Definition

Noun: 1. A walk in baseball: A "base on balls" is a rule in baseball where the batter is allowed to advance to first base after the pitcher throws four pitches that are not in the strike zone (called "balls"). It is an official at-bat statistic.

Usage

• The term "base on balls" is the formal, official name for this event in baseball. In common, everyday language, it is almost always called a "walk".
• It is recorded as a statistic for both the batter (who receives the walk) and the pitcher (who allows the walk).
• Example:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To draw a walk": This is a common verb phrase meaning to receive a base on balls, often through patient batting.
  • Even though he wasn't hitting well, he managed to draw a walk and get on base.
• "Intentional base on balls" or "intentional walk": When a pitcher deliberately throws four wide pitches to avoid letting the batter hit the ball, usually to set up a potential double play or to face a weaker batter next.
  • With a powerful hitter at the plate, the manager signaled for an intentional base on balls.

Variants and Related Words

• Walk (n.): The common, informal synonym for "base on balls".
  • He leads the league in walks this season.
• BB: A standard statistical abbreviation for "base on balls" used in box scores and player stats.
  • The scorecard showed the pitcher had 5 K's and 3 BB's over 7 innings.

Synonyms

• Walk (n.): The direct and most frequently used synonym.
• Free pass (n., informal): An informal term emphasizing that the batter received the base without having to hit the ball.

Related Phrases

• "Work the count": A batter's strategy of taking pitches to force the pitcher to throw many pitches, increasing the chance of a base on balls or a good pitch to hit.
  • He's great at working the count and making the pitcher labor.

Noun

1. (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
   • he worked the pitcher for a base on balls