One of the most important aspects of any sport is getting to first base. Knowing how to get to first base is essential for any successful team and can be the difference between winning and losing. Getting to first base can be done in a variety of ways, and while some are more difficult than others, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the nine different ways to get to first base and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Hit a Single
One of the most basic and common ways to get to first base is by hitting a single. A single is a ball that is hit into play and is not caught by any of the opposing team’s players. If a batter hits a single, the runner on first base will advance to second base.
Walk
Another way to get to first base is by walking. A walk occurs when the pitcher throws four balls outside of the strike zone. If the pitcher throws four balls outside of the strike zone, the batter is awarded first base and the runner on first base will advance to second base.
Hit by Pitch
A third way to get to first base is by getting hit by a pitch. A hit by pitch is when the pitcher throws a pitch that hits the batter. If the batter is hit by a pitch, they are awarded first base and the runner on first base will advance to second base.
Error
A fourth way to get to first base is by taking advantage of an error made by the opposing team’s players. An error is when a fielder makes a mistake that allows a runner to advance one or more bases. If the error is made on a play involving the batter, the runner on first base will advance to second base.
Fielder’s Choice
A fifth way to get to first base is by taking advantage of a fielder’s choice. A fielder’s choice occurs when a fielder makes a decision to throw to a certain base in an attempt to get an out. If the fielder’s choice results in the batter being safe at first base, the runner on first base will advance to second base.
Wild Pitch
A sixth way to get to first base is by taking advantage of a wild pitch. A wild pitch is when the pitcher throws a pitch that is too high or too low and is unable to be caught by the catcher. If the wild pitch allows the runner on first base to advance to second base, the batter will be awarded first base.
Passed Ball
A seventh way to get to first base is by taking advantage of a passed ball. A passed ball is when the catcher fails to catch a pitch and it goes past them. If the passed ball allows the runner on first base to advance to second base, the batter will be awarded first base.
Dropped Third Strike
An eighth way to get to first base is by taking advantage of a dropped third strike. A dropped third strike occurs when the catcher fails to catch a pitch that is the third strike and it goes past them. If the dropped third strike allows the runner on first base to advance to second base, the batter will be awarded first base.
Interference
The ninth and final way to get to first base is by taking advantage of interference. Interference is when a runner or fielder makes contact with a fielder while they are attempting to make a play. If interference occurs and the runner on first base is able to advance to second base, the batter will be awarded first base.
Conclusion
Getting to first base is an important part of any sport and can be the difference between winning and losing. There are nine different ways to get to first base, each of which have their benefits and drawbacks. Knowing how to take advantage of each of these ways to get to first base can help any team be successful and win more games.
Hit a single, walk, hit by pitch, error, fielder’s choice, wild pitch, passed ball, dropped third strike, and interference are the nine ways to get to first base.