At what point can a batter begin down the path to first base on ball four? The reasoning behind this question is could a batter with a 3-X count take off as soon as he realizes the pitch will be a ball, i.e. a very wild pitch and with hopes of taking 2nd.

Smart batter.

Now, why do you believe the batter can't do this?

I'd recommend leaving early only to a LH batter.

My thought was as right handed batter if the pitch was behind you you might as well take of ASAP, if anybody said anything you could say you were trying to avoid being hit.