Intentional walk rule

Question
Was there ever a time when the batter was simply awarded first base by the umpire without any pitches having to be thrown?

Answer
Allan,

The major leagues requires that four balls are thrown to the batter in order to perform an intentional walk.  As far as I know, it has always been that way since the concept of a ball was developed in the late 1860s.

However, some other leagues don't require the pitches to be thrown.  Many little leagues just let the coach tell the umpire to send the player down to first.

Hope this helps!

Brian