Walk (base on balls, BB)

A batter walks on ball four. The batter goes to first, and runners move up only if they are forced: a runner on first goes to second, but a runner alone on second stays put. With the bases loaded, a walk forces in a run and the batter is credited with an RBI.

On the score sheet, write BB in the batter's box (some scorers write W) and draw the line to first. Mark the four balls in the pitch boxes as they come so the count is right when it happens. A walk is a plate appearance but not an at-bat, so it leaves the batting average alone and raises on-base percentage. For the pitcher, walks go in their own column, apart from hits.

An intentional walk is a walk the defense chooses: to set up a force or a double play, or to pitch to a weaker hitter. It is written IBB and counts as a walk in every stat. How the defense gives one, by throwing four pitches wide or by telling the umpire, is set by each league, so check your league's rulebook before you plan on it.

A walk is the cheapest base in the game, and coaches count them on both sides. A hitter who takes walks is doing the job of getting on base, and a quality at-bat tally gives them credit for it. A pitcher's walks per inning is the first number to look at in a young pitcher's line, since walks that turn into runs are earned and come straight back on the pitcher.

Examples

• Runner on second, the batter walks: batter to first, the runner stays at second.
• Bases loaded, ball four: a run is forced in and the batter gets an RBI.
• First base open, a dangerous hitter up with a runner on second: an intentional walk, IBB, to set up a force at any base.
• A batter walks twice and singles in four trips: 4 PA, 2 AB, 1 hit, .500 average.

Put it on a card: Score sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

More in the glossary

• Plate appearance vs. at-bat
• Hit by pitch (HBP)
• RBI (run batted in)
• All glossary pages