Base on balls

In baseball statistics, a base on balls (BB), also called a walk, is credited to a batter and against a pitcher when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is called a "walk" because the batter is then entitled to walk to first base, or more specifically (as defined in the rules of baseball) he is "entitled to first base without liability to be put out." Receiving a base on balls does not count as an official at bat for a batter but does count as a plate appearance.

Related Topics:
Baseball statistics - Balls - At bat - Plate appearance

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A pitcher can also choose to intentionally walk a batter. This is usually done for the purpose of facing a different batter that the team feels they have a better chance of getting out.

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A hit by pitch is not considered a walk, though the consequences are often the same for both.

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