
The first known intentional balk in baseball—which was attempted for reasons unrelated to sign stealing—came about in the
Major League Baseball
Intentionally committing a balk in Major League Baseball (MLB) resulted from an idea raised by Los Angeles Dodgers coach Bob Geren, who came up with the concept during a spring training session as a way to prevent sign stealing.[4] While non-electronic forms of sign stealing are legal in baseball, Geren stated it was an insurance mechanism so that a baserunner on second base would not be able to steal the signs and communicate them to the batter.[4]
Former
After Geren raised the idea in spring training, it was executed by Dodgers pitcher
References
- ^ Yellon, Al (June 16, 2019). "Will the 'intentional balk' become a thing in MLB?". SB Nation. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ ISBN 0803264402.
- ^ "Umpire in 'ball shock". The Sydney Morning Herald. Australia. August 5, 1956. p. 41 Sporting Section. Retrieved September 26, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Dodgers and Kenley Jansen debut the intentional balk". Orange County Register. June 15, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ "Wickman balks at ordinary move". The News-Herald. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
- ^ "Kenley Jansen executes intentional balk". MLB. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ Hill, Josh (May 27, 2021). "Craig Kimbrel recorded his first career balk on purpose, and here's why". Fansided. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ Papke, Grey (September 6, 2021). "Intentional balk: Rays use bizarre strategy against Red Sox". Larry Brown Sports. Retrieved September 7, 2021 – via MSN.com.
- ^ Castrovince, Anthony (April 5, 2022). "MLB informs clubs PitchCom is approved for '22 season". MLB.com. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
- ^ "Craig Kimbrel broke out the most casual intentional balk to prevent sign stealing". USA Today. May 18, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
External links
- Kenley Jansen Intentionally Balks, a Breakdown via YouTube
- Craig Kimbrel - Intentional Balk via YouTube
- Collin McHugh Intentional Balk during Rays and Red Sox via YouTube