Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/29/2007

Question
The stock rule and answer about being hit by pitch goes "A batter becomes a baserunner and is awarded first base when he or his equipment (except for his bat) is touched by a pitched ball outside of the strike zone, and he attempts to avoid it (or had no opportunity to avoid it), and he did not swing at the pitch."

What I want clarified is what constitutes attempting to avoid being hit.  In youth leagues you often hear "take it for the team", "wear it", and "turn and take it".  I contend a player who only rotates in place to protect the bat and protect his front side, is not avoiding the pitch.  I believe a player must attempt to pull back perpendicular from the pitches path to get that call.

It's rare to get that call but what is "right"?

Answer
John,

Unfortunately, this is one of those calls that goes into the all encompasing 'umpire's judgement.'  If the umpire judges that the player didn't attempt to evade, then the umpire shouldn't award the base.  Because umpires have a difficult job, they pretty much award the base anytime a player gets hit (unless the ball is also a strike).

There is no clarification on what constitutes avoidance.  Usually, if the player is hit by a ball, then they are awarded the base.

Hope this helps!

Brian