Getting to first base is the first step in being a successful offensive player in baseball. Batters can hit the ball safely and get credited with a base hit, they can walk, get hit by the pitch or the fielder can make an error. Any time a batter reaches first base it can help his team become successful.
Base Hit
A batter who hits the ball so a fielder cannot reach it is usually credited with a hit. It can be a single, where the batter takes first; a double, where he ends up at second base; a triple; or a home run. The batter can bunt and beat the throw or hit an infield grounder and reach base before the throw.
Base on Balls
A batter can walk to first base when the pitcher throws four pitches outside the strike zone before the batter gets three strikes or puts the ball in play.
Hit by a Pitch
If a pitched ball hits the batter, he is awarded first base. There are exceptions, however. If a pitch hits the batter and he has swung at it, the pitch is considered a strike. If a pitch hits the batter and the umpire determines that the batter made no effort to get out of the way of the pitch, he can put the batter back in the batter's box.
Error
The batter may still get to first base if the fielder commits an error, but the batter is not credited with a hit.
Catcher's Interference
Catcher's interference occurs if a batter swings her bat and the bat hits the catcher's glove. If the result of the swing is a ground ball, the player is awarded first base. The batter will also be awarded first base if she swings and misses but the bat hits the catcher's mitt.
Missed Third Strike
If the batter swings and misses at a third strike, the catcher must catch the ball cleanly. If a batter swings at a sharp breaking curve ball and the ball goes in the dirt and goes by the catcher, the batter can run to first base. If he reaches first base before the first baseman fields the throw, the player is safe at first.
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