Does a batter HAVE to take the walk
2016/7/15 16:51:26
Question
In ASA Slow Pitch (open division) softball (Specifically NAGAAA), starting with a 1-1 count, if the batter is pitched 3 called balls, making 4 balls total (or a walk), does the batter have the right to refuse the walk and keep batting?
Example: I had a very new and confused batter not realize he was walked and stayed in the batters box for another pitch in which he popped up, the ball was caught and he was called out. Is that player out, or is does the extra pitch not count and the batter is awarded the walk? The umpire stated that the rules state that he doesn't have to walk if he doesn't want to. Where is that rule written?
Answer
Hi Rick,
I can't give you a written rule because it's not a rule and the umpire is incorrect, sounds to me like they need a whole lot of studying the rule book. If that were a rule how would you handle an "intentional walk" Could a batter in SP say no they have to pitch to me, or in FP where you have to throw the pitches stand there until the pitcher got tired of playing catch with F2. See how ridiculous that is.
A batter becomes a b-r and is awarded 1st base when 4 balls are called by the umpire. In this case if the batter was just standing there after the pitch the umpire should have said "ball 4-take your base" or something similar. The umpire put the offense in jeopardy by not awarding the base.
Since the batter completed their turn at bat with the 4th ball and is awarded 1st base, in this case I am "backing up", nullifying the out and placing the batter on 1st base.
Mark
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