Lead off

Florida outfielder Avery Barnes takes a big lead against Arkansas.

In baseball, a lead or lead off is the short distance that a player stands away from their current base. The "leadoff hitter" is the first batter in the batting line-up for his team, or the first batter of an inning or a game.

On the bases

In baseball, to lead off, or to take a lead, refers to the position a baserunner takes just prior to a pitch, a short distance away from the base the player occupies. A "lead" can also refer to that distance. A typical lead is six to ten feet (two to three meters) from the base. If the lead is too large, the runner risks being picked off. If the lead is too small, the runner has a disadvantage in reaching the next base, whether in a stolen base attempt or in connection with the next batted ball.

The first batter

See also: Leadoff hitter

Also in baseball, the "leadoff hitter" is the first batter in the batting line-up for his team. The leadoff hitter is usually a player who has a high on-base percentage and the ability to get himself into scoring position by stealing bases. Leadoff can also refer to the first batter of an inning or a game.

Baseball positions

Pitchers

by role	Ace pitcher Starting pitcher Relief pitcher Middle relief pitcher Long reliever Setup man Closer Left-handed specialist

by style	Power pitcher Control pitcher Ground ball pitcher Fly ball pitcher Switch pitcher

Defensive players

by number	Pitcher (1 / P) Catcher (2 / C) First baseman (3 / 1B) Second baseman (4 / 2B) Third baseman (5 / 3B) Shortstop (6 / SS) Left fielder (7 / LF) Center fielder (8 / CF) Right fielder (9 / RF)

by type	Pitcher Catcher Infielder Outfielder Utility player Utility infielder Position player Fourth outfielder Corner outfielder

Offensive players

by role	Batter Runner Batting order (1–9) Designated hitter Pinch hitter Pinch runner Lead off Leadoff hitter Cleanup hitter

by style	Clutch hitter Contact hitter Power hitter Switch hitter

Non-players

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, May 25, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.