Passed Balls and Wild Pitches: How They Compare

But the simplest answer is extremely likely to be the correct one. Catchers have quickly adopted one-knee catching around the game. Adopting one-knee catching has not led to more passed balls or wild pitches. So one-knee catching has led to the smallest combined amount of passed balls and wild pitches since 2008 and one of the lowest overall combined rates ever.

We think we know what a stolen base is, but the truth is that there are cases that aren’t as obvious as the straight steal of second or third. Also note that if a runner was stealing on the pitch that ends up past the catcher, then no PB or WP will be charged . The most important element in avoiding these mishaps is the relationship between the catcher and the pitcher. If the battery are on the same page, it is easier to avoid mishaps. Try to determine how quick the catcher is at getting the pitch that gets by him. Obviously a catcher that doesn’t have much “spring” behind the plate will provide you with greater opportunities.

This also means looking at the bottom of the fence for holes and poorly maintained fencing that may pose a danger to them. A few moments spent in pre-game assessing the territory will make a big difference during the game. DisclaimerAll content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only.

Pitchers should always be more focused and careful when a runner is on third base. A mistake pitch in this situation can result in an easy run for the opposition. Catchers also have to be more intent on guarding their castle when a runner is only one base away. Mistakes do occur, passed ball vs wild pitch however, leading to scrambling situations and plays at the plate. It gives catchers practice in retrieving wild pitches or passed balls, it provides pitchers with chances to cover home plate, and it presents base runners with opportunities to be aggressive and try to score.

Just as the name suggests, this is caused by a wild throw from the pitcher. The pitch is not easily caught – or may not even be catchable. After a strikeout, if the catcher fails to catch the third strike, and the batter reaches first base safely as a result, either a passed ball or a wild pitch must be awarded. In the instance of a wild pitch, that baserunner could count against a pitcher’s ERA, but in the instance of a passed ball, he cannot.