Base on balls, commonly known as a walk, is a term used in baseball to describe a situation where a pitcher throws four pitches outside the strike zone, and the batter does not swing at any of them. This results in the batter being awarded first base and is an essential aspect of the game of baseball.
Definitions
Base on balls is defined as a pitch that is thrown outside of the strike zone and is not swung at by the batter. The umpire then awards the batter first base. A walk is also known as a free pass or a pass.
Origin
The term base on balls has been used in baseball since the early 1800s. The exact origin of the term is unclear, but it is believed to have come from the practice of walking a batter intentionally to set up a double play.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, a base on balls is “a free advance to first base given a batter who receives four balls.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an advance to first base granted to a batter who receives four balls.”
Associations
A base on balls is an essential part of the game of baseball. It is a way for the offense to get a runner on base without having to hit the ball. It can also be used strategically by the defense to set up a double play or to avoid pitching to a dangerous hitter.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for base on balls include walk, free pass, pass, and base on balls.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for base on balls, but the opposite of a walk would be a strikeout, where the batter swings and misses three pitches or is called out on strikes by the umpire.
The same root words
The term base on balls does not have any direct root words, but it is related to the phrase “ball four,” which is often used by announcers and fans to describe a walk.
Example Sentences
- The pitcher threw four balls outside the strike zone, and the batter was awarded a base on balls.
- The manager decided to intentionally walk the dangerous hitter to set up a double play.
- The pitcher struggled with his control and gave up three base on balls in the first inning.
Base on balls, also known as a walk, is an essential part of the game of baseball. It allows the offense to get a runner on base without having to hit the ball and can be used strategically by the defense. Understanding the term base on balls is crucial for anyone who wants to follow or play the game of baseball.