WALKED meaning and definition

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What Does "Walked" Mean: A Guide to Understanding the Term

In the world of sports, particularly baseball and softball, there's a term that's often thrown around (pun intended): "walked." But what exactly does it mean when someone says they "walked"? In this article, we'll delve into the definition of walked, its history, and how it applies to various sports.

Definition:

In the context of baseball and softball, a walk occurs when a batter reaches base safely without hitting the ball. This happens when the pitcher throws four balls outside the strike zone, causing the umpire to award the batter first base. The batter is said to have "walked" or been "walked out."

History:

The term "walked" originated in the mid-19th century, during the early days of baseball. Back then, pitchers would intentionally throw slow pitches outside the strike zone to avoid hitting the batter, who was often a strong hitter. This strategy allowed the pitcher to get ahead in the count and potentially record an out. Over time, the term "walked" became synonymous with the act of reaching base without hitting the ball.

How It Works:

Here's how a walk typically plays out:

The batter steps up to the plate.
The pitcher throws three balls outside the strike zone, indicating they're not trying to get the batter out.
On the fourth pitch, if it's again outside the strike zone, the umpire calls "ball four" and awards the batter first base.

Types of Walks:

There are a few types of walks that can occur:

Intentional walk: When a pitcher intentionally throws four balls to load the bases, usually to get ahead in the count or to prevent a strong hitter from reaching base.
Unintentional walk: When a pitcher accidentally throws four balls outside the strike zone, resulting in a walk.
Hit-by-pitch (HBP): When a batter is hit by a pitch and reaches first base safely. This is different from a walk, as it's considered an official hit.

Walks in Other Sports:

While walks are most commonly associated with baseball and softball, other sports also use the term to describe a similar concept:

Golf: In golf, a "walk" can refer to when a player reaches their ball safely without hitting it, usually due to a lost ball or an out-of-bounds shot.
Track and Field: In track and field, athletes may be said to have "walked" to the finish line if they complete a race without attempting to run.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, when someone says they "walked," they're referring to the act of reaching base safely in baseball or softball without hitting the ball. Whether intentional or unintentional, walks are an important part of the game and can greatly impact the outcome of a match. By understanding what walked means, fans and players alike can better appreciate the strategy and skill involved in this popular sport.