Lead off
Encyclopedia
In baseball, the term lead off or lead-off has two distinct meanings:
, 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 he 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 "lead-off 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.
On the bases
In baseballBaseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, 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 he 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
Pickoff
In baseball, a pickoff is an act by a pitcher or a catcher, throwing a live ball to a fielder so that the fielder can tag out a baserunner who is either leading off or about to begin stealing the next base....
. If the lead is too small, the runner has a disadvantage in reaching the next base, whether in a stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
attempt or in connection with the next batted ball.
The first batter
Also in baseballBaseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, the "lead-off 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
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
and the ability to get himself into scoring position
Scoring position
In the sport of baseball, a baserunner is said to be in scoring position when he is on second or third base. The distinction between being on first base and second or third base is that a runner on first can usually only score if the batter hits an extra base hit, while a runner on second or third...
by stealing bases. Leadoff can also refer to the first batter of an inning.