What is a Balk in Baseball?

In baseball, a "balk" is a penalty called on the pitcher when they make a specific type of illegal motion or action while pitching. The most common types of balks include:

1. Pivoting: When the pitcher's pivot foot (usually the front foot) moves before the ball is released, it is considered a balk.
2. Slide step: If the pitcher takes a slide step towards home plate without throwing the ball, it is a balk.
3. Quick return: If the pitcher quickly returns to the pitching position after a previous pitch without properly resetting their feet, it is a balk.
4. Disengaging: If the pitcher disengages from the rubber before releasing the ball, it is a balk.
5. Failure to come to a complete stop: If the pitcher does not come to a complete stop before throwing a pitch, it is a balk.

When a balk is called, all runners are allowed to advance one base, and any runners on base can attempt to advance further if they choose to do so. The balk rule is in place to prevent pitchers from intentionally deceiving base runners or gaining an unfair advantage.