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Yes, I would say spite.
The spirit of the game is certainly to have pitchers try to challenge the batter by throwing strikes. Particularly with youth fast pitch. (Not sure where youth would end, but I cant say Ive seen 14-15 year olds intentionally walking somebody in an obvious manner.)
The case I speak of is the 2nd one Ive seen. Both times the defense coach loudly proclaiming walk her and both times the offense coach going nuts. So, CecilOnes statement Intentional walks are dumb in amateur league play, but at that age are something unmentionable. is definitely a fact.
Given the reaction of the offense coaches in the two instances Ive seen, if the defense wants to walk someone they should have a signal or some non-obvious way of getting that message to the pitcher. And then have the pitcher throw pitches just outside of the strike zone (not that thats easy for youth pitchers to do). Maybe more risk that a batter might reach and hit one, but at least avoiding the chance of the opposing coach throwing a fit.
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bobbrix
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