Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 9/20/2005

Question
Why do major league rules require the pitcher to pitch four balls rather than just give the batter a pass? Is there some strategy involved?

Answer
Fred,

The rule in place requires the pitcher to throw all four pitches outside the strike zone to walk someone.  Basically, it is left over from long ago, but is there to make sure that the runners still have their chances to run and that the defense can catch the balls successfully.

It doesn't happen often, but rarely, a pitcher will throw a wild pitch on one of those pitches.  That's part of the fun of baseball!

Hope this helps!

Brian