Baseball's traditions and rules can be hard to understand for new fans. “Who bats first in baseball?” is a question that people often ask. The answer is based on strategy and tradition.
Read this guide for more information on the batting order, including who bats first and why.
Does the Home Team in Baseball Bat First?
Baseball scoreboard in local park.
The home team doesn't get to bat first. The visiting team always takes the first turn at bat.
Innings Structure Explained
A baseball game is divided into nine innings, and each inning is split into two halves:
- Top of the Inning: The visiting team bats.
- Bottom of the Inning: The home team bats and gets the advantage of the “last at-bat” in each inning.
This set-up makes sure that the game is fair and consistent by giving each team the same number of chances to score.
Why This Rule Matters
The rule helps ensure that the game stays organized and predictable. This rule has been in place since the mid-1800s, when baseball first started. It is now codified in MLB’s Official Rule 5.07, which outlines the systematic flow of each half-inning, with the defensive team taking the field and the offensive team batting in turn.
Why Does the Home Team Bat Last?
When the home team bats in the bottom half of the inning, they know exactly how many runs they need to win or tie the game. This helps them make better plans for their strategy.
In fact, home-field advantage plays a measurable role in baseball outcomes. In the United States, Major League Baseball home teams win 54.1% of the time
For example, when the visiting team scores two runs in the ninth inning, the home team knows they need at least three runs to win.
Walk-Off Wins
Walking-off wins can also be exciting when you bat last. When the home team scores the winning run in the last inning, the game is over immediately. This is called a "walk-off." Some of the most exciting parts of baseball happen at these times.
What Position Bats First in Baseball?
The first batter in a team’s lineup is called the leadoff hitter, and they play a crucial role in setting the tone for the game.
Their job isn’t just to get on base. It’s to get into scoring position and make the pitcher work hard right from the start.
Take Note: The more pitches a leadoff hitter can force the pitcher to throw, the better.
Key Strategy Alert:
Great leadoff hitters know patience pays off. The more pitches they force the starter to throw, the quicker that pitcher tires out and hits the bench.
More pitches = More pressure = Early bullpen action
What Makes a Great Leadoff Hitter?
- High On-Base Percentage (OBP): Getting on base is their bread and butter. Legendary leadoff hitters like Rickey Henderson and Ichiro Suzuki often posted OBPs above .370, which gave their teams more chances to score early.
- Speed: A fast leadoff hitter can really mess with the defense. Take Mookie Betts, for example. In 2023, he paired an OBP of .390 with 14 stolen bases, making every defensive play just a little more stressful for the other team.
- Good Plate Discipline: A great leadoff hitter is patient. They’ll foul off pitches, take close calls, and make the pitcher sweat. The longer an at-bat goes, the more tired the pitcher gets.
- Switch Hitter: If they can bat from both sides of the plate, they’re a nightmare for pitchers. It doesn’t matter if the pitcher is left- or right-handed; they’re ready.
- Contact Hitter: Leadoff hitters focus on making contact instead of swinging for the fences. Putting the ball in play keeps the pressure on and helps avoid strikeouts.
- Bunting Ability: A well-placed bunt can catch the defense off guard and get the leadoff hitter on base. Plus, it’s another way to keep the defense guessing.
- Smart Baserunning: They’re not just fast. They’re smart. Good baserunners know when to take an extra base and can turn a single into a double with the right read.
A leadoff hitter is like a spark plug for the offense.
If they get on base, they put immediate pressure on the defense and get the pitcher’s pitch count climbing.
When they’re doing their job right, they give the whole team a boost and can shape the momentum of the game from the very first pitch.
How Managers Choose the Leadoff Hitter
Choosing a leadoff hitter isn’t just a random decision. Managers put a lot of thought into it. They’re looking for someone who can get on base, maybe steal a bag or two, and make the pitcher sweat right from the start.
It’s all about setting the right tone for the game. A good leadoff hitter can give the whole team a boost by kicking things off with a solid at-bat. Think of them as the spark plug that gets the engine running!
Final Thoughts
So, who bats first in baseball? The answer is straightforward: the visiting team. This rule has been around for over a century and plays a crucial role in baseball’s structure and strategy. From understanding why the home team bats last to the importance of left-handed hitters, these details give you a better grasp of the game.
Next time you watch a baseball game, you'll know exactly why the teams bat in the order they do.
Be it a thrilling walk-off win or a strategic leadoff hit, baseball's batting rules are part of what makes the game so exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the batting order decided before each game?
Yes, the lineup is set by each team’s manager before the game begins and remains fixed throughout.
Can a team choose to bat first or second?
No, the visiting team always bats first, and the home team bats second according to the rules.
Does batting first impact a team’s chance of winning?
Statistically, home teams win more often, partly due to batting last and having the final chance to score.
What happens if the home team is leading after the top of the 9th inning?
The game ends, and the home team doesn’t need to bat since they’ve already won.
Are there any exceptions to the visiting team batting first?
The only exceptions are special cases like neutral-site games where a “home team” is designated.
Does the home team bat in the top of the inning?
No, the home team bats in the bottom of the inning, while the visiting team bats in the top.