In baseball, a batter is allowed to swing at a pitch in order to attempt to hit it. But what happens if the batter swings at a pitch and the ball instead hits him? This is an important question with a few different possible answers, depending on the situation.
Strike or Hit By Pitch?
The first thing to consider when a batter swings at a pitch that hits him is whether it should be called a strike or a “hit by pitch,” or HBP. Generally speaking, if the pitch was in the strike zone, it will be called a strike. If it was outside the strike zone, it will be called a hit by pitch. It is ultimately up to the umpire’s discretion to decide which call to make.
Consequences of Being Hit By a Pitch
If the pitch does indeed hit the batter, the consequences can vary depending on the situation. If the pitch hits the batter in the foot or leg, the batter is allowed to take first base due to what is known as a “base on balls.” This occurs when the batter is hit by a pitch, regardless of whether it was a strike or a ball.
On the other hand, if the pitch hits the batter in the body, the umpire may still call it a hit by pitch, but the batter will not be allowed to take first base. Instead, the batter will be given the option to stay in the batter’s box to continue his at-bat, or to take first base. This is known as a “free base.”
Potential Injury
In addition to the potential consequences of being hit by a pitch, there is also the potential for injury. Bats are made of hardwood, and the baseball is made of leather, so if the pitch hits the batter in the wrong spot, it can cause serious injury. This is why it is important for batters to wear protective gear, such as a batting helmet, chest protector, and shin guards.
Protection for Pitchers
It is also important to consider the safety of the pitcher when a batter swings at a pitch that hits him. The pitcher may be throwing at the batter intentionally, or the pitch may have simply gotten away from him. Either way, there is a chance that the pitcher could be ejected or suspended. As such, it is important for pitchers to be aware of their surroundings and to ensure that they are not throwing at a batter intentionally.
Conclusion
If a batter swings at a pitch that hits him, it can result in a variety of different consequences. In some cases, the batter may be allowed to take first base, while in other cases, the batter may be required to remain in the batter’s box. It is also important to consider the potential for injury, as well as the potential consequences for the pitcher. Ultimately, it is up to the umpire to decide whether the pitch should be called a strike or a hit by pitch.