Overview

In baseball a hit occurs when a batter strikes a pitched ball and reaches at least first base safely without an error by the defense, a fielder's choice, a base on balls, or being awarded first base for other reasons. Hits are credited to the batter and are a primary measure of offensive success. They form the basis of familiar batting statistics such as batting average and slugging percentage.

Rules and scoring

For a play to be scored as a hit, the official scorer must judge that the batter reached base because of his batted ball and not because of a defensive misplay (an error) or other intervening events. A hit can advance other baserunners; the number of bases gained by the batter determines the classification (single, double, triple, home run). Certain plays, like a ground-rule double, have specific scoring conventions.

Types of hits

  • Single: Batter reaches first base safely.
  • Double: Batter reaches second base safely.
  • Triple: Batter reaches third base safely, often requiring speed or a defensive misplay.
  • Home run: Batter scores by circling all bases on the batted ball, usually by hitting the ball over the outfield fence or inside-the-park when the defense cannot make a play.

There are also special cases such as inside-the-park home runs and ground-rule doubles, which depend on how the ball interacts with the playing field and the defense.

Statistics, strategy and impact

Hits contribute directly to a player's batting average (hits divided by official at bats) and to slugging percentage (weighted by bases earned). Teams value different types of hits depending on situation: singles may be prized for advancing runners, while extra-base hits drive in runs. Hit totals are used to assess both seasonal and career performance.

Distinctions and notable considerations

Not every ball the batter puts into play is ruled a hit. A batter who reaches on a fielder's choice, or is safe because of an error, is not credited with a hit. Walks and hit-by-pitches are not hits. Official scorers make sometimes subjective judgments about whether a defensive play should be ruled an error or a successful play, which affects whether a hit is recorded.

Historically, hits have been tracked for well over a century and remain one of the most visible statistics in baseball, used alongside on-base percentage and power metrics to evaluate hitters.