Let’s face it HS ball isn’t amazing softball. It is, however, the last opportunity to play “competitively” for +90% of all athletes. To deprive big hitters their time to shine at that level is just petty and unnecessary. Just because a good pitcher can usually blow it past 6, 7, maybe 8 players in the opposing lineup, doesn’t mean that we should be giving a free pass to the one kid that can do damage. The outcome of the game in HS shouldn’t be more important than the competitive nature of the game itself. Note: you virtually never see an intentional walk in travel ball, for obvious reasons Note: while I don’t like to see it in college, I recognize that wins matter, jobs are on the line, and there is a lot of impact to having a winning program… at this level strategize as you may. I also reserve the right to boo you as loudly as I possibly can!