A hit is a batted ball that lets the batter reach base without help from a defensive error. It’s the most direct way to produce on offense, and there are four types depending on how far the batter gets.
The four types
A single gets the batter to first; a double, to second; a triple, to third; and a home run takes him all the way around. The single is by far the most common, and the triple the rarest, because it needs a deep hit and fast legs.
When it’s NOT a hit
If the batter reaches base because the defense made an error, or because another runner was forced out, it doesn’t count as a hit. That’s why the hit rewards the batter’s merit: the ball had to land where it couldn’t be cleanly fielded.
FAQ
Is a home run a hit?
Yes: it’s the most valuable hit, the one that circles all four bases in one swing.
Does a walk count as a hit?
No: reaching on a walk isn’t a hit, even though it puts you on base.
