Baseball Rules: When a Pitched Ball Hits a Batter

Dead Ball on Contact

• When a pitched ball hits a batter, the ball is immediately considered dead.

Determining Hit Batsman vs. Strike

• Hit Batsman: Awarding first base to the batter.
  • Occurs if the batter is trying to avoid the pitch and the ball hits his hands.
• Strike: Counted as a strike against the batter.
  • Occurs if the batter is in the process of swinging and the ball hits his hands.
  • Also a strike if the batter's hands are in the strike zone, regardless of swinging action.

Situations:

• Swinging & Hit Hands:
  • Ball is dead, counted as a strike.
• Avoiding Pitch & Hit Hands:
  • Ball is dead, batter is awarded first base.
• Hands in Strike Zone:
  • It's a strike whether the batter swings or not.