Intentional walks are an accepted part of baseball strategy, but what exactly is the point? The concept of the intentional walk can be confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the game, but the purpose of this strategy is actually quite simple. In this article, we’ll explain the point of an intentional walk and how it can be used to your team’s advantage.
What is an Intentional Walk?
An intentional walk is when a pitcher deliberately throws four balls outside of the strike zone in order to issue a walk to the batter. The pitcher does this in order to avoid giving up a hit or a run to the batter. This strategy can be used when the batting team has a powerful hitter at the plate or when the runner on base is in a position to score.
When Can an Intentional Walk be Used?
An intentional walk can be used in any situation, but it’s most commonly used in the following cases:
• When the batting team has a powerful hitter at the plate
• When the runner on base is in a position to score
• When the batting team has a weak hitter at the plate
• When the pitcher is struggling with control
• When the pitcher needs to get out of a jam
Advantages of Intentional Walks
There are several advantages to using an intentional walk. Here are the most common:
• It allows the pitcher to avoid giving up a hit or a run.
• It can help the pitcher get out of a jam.
• It can help the defense set up a double play.
• It can help the team get out of an inning without giving up any runs.
• It can help the pitcher conserve energy by avoiding a long at-bat.
Disadvantages of Intentional Walks
There are also several disadvantages to using an intentional walk. Here are the most common:
• It gives the batting team a free base runner.
• It can put the defense in a difficult position.
• It can make the pitcher look weak or scared.
• It can lead to a run if the runner on base steals a base or the batter hits a home run.
Conclusion
Intentional walks are an accepted part of baseball strategy, but the purpose of this strategy is often misunderstood. The point of an intentional walk is to avoid giving up a hit or a run to the batter. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as when the batting team has a powerful hitter at the plate or when the pitcher needs to get out of a jam. While there are some advantages to using an intentional walk, there are also some drawbacks. Ultimately, it’s up to the team’s manager to decide when and how an intentional walk should be used.