what is a balk in baseball
A balk in baseball is any action by the pitcher that violates the balk rule, which restricts the actions of the pitcher when there is at least one runner on base. The purpose of the balk rule is to protect the runner or runners from being deceived by the pitcher.
In baseball, a balk is called by an umpire. Balk rules protect runners from being deceived by the pitcher. If the ball is thrown before the batter gets settled in the batter's box, the umpire will call a balk. If a pitcher begins his delivery motion but then stops, he'll be called for a balk.