Walk or out?

Question
The umpire called a batter out after the 4th ball and the batter started going to first base. The umpire had lost count and did not realize there were 4 balls. He would not change his call and the resulting out ended the game. If a batter is mistaken and starts to first base after a pitch, is he out or does he come back and continue the at bat until a walk, hit or strikeout occurs?

Answer
Hi Butch,

the umpire rules an out after four balls?  Someone was asleep standing.

If the ump says the batter is out, naturally the batter (I'll assume a child) will walk to the dugout.  If adults were playing, the coach would have come running out kicking and screaming...

If that was to happen with youth baseball, it can be protested to the baseball association.  The official scorekeeper's scoresheet would be ample evidence of the umps mistake.  Most leagues would either replay the game or at the very least the inning in which the mistake was made.  So long as the game was not a crucial one.

ALSO, I believe most league rules state that such a protest would have to be made within a specific timeframe, say 24 hours.

Was the batter out?  If what you said was true, I'd say no way!  Stay at the plate and have the ump escort you of the box.

Regards,

JohnMc