How many pitches?

[YankeeLinks]

What is the maximum number of pitches that can be thrown to a batter, in one official at-bat, without walking, striking out, or hitting a foul ball?

[Wolf Hopper]

What is the maximum number of pitches that can be thrown to a batter, in one official at-bat, without walking, striking out, or hitting a foul ball?

I wanted to say 3 - the first three on an IBB - - but, then a walk is not charged with an AB - - it's a PA, not an AB - and, anyway, even if a BB was a AB - three pitches does not make a BB (and therefor it's just 3 pitches and not an AB).

HBP is out too - not an AB, just a PA. In theory, if a HBP was an AB, you could have three pitches there too - - HBP but not awarded 1st, then another HBP but not awarded 1st, and then an outside pitch.

Anyway, same problem there - until it's either a hit or an error, it's not an "official at-bat" - - did you mean to say PA and not AB?

[gyb13]

six seems the simple answer....putting the ball in play on a full 3-2 count.

[YankeeLinks]

did you mean to say PA and not AB?

I don't think PA or AB make a difference in this case.

[YankeeLinks]

six seems the simple answer....putting the ball in play on a full 3-2 count.

It's not that simple. The answer is more than 6

[gyb13]

obviously. or else you wouldn't ask the question. :)

[UtterChaos]

I'll say 11.

Batter has a 3-2 count with 2 outs and the runner on first is picked off. The same batter then leads off the next inning. He reaches another full count before putting the ball in play. That would be a total of 11 pitches.

[YankeeLinks]

That's it, UC. Nicely done

[Wolf Hopper]

I wonder how the pitches seen per PA trackers would score that one?

[YankeeLinks]

I wonder how the pitches seen per PA trackers would score that one?

I'd guess it's 11. A minor distortion, but better than making exceptions to the rule.