The hitter is the center of all the action in baseball. It's where the play starts and where one team can live or die by a single pitch. Because hitting is such a fundamental part of the game of baseball, many rules govern what is and isn't allowed by hitters. Players and coaches must understand these rules to succeed at the game.
Hitting Order
Players on offense---known as batters---must bat in the same order throughout the game, according to Major League Baseball. The umpire must receive the batting order from the coach or manager before the game begins. The batting order must consist of the same players who occupy the fielding positions on defense. When a team's inning ends, the next inning begins with the next batter in the batting order. If a player has not completed his at-bat when the inning ends, the next inning will start with the same batter and a new ball and strike count.
Designated Hitter Rule
Some baseball leagues, such as the American League in Major League Baseball, employ the designated hitter rule. According to this rule, a specific player who is not an active fielder may take the place of the pitcher in the batting order. This player must occupy the same batting position during the entire game, and must be the same player, unless a player substitutes for him during the game. Once a designated hitter leaves the game, he cannot return to bat as the designated hitter, or for any other player and cannot assume a fielding position.
Batter's Box
The batter's box is a marked, defined area in which the batter must remain during each pitch. The hitter must have at least one foot inside the batter's box when the pitcher begins his delivery. Failure to do so results in the umpire calling an automatic strike on the batter. Once the pitcher throws the ball, the hitter is allowed to leave the batter's box to swing at a pitch, get out of the way of a pitch or to fake a bunt.
Outs
Fielders can get a hitter out in several ways. Once a hitter receives three strikes, he is automatically out. If the hitter pops the ball up in the air and a fielder catches it---in fair or foul territory---before it hits the ground, the hitter is also out. If the hitter makes contact with the ball so that it hits the ground in fair territory, and a fielder tags first base before the hitter can touch first base, he also is out. Once the hitter makes contact with the ball and begins to run to first base, he becomes a runner, and all base-running rules apply to him.
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