What Is a Balk?
Quick answer
A balk is an illegal motion by the pitcher with runners on base, meant to deceive a baserunner. When a balk is called, the ball is dead and each runner advances one base. The most common balks involve starting and then interrupting the pitching motion, or faking a throw to first.
What a balk is
A balk is an illegal motion by the pitcher, with runners on base, that is designed to deceive a baserunner. The penalty is simple: the ball is dead and every runner advances one base. The batter's count stays the same (unless the balk happened on ball four or a similar situation).
Balks only happen with runners on base — with the bases empty, an illegal motion is usually just a "no pitch."
Why the rule exists
The balk rule protects baserunners from being tricked. Pitchers have a big advantage holding runners close, so the rules require an honest, consistent motion: once a pitcher starts to deliver, they must deliver; once they commit to the plate, they can't suddenly whirl and throw. It keeps the stolen-base game fair.
Common types of balk
Common types of balk
A balk is any illegal, deceptive move by the pitcher with runners on base. The ball is dead and each runner advances one base.
Starting and stopping the motion
The pitcher begins the pitching motion and then interrupts or alters it without completing the pitch.
Faking a throw to first
The pitcher fakes a throw to first base. (A fake to second or third can be legal depending on footwork and level of play.)
Not coming to a complete stop
From the set position, the pitcher must come to a full and discernible stop before delivering. Skipping the stop is a balk.
Pitching without facing the batter
The pitcher delivers the ball while not properly set on the rubber or without stepping toward the plate.
Dropping the ball
While on the rubber, the pitcher drops the ball — even accidentally — with runners on base.
Quick pitch
The pitcher delivers before the batter is reasonably set in the box, denying them a chance to prepare.
Exact balk enforcement varies by rule set (MLB, NFHS, Little League). Check your league's rulebook for specifics.
About the author
The Baseball Tools Team
baseball.tools publishes free, plain-English baseball tools and guides for players, parents and coaches. Content is reviewed for accuracy against official sources and updated each season.