Hit by pitch

[Patrick Szalapski]

Originally posted by Hayes Davis

We all know that when the pitch is in-flight there is a responsibility placed on the batter to at least attempt to get out of the way. Other words, at least make it look good.

However, under Rule 2.00 Ball, this measure of avoidance is not listed. "If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone, it is a 'ball.' If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base." As one can see there appears to be an automatic awarding of first base when the batter is hit by a pitch that bounces.

By intent of the rule, that's an oversight--the usual result of a pitch touching the batter is an award of first. Therefore, when the above rule was written, they were a little careless and simply wrote the rule above without realizing the logical consequences of that wording.

I agree, though, we give the batter the benefit of the doubt, realizing it may be hard to avoid a pitch that has bounced.

Also, we should keep in mind that the NCAA HBP rule is a little different, should this situation arise at that level.

P-Sz