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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-hbp-in-zone

A pitch is inside the strike zone when it hits the batter. What is the call?

A strike, not a free base.

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  1. First base for the batter
  2. A ball
  3. A strike ✔

Why: If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it is called a strike, even if the batter tried to get out of the way. Strikes beat hit-by-pitches.

Huh, didn't know that: A batter must also try to avoid the pitch; a batter who leans into it does not get first base.

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Why did the strike zone win the argument? It had all the right angles.
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References

Answer: A strike. If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it is called a strike, even if the batter tried to get out of the way. Strikes beat hit-by-pitches.

  1. Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition (MLB) mktg.mlbstatic.com/mlb/official-information/2026-official-baseball-rules.pdf
    the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. MLB Glossary: Hit-by-pitch www.mlb.com/glossary/standard-stats/hit-by-pitch
    Strikes supersede hit-by-pitches
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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