Different Ways a Batter Can Reach Base in Baseball

Because you are not too familiar with how a baseball game is played, you are sometimes confused about the ruling that is made when the batter reaches base. You ask, "What just happened?" I will explain the different ways a batter can get on base based on what I have learned from watching and listening to baseball games.

He reaches on an error. An error is given to a player on the opposing side if he catches or touches the ball hit by the batter but then drops the ball, boots it or throws it out of the reach of the first baseman.

He gets a hit. He is credited with a single when he ends up on first base after hitting a ball in fair territory that is not ruled an error. If he ends up on second base with a hit, he is credited with a double. If he ends up on third base with a hit, he is credited with a triple. If he hits the ball over the outfield wall or circles the bases before the other team can throw him out, he is given a home run. If a batter reaches first base on a hit but is thrown out at second base trying to stretch a single into a double, he is given a single rather than not being given a hit at all. If he cleanly reaches second base and is then thrown out at third base, he gets a double.

If four balls are thrown out of the strike zone without him swinging and missing the pitches, he draws a walk. He will also be awarded a trip to first base if the pitch hits him without him fouling it off.

He strikes out on a wild pitch. If the ball gets away from the catcher on strike three, it's up to the batter to run to first base and beat the throw. A fielder's choice means the batter reaches first base because the fielders decide to throw out a runner trying to advance a base rather than throwing the batter out.

You have learned the different ways a batter can get on base in baseball.