You’re probably wondering what a passed ball is in baseball. Don’t worry, we didn’t know either! In this article, we will talk about what a passed ball is, its definition and the situations when it can happen.
What is a Passed Ball in Baseball?
A passed ball occurs when a player drops or passes the ball before it reaches the pitcher’s plate, thereby causing the pitcher to throw a wild pitch or an error, or allowing the batter to reach first.
The definition of a passed ball is very similar in both baseball and softball. The key difference is that in softball a dropped or batted ball can be passed before reaching the pitcher’s plate, while in baseball a thrown ball must be passed.
Definition of a Passed Ball
A passed ball occurs when a pitcher drops a ball while attempting to deliver it to a batter, causing the pitcher to throw a wild pitch or an error, or allowing the batter to reach first on a passed ball.
If a fielder drops a ball before completing his/her turn and the batter is able to reach it for an out, then the passed ball is still counted as one.
Since a dropped or batted ball can be passed before reaching the pitcher’s plate, it is possible for a ball to be called as a passed ball in baseball. However, if the pitcher drops a ball before completing his/her turn, then the passed ball is still counted as one.
How to Become a Pro at Judging When a Ball Is Passed
As a pitcher, one of your main goals is to get the batter to swing at every pitch. If a batter doesn’t swing at a ball, he/she is likely to put the ball into play, which leads to weak contact and an out.
Therefore, the best way to get the batter out is to consistently throw strikes. Regardless of how good the defense is, you need to throw an easy ball to put the batter out in front of the plate.
If the defense plays behind the runner, then an easy ball will make it extremely hard for the runner to advance. That’s why you need to throw strikes, but also make sure you are throwing “passed balls” as well.
When Can a Ball Be Called as a Passed Ball?
A passed ball can occur during any at-bat. However, there are some situations when a passed ball can be called, and there are other situations when it can’t be called.
If a fielder drops a ball before completing his/her turn and the batter is able to reach it for an out, then the passed ball is still counted as one.
If a fielder drops a ball before completing his/her turn and the batter is able to reach it for an out, then the passed ball is still counted as one.
You need to be especially careful when a dropped ball can be called as a passed ball. Since a dropped or batted ball can be passed before reaching the pitcher’s plate, it is possible for a ball to be called as a passed ball in baseball.
More Advanced Strategy for Throwing Strike and Minimizing the Chance of Being Called as a “Passed Ball”
There is one more advanced strategy you should learn if you want to throw strikes and avoid the chance of being called as a “passed ball.” When you are in the stretch and a batter is looking for a hit, you should drop the ball as low as you possibly can.
If you drop the ball lower, then the batter will have to jump high to get the ball and will have less time to decide if he/she wants to swing at it.
Final Words
We hope the article on what is a passed ball in baseball gave you a better understanding of this baseball term.
Passing the ball is a risky move, but it can help you get an easy out by minimizing the chance of throwing a wild pitch or allowing the batter to reach first.
If you want to throw fewer “passed balls” while still maintaining good control and throwing strikes, then make sure you tighten up your mechanics and build your confidence. Good luck out there!
