Umpire’s gesture was a direct reaction to the fact that the pitcher was throwing the ball towards home plate. The pitcher threw a pitch towards home plate and then umpire gestures that he should have been called out on the pitch.

What is a Balk?

is the act of a fielder, usually the pitcher, who is unable to cover a ball or who drops a ball in his own territory (i.e., in the outfield). In baseball, the catcher is the only fielder who has the authority in the infield to commit interference. A dropped ball is commonly called a dropped third strike. If a fielder commits an infraction, a play will be made at his expense.

What Happens if a Balk Takes Place?

A balk is a non-catchable infraction, any kind of infringement on the batters’ part. It can happen if pitch-tracking data isn’t provided on time or the umpire thinks the batter is being too obvious about seeing a pitch. It also happens when a call is made too quickly, and it can happen during the swing, but it is very rare.

How often Do Balks Take Place in Major League Baseball?

Even with those odds of someone or something being thrown out, the MLB doesn’t want to risk losing a game because of a balks. I believe they could put up a warning sign or something but it sounds like they want the balks to be rare and not happen at all.

Can you Argue a Balk?

 Mark Buehrle was ejected from a game against the Pirates for having two balk calls called on him. He was ejected from the game for a total of three reasons: for having a balk called on him and throwing his glove on the ground. Both of these were two-time base-on-balls. For having two balk calls called on him.

The MLB Balk Rule in Greater Detail

For Right-Hand Pitchers

For Lefty Pitchers

Conclusion on What is a Balk

With a catcher on the bag the pitcher should step, throw from the stretch position, and move in a straight line towards the plate as their lead foot strikes the ground. If a hitter steps off the bag they are technically not out until the ball hits the ground. The pitcher should throw the ball as a follow through without much lateral movement. If they step side to side, throw off balance, or from the stretch it can be interpreted as a balk.