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The party line on #1 is that batters should know that 1) on ball four they have earned a walk, 2) when they have earned a walk, they go to first base, 3) they should know where first base is located without the umpire pointing to it. If there are any of these points the batter doesn't know, the team coach should educate them, not the umpire; your responsibility is to repeat "ball four", or "that is four", and not allow another pitch or play until the BR completes the base award.
I have seen batters (and coaches) embarassed by not recognizing one of the above; it happens just once, generally, if you force them to learn the game.
You don't tell a runner where first base is when they hit the ball, you don't point to first base on a dropped third strike; why would you think you need to or should point to it on a walk? No matter what age or level.
On the other hand, maybe it started just as one of those "we don't do it because baseball does" mechanics.
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Tue Jun 21, 2005, 11:20am
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