Expert: Martin Hoover - 6/4/2007

Question
Juniors Division-"Intentional Walk"
Question   Batter has 0-2, runner on 2nd, no outs. Pitcher and Catcher are instructed by their coach to Now 'Intentionally walk' the batter. Catcher does not notify Plate Umpire of their intention and stands with arm extended out to receive outside pitch. Pitch is thrown. FIELD umpire calls "Time" to review rule with Plate Umpire.

Questions.

1. Is this a violation of the INTENTIONAL WALK RULE as noted on pages 33, 79, and T-12 of the 2007 Rules/Regs?

2. Was the 3rd pitch an Illegal Pitch?

3. Would the penalty for this action be similiar to a "Balk"
In other words, Batter now receives the 0-3 count, but runner on 2nd now advances to 3rd?

4. When pitch 3 is thrown, since no notification to plate umpire was given, is the ball live or because of potential violation is it dead?

5. Finally, must a batter be thrown at least 4 balls before advancing to 1st, other than being hit by the ball, or hitting the ball for a base hit?  

Answer
Joe,

1. There are two types of intentional walks.  Before a pitch has been thrown, the catcher may notify the umpire that they wish to intentionally walk the batter.  No pitches are charged to the pitcher, and the batter takes first base.  The ball is dead.  The other intentional walk is the old fashion "pitch four outside pitches".  In this instance, a catcher does not need to notify the umpire.  The ball is live, and all pitches count towards the pitchers total.

2. No, it is not considered an Illegal Pitch.

3. No, it does not result in a balk, or any penalty.

4. The pitch is like any other pitch, and is live.

5. Yes, if option 1 is not used to intentionally walk a batter, then four pitches MUST be thrown in order to walk the batter(other than being hit by the pitch).

I hope this has answered your questions.  Should you have any more, please feel free to write.

-Martin Hoover