Hit by pitch
In baseball, a hit by pitch (HBP), also known as being "plunked" or "drilled," occurs when a batter is struck directly by a pitched ball—or touches it with their clothing or equipment (other than the bat)—while in the batter's box and not attempting to swing at the pitch.[1] Under Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(2), the batter is awarded first base if the pitch is outside the strike zone and they make a reasonable attempt to avoid being hit, rendering the ball dead and preventing runners from advancing unless forced; however, if the pitch is in the strike zone, it is ruled a strike regardless of avoidance effort, and no base is awarded.[2] Contact with jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets does not qualify as being hit, nor does incidental contact during a swing, which is treated as a strike.[2] This rule, which emphasizes the umpire's judgment on the batter's avoidance effort, aims to protect players from unnecessary contact while discouraging intentional positioning to gain a base.[2] HBPs count as a time reaching base for on-base percentage calculations but are not considered hits, and they are recorded in official statistics for both batters and pitchers—the latter often indicating control issues, as pitchers allowing high HBP totals typically issue more walks as well.[1] In Major League Baseball (MLB), HBP rates rose notably in the late 2010s, peaking at a single-season high of 1.23% of plate appearances in 2020 (post-1900), with 1,922 instances in 2018; rates have since declined to approximately 1.10% in 2024 and 1.05% in 2025 despite factors like increased pitch velocity and batters crowding the plate.[3][4][5] Career leaders include Hall of Famer Hughie Jennings with the all-time MLB record of 287 HBPs from 1891–1918 and Craig Biggio with 285 in the modern era (1988–2007).[3]Definition and Basics
Definition
A hit by pitch (HBP) occurs when a batter is struck by a legally delivered pitched ball without swinging at it, provided the pitch is outside the strike zone and the batter makes no attempt to hit the ball while reasonably attempting to avoid contact.[1] If the pitch enters the strike zone before touching the batter, it is ruled a strike regardless of contact, and no HBP is awarded.[1] Additionally, the batter must not lean into the pitch; failure to avoid it when possible results in the pitch being ruled a ball or strike, but not an HBP.[6] Upon an HBP, the ball is immediately dead, and the batter is awarded first base without liability to be put out, advancing to and touching the base.[1] Runners advance one base only if forced by the batter being awarded first base. Since the ball is dead, other runners do not advance.[7] This event is distinct from a batter being struck by a batted ball in fair territory, which results in the batter being declared out if the ball has not passed an infielder or reached the outfield.[8] It also differs from catcher's interference, where the catcher (or another fielder) physically impedes the batter's swing—such as the bat contacting the catcher's mitt—leading to the batter being awarded first base, but classified separately as interference rather than an HBP.[9] The abbreviation "HBP" denotes this event in baseball scoring and is included in a batter's offensive statistics as a plate appearance that contributes to on-base percentage (OBP), similar to a walk, but does not count as a hit or affect batting average.[1]Historical Development
In the mid-19th century, baseball's earliest codified rules, such as the Knickerbocker Rules of 1845, offered no specific protections for batters struck by pitched balls, allowing pitchers to use intimidation tactics without penalty as part of the game's underhand delivery style at a 45-foot distance.[10] This lack of regulation persisted through the 1860s, where hit batters were treated simply as struck by a fair or unfair pitch, often resulting in no advancement and encouraging aggressive pitching to disrupt batters.[11] The first formal addressing of hit batters emerged in 1870 under the National Association of Base-Ball Players, classifying pitches striking a stationary batter as "unfair balls," with three such balls awarding first base after the batter had taken position in the box.[11] Refinements followed in subsequent years, including a 1874 requirement for batters to remain in a defined 6-by-3-foot box to better enforce avoidance attempts, and a 1876 National League clarification designating hit pitches as dead balls unless three were called.[11] Significant progress occurred in the 1880s: the American Association adopted an optional award of first base for unavoidable hits in 1884, making it nearly automatic by 1885, while the National League followed with mandatory awards in 1887 to curb intentional beanings amid rising offensive strategies and attendance concerns.[12] The newly formed American League, upon its 1901 inception as a major league, incorporated this standard rule into its framework, aligning with National League precedents to standardize play.[13] By 1920, the hit-by-pitch rule had solidified as a core element of baseball, with formal language emphasizing batter avoidance and umpire discretion for intent, influenced by broader safety reforms following fatal incidents that highlighted the dangers of scuffed, hard-to-see pitches during the dead-ball era.[14] The transition to the live-ball era in the 1920s, marked by cleaner balls and reduced doctoring, improved pitch visibility and control, diminishing some intimidation tactics, though hit-by-pitch incidents persisted as pitchers adapted to higher velocities.[15] In the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s and 1960s, rule enforcement emphasized batter protection amid evolving mound heights and strike zones, reflecting a shift from dead-ball aggression to more controlled, strategic pitching that indirectly lowered hit rates through better equipment and training. Post-2000 developments focused on player safety amid rising pitch speeds, with Major League Baseball implementing a standardized concussion protocol in the 2011-2012 season, including a seven-day disabled list for head impacts from pitches to ensure medical evaluation and recovery.[16] Expanded instant replay in 2014 added reviewability for hit-by-pitch calls, allowing umpires to verify if a pitch struck the batter or uniform using video evidence, enhancing accuracy without altering the core award of first base.[17] These refinements underscore ongoing efforts to balance competitive play with injury prevention in an era of advanced analytics and protective gear.[18]Rules and Application
Official Rule in Major League Baseball
In Major League Baseball, the official rule governing a hit by pitch is codified in Rule 5.05(b)(2) of the Official Baseball Rules. This provision states: "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when... the batter is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball."[7] A key comment to the rule clarifies: "If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter offers at it; provided, however, if the batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the pitch, the umpire shall call 'Time' and call the pitch a dead ball." Additionally, "A batter shall not be considered touched by a pitched ball if the ball only touches any jewelry being worn by a player (e.g., necklaces, rings, etc.)."[8] The pitch must occur during a live ball and be a legal delivery, with no award granted if the batter swings at the pitch or if the contact happens after the batter has initiated a swing.[6] Upon determining a hit by pitch qualifies under the rule, the plate umpire immediately declares a dead ball by verbally calling "Time" and raising both hands overhead to signal timeout, halting all play.[19] The umpire then points toward first base with the right hand to indicate the award, allowing the batter to advance while ensuring runners only move forward if forced by the batter's entitlement to first base—for instance, with bases loaded, the batter's advance forces the runner from third to score.[20] The umpire may also inquire about the batter's condition before permitting advancement, as the dead ball status prevents any further action on the play.[21] Umpires exercise judgment in assessing whether the batter attempted to avoid the pitch, particularly in cases of close proximity or potential lean-ins, where no base is awarded if the batter is deemed to have crowded the plate intentionally.[22] Since the expansion of instant replay in 2014, hit by pitch calls are reviewable to determine whether the ball touched the batter or clothing, with managers able to challenge such plays under the standard review procedures.[23][24]Variations Across Leagues and Eras
In international competitions governed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the hit by pitch rule awards first base to the batter if struck by a legal pitch outside the strike zone, provided the batter makes a reasonable attempt to avoid contact; failure to avoid results in a strike call regardless of location.[25] These rules apply uniformly to events like the Olympics, with no additional restrictions on pitcher intent beyond general umpire discretion for unsportsmanlike conduct. In [Nippon Professional Baseball](/page/Nippon_Professional Baseball) (NPB), umpires issue a warning for the first dangerous pitch—typically one aimed at or striking the batter's head area—and mandate ejection for any subsequent violation, establishing a stricter threshold for repeat offenders to deter headhunting.[26] Amateur and youth leagues adapt hit by pitch rules to prioritize safety for developing players. Little League Baseball mandates protective helmets for all batters and imposes pitch count limits, such as a maximum of 75 pitches per day for ages 9-10 and under, to reduce injury risk from errant pitches, though official rules do not enforce strict speed caps and instead regulate mound distances (e.g., 46 feet for Majors division).[27] In NCAA baseball, the batter must demonstrate an attempt to avoid the pitch for first base to be awarded; a 2015 clarification specifies that if the pitch strikes the hands while they are in the strike zone, it is ruled a strike, not a hit by pitch, emphasizing the hands' vulnerability in close proximity to hittable pitches.[28] Within Major League Baseball, hit by pitch applications have evolved across eras to refine umpire judgments. Prior to 1887, a pitch striking the batter counted only as a ball with no base award; the modern framework emerged that year, granting first base if the pitch was outside the strike zone, though hits within the zone—then defined more narrowly—resulted in a strike without advancement.[29] The 1970s and 1980s saw no major alterations to core hit by pitch mechanics but included clarifications distinguishing it from wild pitches, such as requiring umpires to assess batter lean-in versus pitcher errancy for non-awarded cases, amid rising concerns over intentional plunkings.[30] Following the 2015 introduction of a pitch clock in the minor leagues (15 seconds with bases empty, 20 seconds with runners on), and its 2023 adoption in MLB, faster game tempo has prompted scrutiny of avoidance rulings, as reduced preparation time may limit batters' reactions, though data shows no significant spike in disputed hit by pitch calls.[31] Softball variants, particularly in NCAA play, account for underhand delivery speeds exceeding 70 mph from 43 feet, necessitating distinct batter positioning protocols. Rules require the batter's entire foot to remain in the box at contact for a hit by pitch award, with 2024 updates restricting video reviews to whether the ball struck the batter, stayed in the box, or if avoidance occurred, to address the compressed reaction window from high-velocity pitches.[32]Strategic and Tactical Elements
Intentional Use by Pitchers
Pitchers employ the hit by pitch (HBP) intentionally as a strategic tool to intimidate aggressive batters, retaliate against an opponent's previous HBPs under baseball's unwritten code of reciprocity, establish control over the inner portion of the strike zone, or send targeted messages to star hitters by "plunking" them.[33] This tactic, often called a "purpose pitch," stems from a team-oriented mindset where pitchers protect their hitters and maintain competitive balance, with winning teams exhibiting higher rates of such retaliation to safeguard key players.[33] Techniques for intentional HBPs differ from accidental ones and typically involve deliberate placement to avoid severe injury while achieving the goal. Pitchers favor high-inside fastballs, known as brushback pitches, to force batters away from the plate and disrupt their timing; these account for a significant portion of retaliation attempts, with fastballs comprising about 58% of such pitches thrown farther inside than average.[33] Historically, the more dangerous "beanball"—aimed at the head—emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a form of intimidation, though its use has since been curtailed by rules and cultural shifts.[33] Under Major League Baseball rules, intentional pitching at a batter is strictly prohibited per Rule 6.02(c)(9), with umpires empowered to assess intent based on the pitch's trajectory, location, and game context.[34] Upon determining intent, umpires have two options: immediate ejection of the pitcher (and potentially the manager), or issuance of a warning to both teams' benches; any subsequent violation by the warned team results in automatic ejection of the offending pitcher and manager, with no appeal permitted.[34] Mound visits by umpires often occur post-HBP to evaluate circumstances, such as pitch speed and targeting, aiding in intent determination.[34] The use of intentional HBPs has evolved significantly across eras. In the dead-ball era (roughly 1900–1920), such pitches were a staple of "inside baseball" strategy, where pitchers frequently targeted batters to complement low-scoring, defensive playstyles enabled by doctored balls like spitballs.[35] The fatal beaning of Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman by New York Yankees pitcher Carl Mays on August 16, 1920—the only on-field death in MLB history—prompted sweeping rule changes, including the prohibition of the spitball after that season and mandates for more frequent ball replacements to ensure visibility and cleanliness.[35] These reforms, alongside a cultural shift toward batter safety, led to a marked decline in intentional beanballs and head-targeted pitches.[35] Intentional HBPs saw a resurgence in the 1990s during the steroid era, as pitchers adapted to confront bulkier, more powerful hitters by jamming them inside to neutralize their pull-side strength and reclaim plate control.[36] This period's elevated home run rates correlated with higher HBP frequencies, reflecting pitchers' tactical emphasis on intimidation to counter the offensive surge from performance-enhancing drugs.[36] If awarded first base under Rule 5.05(b)(2), the batter advances without further penalty to the pitcher beyond potential discipline.[34]Batter Responses and Counterstrategies
Batters prepare for the risk of being hit by a pitch through targeted batting practice that emphasizes crowding the plate, which expands their effective strike zone and pressures pitchers to avoid the inner half. This approach, often practiced with soft toss or machine drills simulating inside pitches, helps hitters maintain balance and timing while positioned closer to the strike zone's edge.[37] To mitigate injury during such drills, batters commonly wear elbow guards, allowing them to confidently lean over the plate without excessive fear of bruises or fractures on contact points.[38] Mental preparation plays a crucial role in building resilience against flinching or jumping away from incoming pitches. Coaches employ visualization techniques and controlled exposure drills—such as facing progressively faster pitches from close range—to foster a calm mindset, enabling hitters to track the ball longer and react instinctively without hesitation. This psychological training reduces the instinctual urge to bail out, preserving plate coverage and turning potential HBPs into opportunities for better pitch selection.[39] On the field, immediate responses to a hit by pitch can range from disputing the call with umpires if intent is suspected—through verbal protests or gestures indicating the pitch's location—to more aggressive team reactions like charging the dugout, which has sparked numerous brawls when perceived as retaliation. For instance, teams may instruct their own pitchers to deliver retaliatory HBPs in subsequent innings, signaling intolerance for targeted plunking and restoring balance in heated rivalries.[40] Such escalations underscore the unwritten code of baseball, where batters' endurance in the face of inside heat often prompts protective countermeasures from teammates.[41] Team strategies further adapt to HBP threats by coaching batters on selective leaning into borderline pitches, weighing the reward of advancing to first base against the risk of unnecessary injury on clearly errant throws. Analytical tools, including video scouting and data on pitchers' tendencies, help identify high-HBP profiles—such as those with poor inner-half command or histories of brushback usage—allowing lineups to adjust approaches accordingly, like tightening stances against wild arms or exploiting control pitchers for more plate coverage.[42] In the 1970s, batters like Pete Rose exemplified enforcer roles by aggressively crowding the plate to provoke inside pitches, intimidating opponents and setting a tone of fearless confrontation that influenced team dynamics.Statistics and Notable Events
Records and Milestones
The all-time Major League Baseball leader for most hit by pitches (HBP) suffered by a batter is Hughie Jennings with 287, achieved during his career from 1891 to 1918, primarily in the pre-1900 era when protective equipment was minimal and pitching styles were more erratic.[43] Closely following is Craig Biggio with 285 HBPs over his 20-season tenure from 1988 to 2007, a modern-era mark that highlighted his aggressive stance at the plate and willingness to crowd the zone.[43] Among pitchers, Gus Weyhing holds the career record for most batters hit, with 277 over his 14 seasons from 1887 to 1901, reflecting the rough-and-tumble nature of 19th-century baseball where control was less refined.[44] In single-season records, Hughie Jennings set the benchmark with 51 HBPs in 1896 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles, a total unmatched in MLB history and emblematic of the era's high-risk play.[45] For pitchers, Phil Knell recorded 54 hit batters in 1891, the single-season high, underscoring the challenges of early professional pitching without modern training or mound regulations.[46] League-wide, MLB saw a total of 1,984 HBPs in 2019, marking one of the highest annual figures and contributing to ongoing discussions about player safety.[47]| Category | Leader | Total | Year/Span | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career HBPs (Batters) | Hughie Jennings | 287 | 1891–1918 | Baseball-Reference |
| Career HBPs (Batters, Modern) | Craig Biggio | 285 | 1988–2007 | Baseball-Reference |
| Career Hit Batters (Pitchers) | Gus Weyhing | 277 | 1887–1901 | Baseball-Reference |
| Single-Season HBPs (Batter) | Hughie Jennings | 51 | 1896 | Baseball-Reference |
| Single-Season Hit Batters (Pitcher) | Phil Knell | 54 | 1891 | Baseball-Reference |