In the Oakland Athletics’ 39th game of the season, pitcher Dave Stewart breaks a major league record committing his 12th balk of the season in a 4 – 1 loss to the Red Sox. Stewart will extend the record with 16 balks during the year.

This Day In Baseball

On May 18, 1988 — In the Oakland Athletics’ 39th game of the season, pitcher Dave Stewart breaks a major league record committing his 12th balk of the season in a 4 – 1 loss to the Red Sox. Stewart will extend the record with 16 balks during the year. Thanks to the strict interpretation of umpires on a minor rule change.