Expert: Dennis Girardi - 6/4/2007

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,

Wow, you sure have picked a few tough questions...
1)  Yes, this IS a violation of the rule.. The catcher MUST notify the umpire.
2) The third pitch is a LIVE ball... runner can advance, but is not automatic.. The umpire calls time. After time is called, everything else stops and is dead.  It is not considered an illegal pitch, just an illegal play.
3) & 4) Dead ball after the ball is thrown... 1-2 count. , then play stops and ball is dead...
5) There are 7 other ways to reach first base......fielder's choice, error, dropped third strike, catcher's interference, runner's interference (batted ball hits a runner),
I hope this helps..

Dennis