I know the record is 3 but I wondered if it's possible to go less.
2007-06-16 19:53:48 · 16 answers · asked by bobbing_headz 3 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Yes it is (and assuming you're referring to all pitches thrown, not just by one pitcher). The above answers given are incorrect, as a balk, by definition, can only occur with runners on base. A pitch has to be thrown for a hitter to reach base safely. There are no circumstances where a hitter can reach first without a pitch being thrown. kenny's answer is pretty interesting, but while an illegal pitch is called a ball with no runners on, it is still considered a pitch thrown.
Here's how it can be done. MLB official rule 6.02(c) states: If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box during his time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead, and no runners may advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter does not take his proper position before three strikes have been called, the batter shall be declared out.
So essentially if the batter refuses to get in the box three times he will be called out. If all three batters do that then the inning is over. In that same way a pitcher can pitch a complete game without throwing a single pitch.
2007-06-17 00:48:41 · answer #1 · answered by Ichiro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. Two examples:
Situation A: Bases loaded, nobody out. Reliever enters the game and proceeds to pick off the three base runners. Or he could pick off one of the runners and the defense could retire the other two runners on the same play.
Situation B: The pitcher gets one or more outs in the inning because the batter(s) are called out for switching boxes while the pitcher is in position and ready to pitch.
You could also have appeals sustained on multiple runners on a play.
Remember, you said "a pitcher," not team.
SourJax and widewillie: You can't balk with nobody on base, and a "balk" with nobody on base would not result in a base award for the batter.
2007-06-16 20:35:37 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan R 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure of the rules in the majors, but I was an umpire of little leagues, American/National League red and blue, and the answer is yes, because only two batters are allowed on the field, at the plate and in the batters box, if the batter were to hit a foul ball and it hit a player (a third batter warming up) it is an out. So technically a pitcher could retire an inning with only two pitches.
2007-06-16 20:01:36 · answer #3 · answered by dinoman 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Starting Pitcher: No
Relief Pitcher: Yes
Closer: Yes
2007-06-16 21:28:33 · answer #4 · answered by vae4usc 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Conceptually that is elementary. Runners on first and 2d. on the 1st pitch via the reliever the batter hits a pointy floor ball to the third baseman who has sufficient time to step on third, throw to the 2d baseman on 2d who relays the throw to first. All until now the respective runners get there. This triple play can take place in any sort of procedures. it ought to even take place devoid of absolutely everyone fielding the ball. comparable state of affairs I defined above. Batter hits a pop up and the umpire calls the infield fly rule. he's out. The runner on first passes the runner on 2d. he's out. and the ball hits the the rest runner on the fly on a similar time as he remains in elementary territory. third out.
2016-10-17 12:52:24 · answer #5 · answered by baumgarter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it with no pitches! A balk is counted as a ball, do this 4 times to a batter, he gets a walk, then pick him off first base, repeat to each batter.. So 12 balks, three bases on balls, three pickoffs, no pitches thrown...
Yes it is legal to call a balk with no baserunners on.. One example rule 8.04 the pitcher has 12 seconds to pitch once he recieves the ball from the catcher and the batter is ready in the box,, if he doesnt' throw the pitch within 12 seconds the umpire will call "ball"
2007-06-16 21:53:14 · answer #6 · answered by kenny 1 · 2⤊ 4⤋
I'm not an expert on MLB rules...but in theory it's possible.
If the first batter reaches on a first pitch single or HBP...then on the first pitch to the 2nd batter the pitcher balks during his pitching wind up...the batter can be awarded a base....thus putting a runner on base without an actual pitch being thrown. Next batter hits into a triple play on the 1st pitch.
Two pitches thrown...3 batters retired.
2007-06-16 20:06:58 · answer #7 · answered by widewillie 4 · 2⤊ 6⤋
No, each batter must be pitched to at least once. What an inning that would be! I'd sure love to be witness to that feat!
2007-06-16 19:57:53 · answer #8 · answered by 1M9 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it is possible if he came in releif and when facing his first batter with no outs, there are runners on base...... it could be done theoretically.... triple play or double play and one pitch to the next hitter............ but if he started the inning with no runners on base.. it can't be done.
2007-06-16 20:44:00 · answer #9 · answered by Cookie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it is three. for the rest of you that tried to answer you don't get first base if the pitcher balks.
2007-06-16 21:27:10 · answer #10 · answered by mattius337 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋