ANSWERS: 3
  • I believe this falls under the same rule as not taking signs while off the rubber. I believe the rule states that a pitcher, while disengaged from the rubber, may not take signs from his catcher, coach, or any other person. When runners are on base, the resulting call would be a balk.
  • Only in high school rules is it a ball/balk (runners on bases or not). In all other rule books the umpire should tell the pitcher, "don't do that," and eject him if he keeps it up. Also Little League is played on 60 foot diamond and there are no balks. Little League does have programs called Juniors, Seniors and Big Legue for older kids on 90 foot diamonds. At these upper levels, the balk rule is the same as in the Major Leagues. If he takes signs off the rubber, the umpire shall tell him not to do it.
  • The pitcher shall take signs from the catcher when engaged. When off the rubber he is an infielder and can take signs from anyone. and there are balks in LL Jr, Sr and Big league divisions.

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