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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-three-strikes

How many strikes does it take for a batter to strike out?

Three strikes, swinging or looking.

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  1. Three ✔
  2. Four
  3. Two

Why: A batter strikes out on three strikes. Strike three can be called, swinging, a caught foul tip, or a two-strike foul bunt.

Huh, didn't know that: Before 1858 there was no called strike: a strikeout needed three swings and misses.

The dad joke
Why did the batter love his phone plan? Three strikes and you are out of data.
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References

Answer: Three. A batter strikes out on three strikes. Strike three can be called, swinging, a caught foul tip, or a two-strike foul bunt.

  1. MLB Glossary: Strikeout www.mlb.com/glossary/standard-stats/strikeout
    A strikeout occurs when a pitcher throws any combination of three swinging or looking strikes to a hitter.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. MLB Glossary: Foul Tip www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/foul-tip
    Should the batter produce a foul tip after previously accruing two strikes, the foul tip is considered strike three and the batter is out.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition mktg.mlbstatic.com/mlb/official-information/2026-official-baseball-rules.pdf
    He bunts foul on third strike;
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessHow many balls earn a batter a walk to first base?Sports & FitnessA batter with two strikes swings and hits a regular foul ball. What happens?Sports & FitnessWith two strikes, the batter tips a pitch straight into the catcher's glove and it is caught. What happens?

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