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Q:  There was a dead ball situation (foul ball). A ball was thrown to the pitcher who was behind the mound. He was speaking to the shortstop, and they proceeded to try the hidden ball trick on the runner at second. The pitcher walked on to the mound, all the way to the pitcher's plate, so obviously within the five feet as stated in the rule book. Ball was still dead. Should a balk have been called immediately, or only when the ball was made live? I am assuming that a balk can only be called when the ball is live, but now am unsure.

In a related situation, a pitcher tried to pick off a runner after a foul ball, just as the ball was being made live. Had it been dead, no out (or base advance if throw was wild) could have occurred. Correct? Appreciate input on this.

A:  Once "time" is called or the "do not pitch signal is given" no play can take place, also Rule 5-2-2a, When the ball becomes dead, no action by the defense can cause a player to be put out. In the second question, either the ball is "live" or it is "dead", no tweeners, umpires judgement as to exactly when the ball was made "live".

In the Rules by Topic book, you will find:  If a runner or runners are on base and the pitcher, while not touching the pitcher's plate, makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch, or he places his feet on or astride the pitchers plate, or positions himself within approximately five feet of the pitcher's plate without having the ball, the pitcher is guilty of a balk (6-2-5).

Hidden Ball Trick: Caseplay

5.1.4 SITUATION B:  B1 goes to first because (a) he is hit by a pitched ball, or (b) of ball four, or (c) he hits a single to the outfield and he returns to first base.  After B1 has touched first, he steps off the base and F3 tags him by use of the "hidden ball" trick.  RULING: In (a), the runner is safe.  The ball remains dead until held by pitcher on his plate, B2 and F2 are in their respective boxes and umpire then calls "Play." in (b) and (c), B1 is out.

Also in the Casebook on page 47.