MLB has ordered that there be an emphasized enforcement on balks beginning this season.
“We have slipped a little bit centrally with calling the rulebook illegal pitches and balks,” said Morgan Sword, MLB’s executive vice president of operations.
Through the years, so many (textbook) balks have been ignored that it’s shocking when one is actually called.
MLB has instituted several new rule changes – Now there will also be a microscope on balks being called.
Fan reaction to the news was overwhelmingly negative…
So now I have to slam beers at the ballpark instead of enjoying them because last call is going to be after an hour and thirty minutes. Ruining the game!
— Jets Fan (@NYJetsGuy12) February 15, 2023
These should've been getting called as ballks the whole time to begin with
— David Dryburgh (@drdry1121) February 14, 2023
More pitcher injuries, more pitching changes, more commercials, more cheaper pitchers. Exactly what the people in charge want
— Nathan Middleton (@nathanjm000) February 15, 2023
MLB says they will strictly enforce balk rules this season due to the 2023 changes. Well I’d hope so I mean why have rules unless you’re going to enforce them? Like what are we doing here people
— Kalea Yoshida (@kaleayoshida) February 15, 2023
This is going to be a disaster and MLB should stop messing with something that isn’t messed up. Umpires don’t even get balk calls right half the time. Enough already with this stuff. https://t.co/KYUaqlP62f
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) February 15, 2023
They did that in the first half of the 1988 season and it was a disaster. Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it
— Mike Pilch (@mdpilch) February 15, 2023
I absolutely hate the man on 2nd in extra innings and hoped last season was the end … unbelievable that this Little League change is here for good. Along with others like big bases that supposedly will lead to more steals – Baloney, it is up to the players.
— Monique Koehler (@MoniqueKoehler1) February 15, 2023
MLB: baseball needs more action that engages fans in a well-paced game.
And also, MLB: We need more stringent balk rule enforcement (you know, the only rule fans understand less than what a catch is in the NFL). https://t.co/VL7WUYjuUc
— Sara Sanchez (@BCB_Sara) February 15, 2023
.@mlb Terrific. Even in slow motion I can't usually see the balk move. Thought MLB wanted to speed up the game.
— Nancy (@realtorbb) February 15, 2023
wow between this and permanent ghost runners they’re gonna save our national pastime 🙄🙄🙄
— 🇺🇦 antonio conte's hairpiece (@billsallak) February 15, 2023
About time MLB recognized the trailblazer of the balk… https://t.co/JpLsJ4zRLg pic.twitter.com/g8XC8a0GIa
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 15, 2023