Batting order (baseball) facts for kids
- This article is about baseball. For other meanings, see batting order.
The batting order in baseball is like a special list. It tells the nine players on a team when it's their turn to hit the ball against the pitcher. The team's manager decides this order before the game starts.
Sometimes, a player might be replaced by another player during the game. If a team tries to hit out of order, it's against the rules and there's a penalty. When every player in the batting order gets a chance to hit in just one part of the game (called an "inning"), it's known as "batting around."
What is a Batting Order?
In American baseball, the batting order is a key part of how a team plays offense. It lists the nine players in the exact sequence they will come up to bat. This order stays the same throughout the game, unless a player is substituted.
Nicknames for Batting Spots
Some positions in the batting order have special nicknames:
- The first player to bat is called the leadoff hitter. This player often gets on base a lot.
- The fourth player to bat is known as the cleanup hitter. This player is usually a strong hitter who can drive in runs.
- The ninth player in the order is simply called the last hitter.
Other batting spots are just known by their number, like the second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth hitters.
Why the Order Matters
The manager carefully chooses the batting order. They think about each player's skills. For example, a fast player who is good at getting on base might bat first. A player who hits for power might bat fourth to "clean up" the bases by hitting home runs or getting other players home. This strategy helps the team score as many runs as possible.
Images for kids
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This is a lineup card from a 2001 spring training game. It shows the batting order for both teams.
