A hit in baseball occurs when a batter hits the ball and it lands in fair territory before a fielder catches it, allowing the batter to reach base safely. A hit is a fundamental building block of run-scoring in baseball.

There are four basic types of hits in baseball: single, double, triple, and home run. A single is when the batter hits the ball and safely reaches first base. A double is when the batter hits the ball and safely reaches second base. A triple is when the batter hits the ball and safely reaches third base. A home run is when the batter hits the ball over the outfield fence and scores (while also driving in the runners ahead of him).

How Hits are Recorded

As with all other plays in baseball, it’s the official scorer who records hits, marking them down in the scorebook (which can be a physical book or an electronic system).

In order for a scorer to record a hit, the batted-ball play must meet certain criteria.

First, the ball must be hit into fair territory, and land thair. A ball that lands in foul territory is not a hit.

Second, the ball must land without being caught by an infielder before it hits the ground. If a batted ball is caught in the air, the batter is out.

Finally, the scorer might also rule the play an error or a fielder’s choice. An error occurs when a fielder misplays the ball or uncorks an errant throw, allowing the batter to reach base.

A fielder’s choice happens when a fielder throws to a base other than the one the batter is running to in order to record an out.

In either case, even though the batter reaches base, he is not credited with a hit if the official scorer deems the play to be an error or a fielder’s choice.