What is Intentional Balk in MLB?
In the chessboard of baseball strategy, few moves are as puzzling, and yet oddly brilliant, as the intent. Yes, you read that right. A pitcher deliberately committing a balk. Why on earth would a pitcher do something that gives the other team a free base? Well, let’s dive into this curious wrinkle of Major League Baseball.
Kenley Jansen, Intentional Balk Mechanics pic.twitter.com/Dja7e89FtB
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Imagine this: it’s the late innings of a tight game. Your team is up by one. There’s a runner on second base. You don’t want him stealing signs or getting too good of a read on your pitcher’s delivery. What do you do? Enter the intentional balk.
Why Give Up a Base on Purpose?
First seen in the big leagues around 2019, the intentional balk has become a rare but clever tactic. Pitchers will deliberately flinch, drop the ball, or make an illegal move with no one on first base, just to move the runner from second to third. Sounds backwards, right? But it’s all about reducing risk.
Kenley Jansen Intentionally Balks, a Breakdown pic.twitter.com/2cxRHG2hGz
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From third base, a runner can’t see the catcher’s signs as easily, and he’s far less likely to steal home. Plus, it removes the chance he relays pitch location or signs back to the hitter. In a game of inches and milliseconds, that kind of information can change everything.
Fans might be confused seeing a pitcher nod to the catcher, step off the rubber awkwardly, and the umpire signaling a balk. But it’s all part of the plan. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts and Mets’ Ex-manager Buck Showalter have both used it. It’s legal, it’s strategic, and it’s kind of genius.
Best Intentional Balk Moments
One of the most famous intentional balks came in July 2019, when Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen, facing the Phillies, intentionally balked a runner from second to third to prevent sign stealing. That moment sparked discussion all over the baseball world.
Another memorable one was in 2022, when Mets reliever Adam Ottavino balked intentionally against the Dodgers. Buck Showalter confirmed it was called from the dugout and it worked perfectly. The runner moved to third, but the batter didn’t benefit from any sign signals.
Baseball’s Mental Edge
The rules allow it, and while it’s still rare, it shows how even a so-called “mistake” can become a tool in the manager’s kit. The intentional balk reminds us that baseball isn’t just about strength or speed ,it’s a mental game, full of mind games, deception, and surprise.
Also Read: What Is the Maximum Score a Team Can Get From a Single Home Run in Baseball?
So next time you see a pitcher commit a balk with a sly smile, don’t be too quick to boo. You might just be witnessing one of baseball’s weirdest and smartest strategies.
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