Rule 2.00 BASE ON BALLS

BASE ON BALLS

A BASE ON BALLS is an award of first base granted to a batter who, during his time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone.

DISCUSSION:

On July 3, 2011, San Diego's Cameron Maybin walked on three balls. The scoreboard was wrong, the umpire crew was confused, and the Seattle Mariners did not object. He ended up scoring for the game's only run.
http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_07_02_sdnmlb_seamlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=sd

Seven days later, California's Bobby Abreau walked on three balls with Seattle's full knowledge.
http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110710&content_id=21707640&notebook_id=21715252&vkey=notebook_ana&c_id=ana

HISTORY:

Until 1863 there was no such thing as a "base on balls." The batter was required to hit the ball.

In 1888, four balls and three strikes was adopted. In 1887, five balls were required for a base on balls and four strikes for a strike out. Below is a picture of an umpire indicator for the year 1887.