One of the more controversial topics in Major League Baseball (MLB) is what happens when a batter gets hit by a pitch but swings at it. This type of play can be confusing for both the batter and the umpire, as the outcome of the play can depend heavily on the judgment of the umpire. In this article, we will explore the rules and regulations surrounding a batter getting hit by a pitch but swinging, and the various scenarios that can occur.
Definition of a Hit by Pitch
Before we can discuss the rules surrounding a batter getting hit by a pitch but swinging, it is important to understand the definition of a hit by pitch. According to the MLB Rulebook, a hit by pitch is defined as “a batter being touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit.” This means that if a batter is hit by a pitch, even if he makes contact with the ball, it is still considered a hit by pitch as long as the batter is not intentionally trying to swing at the pitch.
What Happens if a Batter Gets Hit by a Pitch but Swings?
When a batter gets hit by a pitch but swings, the outcome of the play is determined by the umpire. The umpire must make a judgment call as to whether or not the batter was attempting to hit the pitch, or if he was simply trying to avoid being hit by it. If the umpire rules that the batter was attempting to hit the pitch, the play will be ruled a strike and the batter will be called out. However, if the umpire rules that the batter was not attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be awarded first base.
Scenarios for a Batter Getting Hit by a Pitch But Swinging
There are a few different scenarios that can occur when a batter gets hit by a pitch but swings. The most common scenario is when the batter swings and makes contact with the pitch, resulting in a foul ball. In this case, the batter will stay at the plate and the count will remain the same.
Another scenario is when the batter swings, but the pitch misses the bat and hits the batter. In this case, the umpire will make a judgment call as to whether or not the batter was attempting to hit the pitch. If the umpire rules that the batter was attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be called out and the play will be ruled a strike. If the umpire rules that the batter was not attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be awarded first base.
Finally, there is also a scenario where the batter swings, misses the pitch, and is then hit by the pitch. In this case, the umpire will make a judgment call as to whether or not the batter was attempting to hit the pitch. If the umpire rules that the batter was attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be called out and the play will be ruled a strike. If the umpire rules that the batter was not attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be awarded first base.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what happens if a batter gets hit by a pitch but swings largely depends on the judgment of the umpire. The umpire must make a judgment call as to whether or not the batter was attempting to hit the pitch. If the umpire rules that the batter was attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be called out and the play will be ruled a strike. If the umpire rules that the batter was not attempting to hit the pitch, the batter will be awarded first base.