The game had meantime proceeded. Ross had three balls and two strikes. The pitcher sent up the deciding one. “Four balls, take your base,” called the umpire. Ross walked down to first.
“Why doesn’t he run?” asked Parker.
“He doesn’t have to run,” replied Hal.
“But you said if he got four balls he could run to first base.” This showed Hal that Parker was absorbing the points and he took some encouragement.
“They usually let them walk on four balls, as he can take his base on a walk by the time the pitcher is ready again,” he replied. By this time Ross had reached first and was standing there with one foot on the bag.
“Why doesn’t he take the base if it is his?” was the next question.
“He doesn’t really take the base,” explained Hal. “He is simply entitled to go to it and be ready to run to second base.” He saw that he would have to be very careful in his choice of words if he was to teach Parker much of the game. Everson was next at bat. He hit the first ball for a long fly to left and started on a slow trot toward first, while Ross remained at the bag.
“Why doesn’t the fellow on first run?” asked Parker.
“He is waiting to see if the ball is caught,” said Hal.
“Can’t he run unless the ball is caught?” Parker went on.