Hit by pitch
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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 it also records the number of times a batter opposing each pitcher is awarded first base due to being hit by a pitch. Less commonly, the terms hit batter or hit batsman are used.
A batter becomes a baserunner and is awarded first base when he or his equipment (except for his bat) is touched by a pitched ball outside of the strike zone, and he attempts to avoid it or had no opportunity to avoid it.
It is often incorrectly thought that a hit by pitch is not awarded on a pitch that has touched the ground. Such a bouncing pitch is like any other, and if a batter is hit by such a pitch, he will be awarded first unless he made no attempt to avoid it.
Pitching inside is a common and legal tactic in baseball, and many players make use of brushback pitches, or pitches aimed underneath the chin, to keep players away from the plate. However, throwing at a batter intentionally is illegal, and can be very dangerous. When an umpire believes a pitcher has thrown at a batter intentionally, a warning is issued to the pitcher and the managers of both teams. From that point on, any pitch thrown at a batter causes the pitcher and the manager of the offending team to be ejected immediately from the game. Serious offenses such as a ball thrown at the head (called a beanball) can result in the immediate ejection of the pitcher, and in some cases the manager as well, even without a warning.
Oftentimes, if a player is acting rude or unsportsmanlike, or having an extrodinarily good day, the pitcher may intentionally hit the batter, disguising it as a pitch that accidently slipped his control. Managers may also order a pitcher to throw such a pitch (sometimes called a "plunking"). These pitches are often aimed at the lower back and slower than normal, designed to send a message more than anything else. The opposing team usually hits a batter in retaliation for this act. The plunkings generally end there because of umpire warnings, but in some cases things can get out of hand, and sometimes they lead to fights, bench-clearing brawls, and several ejections. Such plunking duels are more common in the American League than in the National League, because in the NL the pitchers must bat for themselves and open themselves up to direct retaliation (although hitting a fellow pitcher is a serious breach of baseball etiquette).
In the 2004 season, in an attempt to cut down on headhunting in the American League, umpires began cracking down on players who intentionally threw at batters and ejecting pitchers who throw directly at a batter's body more frequently. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jorge Julio was suspended in September under this change in policy after throwing a pitch at Minnesota Twins infielder Augie Ojeda's head on September 7.
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.ja:デッドボール zh:觸身球