In baseball terminology, “walking a batter” means intentionally throwing four balls outside the strike zone, forcing the batter to take first base. Walking a batter is a common tactic used by pitchers to avoid a hit or to set up a double play. But what if a pitcher wants to walk a batter without actually pitching to him? Is this possible? The answer is yes.
What Is Intentional Walking?
Intentional walking is a strategic move in baseball used by pitchers to gain an advantage over the batter. It involves throwing four pitches that are outside the strike zone. This forces the batter to take first base, regardless of his ability to hit the ball. Intentional walks are typically used when the pitcher has little confidence in his ability to get the batter out, or when the pitcher wants to set up a double play by forcing a runner on base.
Can You “Fake” an Intentional Walk?
Yes, you can “fake” an intentional walk. This means that the pitcher throws a pitch that is close to the strike zone, but not so close that the batter can hit it. The pitch is designed to make the batter think that it is an intentional walk, and therefore he will not swing at it. This is a tactic that is sometimes used to set up a double play, as the batter is more likely to take first base without making a play.
How to Fake an Intentional Walk
To fake an intentional walk, the pitcher needs to throw a pitch that is close enough to the strike zone that the batter can see it, but far enough away that he is unlikely to swing at it. The pitch should be slightly off the plate, but still close enough to the zone that it looks like a legitimate pitch. It is important that the pitcher does not throw too far away from the zone, as this could lead to a strike or a hit.
The Benefits of Faking an Intentional Walk
Faking an intentional walk can be a useful tactic for pitchers who want to set up a double play or who are uncomfortable with the batter’s hitting ability. It gives the pitcher the opportunity to avoid a hit without having to actually throw four pitches outside the strike zone. It also gives the pitcher the chance to throw a pitch that is close enough to the zone that the batter might swing at it, but far enough away that he is unlikely to make contact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to walk a batter without actually pitching to him. This is done by “faking” an intentional walk, which involves throwing a pitch that is close enough to the strike zone that the batter can see it, but far enough away that he is unlikely to swing at it. Faking an intentional walk can be a useful tactic for pitchers who want to set up a double play or who are uncomfortable with the batter’s hitting ability.