Apr. 28, 1963 - Only one balk was called in the National League today as umpires, on orders from league president Warren Giles, relaxed their enforcement of the one-second rule. But that lone balk was enough to tie the National League season record of 76. The single infraction was committed by Don Schwall (pictured) of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was called in favor of the New York Mets, who lost their third straight game to the Pirates anyway. Only four balks had been called in the American League through Saturday. The National League established the record of 76 balks in 1950, the year the balk rule was modified making it mandatory for a pitcher to pause for one full second before delivering. There were 48 balks called in the National League last season and 44 in the American League. The American League record is 46, also in 1950.
