Hit by pitch

In baseball, being hit by a pitch refers to the batter being hit in some part of the body by a pitch from the pitcher. In baseball statistics, hit by pitch (HBP) records the number of times a batter is awarded first base by virtue of being hit by a pitched ball. In pitching statistics HB records the number of times a batter opposing each pitcher is awarded first base due to being hit by a pitch. For this latter usage, the terms hit batsman or hit batter are used.

Miscellaneous

The all time career HBP leader is Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros, who set his record in 2005, and currently totals 271 HBPs.

Related Topics:
Craig Biggio - Houston Astros

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A quotation regarding HBP by former baseball coach Alvin Dark reads: "Any pitcher who throws at a batter and deliberately tries to hit him is a communist."

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To this date, only one player has died as a result of being struck by a pitch: Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians in 1920.

Related Topics:
Ray Chapman - Cleveland Indians - 1920

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