How come umps dont call balks anymore?

[CHOPTALK]

I see at least one a game not called.

 

[Well-Seasoned]

I got to see a walk-off balk when the Braves played several weeks ago. Thus, the game ended on a balk which was a little strange.

 

[bigtendominator]

Because MLB doesn't want it called. The average fan doesn't understand the balk rule.

 

[JohnnyMac]

There are a couple of guys out there who are almost Luis Tiant-like in their pre-pitch movements.

 

[eoghater]

Most starters are ok with their movement, it's the relievers that tend to struggle and you can find a balk here and there.

I've been noticing a growing trend where quick pitching is happening. Padre pitchers did it against Zona, and Hawkins was abusing it in the series against Saint Louis.

 

[CHOPTALK]

Because MLB doesn't want it called.

why not

 

[bigtendominator]

why not

Because the average fan doesn't know what a balk is.

 

[jscdynasty]

Cause they are too lazy and like others have already said... most people don't understand it. The umps would face more heat by calling the game correctly...which is ironic.

 

[Illini]

Because MLB doesn't want it called. The average fan doesn't understand the balk rule.

It doesn't have anything to do with what the fan does or doesn't understand. The average fan doesn't understand many of the rules.

 

[bigtendominator]

It doesn't have anything to do with what the fan does or doesn't understand. The average fan doesn't understand many of the rules.

Which rules besides the balk doesn't the average fan not understand.

 

[Illini]

Mike Hampton used to balk every time he threw to 1st. Not by much, but he always crossed the 45 degrees. Pitchers will always do what they can get away with. And as an umpire, you never want to create a shitstorm when there isn't one. It's hard to call a balk on a borderline action.

 

[Illini]

Which rules besides the balk doesn't the average fan not understand.

Interference, catcher's interference, obstruction, batter interference.

 

[Illini]

Most fans don't understand what constitutes a catch, and the fact that it is way different than football. Another big one is the baseline.....most fans think you are out if you go 3 feet out of the baseline. Most announcers also think that.