Double (baseball)

In baseball, a double is the act of a batter safely reaching second base by striking the ball and getting to second before being made out, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay (see error) or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice.

Related Topics:
Baseball - Batter - Second base - Error - Runner - Fielder's choice

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Typically, a double is a well-hit ball into the outfield that is able to get into the "gap" between the center fielder and one of the corner outfielders or is hit up the foul lines. To be able to get a large number of doubles, one must have decent power and hitting skills to be able to hit it to a double area and also be able to run well enough to beat a throw by the outfielders. Doubles can typically drive in runs from third base, second base, and even from first base at times. When total bases and slugging percentages are calculated, the number two is used for the calculation. The all time leader in double hits is Tris Speaker with 793.

Related Topics:
Outfield - Center fielder - Run - Third base - First base - Total base - Slugging percentage - Tris Speaker

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A two-base hit awarded by an umpire when a batted ball is hit fairly and bounces out of play is referred to as an automatic double. The batter is awarded second base and any runners advance two bases from the base they occupied at the time of the pitch. Prior to 1931, such hits were considered as home runs.

Related Topics:
1931 - Home run

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A two-base hit awarded because the batter hit into a special situation defined in the ground rules is a ground rule double. An example of this occurs where the rules of Wrigley Field (Chicago, Illinois) award a ground rule double if a batted ball hangs in the vines on the outfield bleacher wall.

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