Hit (baseball) facts for kids
In baseball, a hit happens when a player, called the batter, successfully hits the ball thrown by the pitcher. This hit must allow the batter to reach at least one base safely. It's a key part of how teams score runs in a game.
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How a Batter Gets a Hit
The pitcher throws the ball towards the batter standing at home plate. The batter tries to hit the ball and help their team score a run. After hitting the ball, the batter runs as fast as possible around the bases.
They try to reach a base before an umpire calls them out. If the batter reaches a base safely, they are "on base" and become a runner. Then, the next batter comes up to try and get another hit.
Different Types of Hits
There are four main types of hits in baseball. Each type lets the batter move a different number of bases:
- Single - This hit allows the batter to reach first base safely.
- Double - With a double, the batter reaches second base.
- Triple - A triple means the batter gets to third base.
- Home run - This is the biggest hit! A home run lets the batter run around all four bases and back to home plate, scoring a run.
Hits can happen in different ways. A hit can be a grounder, which travels along the ground. Or it can be a fly ball, which travels through the air. Grounders can sometimes be harder for the other team to stop. This is because they might bounce or hit a player's glove or foot.
What is a No-Hitter?
A no-hitter is a very special baseball game. It happens when one team does not get any hits during the entire game. The pitcher who stops the other team from getting any hits is said to have "thrown a no-hitter."
No-hitters are rare because baseball players are very skilled. It takes amazing pitching to prevent the other team from getting even one hit.
Images for kids
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Pete Rose is the all-time leader in Major League Baseball hits, recording 4,256.
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Ty Cobb recorded a career 4,191 hits, holding the Major League record for 57 years.
See also
In Spanish: Hit (béisbol) para niños
