Understanding the 'Hit by Pitch' Rule in MLB: 3-2 Count and Beyond

When a batter in Major League Baseball (MLB) is hit by a pitch during a 3-2 count, the official ruling is straightforward: the batter is awarded first base. This rule applies consistently as long as the pitch is deemed to have hit the batter and they did not make an effort to avoid being hit. The result of such a pitch is that the batter is not called out or awarded a walk – they are simply moved to first base.

Key Considerations and the Pitching Process

The determination of whether a batter is awarded first base on a hit by pitch depends on several factors.

Did the batter take a swing attempting to hit the ball and miss?

Was the pitch judged to be in the strike zone and hit the batter?

Is the ball not a foul ball, as it would be if the batter swung and missed?

In each instance, if the pitch hits the batter and the ball is not ruled a foul ball, the pitch is considered a hit by pitch (HBP) and the ball goes dead. The batter then proceeds to first base and any forced runners advance to the next base.

Scoring and Impact on the Baserunners

Importantly, whether this pitch results in an HBP or a ball four, it has the same impact on the score and the batter's on-base percentage. Neither option counts as a time at bat, so the player is unaffected by how the pitch is scored.

Rule Details from the 2021 Official Rules of Baseball

The formal rules governing this situation are as follows:

Rule 5.05 When the Batter Becomes a Runner:

b. The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out provided he advances to and touches first base when:

2. He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless:

A. The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter or

B. The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball.

Rule 5.05b2 Comment: A batter shall not be considered touched by a pitched ball if the ball only touches any jewelry being worn by a player, e.g., necklaces or bracelets, etc.

Real-World Applications and Strategy

However, these rules can be applied in various scenarios beyond the 3-2 count. Even if you are up for an 0-0 count, if the pitch hits you, you are awarded first base, unless the ball was a strike or you made a swing at the ball which would result in a foul ball.

Interestingly, in modern baseball, batters often adopt a strategy of leaning into the pitch on purpose, particularly if they are wearing protective gear like elbow or arm pads with hard covers. This strategy, while often dismissed by umpires, can result in a hit by pitch and first base for the batter.

Conclusion

The hit by pitch rule in MLB, despite its simplicity, plays a critical role in how the game is played and scored. Understanding this rule not only helps in comprehending in-game events but is also essential for players, coaches, and fans seeking to understand the intricacies of the sport. Whether a 3-2 count or a 0-0 count, the official ruling is always the same: the batter is awarded first base if the pitch hits them and they did not attempt to avoid it.