Here’s Your Free 90

By George Demetriou

There are more than 20 different ways for a batter to get from the batter’s box to first base, and several of them involve an award. Additionally, there are situations where runners can be awarded a single base (most runner awards are two bases). Except where noted, the material applies equally to NFHS, NCAA and pro rules.

Base on Balls

A walk is the most common award in baseball. To earn a walk, a batter need not do anything much beyond deciding to not swing at pitches outside the strike zone. The ball remains live when ball four is called and the batter-runner is permitted to overrun first base, the same as is allowed when hitting an infield grounder. The runner’s momentum is almost never an issue after he draws a walk. Most often, the batter-runner jogs to first and stops on the base. But, here is the exception:

Play 1: On a 3-2 pitch, B1 starts to swing and stops. The pitch gets away from F2 and rolls to the backstop. B1 takes off for first as the umpire calls the pitch a ball and appeals to the base umpire. The base umpire replies, “No, he didn’t go.” B1 overruns first and is tagged. Ruling 1: B1 is not out; he may remain at first (NFHS 8-2-7; NCAA 8-5i Exc.; pro 5.09b4 Exc.).

If an intentional base on balls is issued, the batter simply trots to first. There is no requirement for the pitcher to throw four pitches outside the strike zone. In the interest of pace of play, the walk can be declared by the defensive team’s head coach without any pitches thrown. In NFHS, the catcher or any coach can also inform the umpire of the base on balls. The declaration can be made at the start of an at-bat or anytime during one. The ball is declared dead in NFHS and NCAA when the award is announced (NFHS 2-4-3, 5-1-3; NCAA 2-7, NCAA interp.; pro 5.05b1 Cmt., Base on Balls Definition).