During a Pony league game yesterday my pitcher, while well into his motion (i.e. knee high, shoulders counter rotated was pulling the ball part way out of the glove and then tapping it back into the glove to initiate hand break. Opposing coach claimed it was a balk. Umpire said it wasn't. I didn't know for sure so I kept my mouth shut.

Is it a balk? If so I'll have to correct the motion.

It doesn't sound like it if he kept coming in one motion. I don't really understand what he is doing with his hand or why. What does "initiates hand break mean?"

Not a balk if it is his regular delivery.

Michael,
It is really just a hitch in his motion where as he starts to take the ball out of his glove he taps it back into his glove. Hand break just refers to taking the hands apart during the pitching motion.

Im sorry I dont see it as an infraction and its splitting the hair way too thin for me......I have got real balks to worry about.

No way am I calling this a balk.

I'm with PIAA, I don't see a problem. I have a local pitcher that taps the outside of his glove as he comes through but he never hesitates. Sounds like a nothing.

Thanks to all who answered.
CADad

CADAD

It is possible the coach was claiming balk because he thought the pitcher was releasing his grip on the ball and then gripping it again.

To me this would be a balk

TR.......

At this moment I am imagining hearing the "HOWL" coming out of your mouth as I call this a balk on your pitcher.......

In the 2 man system with NFHS rules, there just isnt enough umpire eyes out there to get this one......