Related question from a 10U coach.
When you want to intentionally walk a batter, do you need to throw the 4 pitches? I've never witnessed this or asked.
Not in HS. Our leadoff has been intentionally walked numerous times and the HC just tell the umpire and umpire tells her to take the base.
That's what I thought. And when I first saw that (in a video), I was a bit bummed.
I kinda like making the pitcher and catcher throw those pitches. Especially with runners on base.
Do they feel it just helps speed up the game?