Up in The Rafters
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Up in The Rafters
What Is a Balk in Baseball? I Broke Down 865 MLB Balks
A balk is an illegal move by the pitcher with a runner on base, and the penalty is simple: every runner moves up one base. Here are all 13 ways to commit one, the newer disengagement balk that came with the pitch timer, the season that broke the record book, and what 865 MLB balks show.
About Up in The Rafters
Up in The Rafters is an independent sports publication built by lifelong fans who care about context as much as headlines. We cover MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, golf, and more with a mix of data-backed analysis, historical perspective, and firsthand fan insight. Our goal is simple: publish clear explainers, sharp commentary, and useful reporting that helps readers understand the game beyond the final score.
Meet our writers on the author pages, where we share bios, backgrounds, and the work each contributor brings to the site.
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