What is a single in baseball?

In baseball, a single is a type of hit that allows the batter to reach first base safely. A single occurs when the batter hits the ball into fair territory and reaches first base without the help of an error or a fielder’s choice. The ball must be hit into fair territory, meaning that it lands inside the baselines, and must be touched by a fielder before the batter can reach first base.

A single is one of the most common types of hits in baseball, and it typically involves a relatively simple, straightforward play. After hitting the ball into play, the batter runs down the first base line in an attempt to reach first base before the fielders can retrieve the ball and make a play. If the ball is hit well and the batter runs quickly, they may be able to stretch a single into a double, but in most cases, a single is a one-base hit.

Singles can be important for advancing runners and keeping innings alive, as they give the team a baserunner and the opportunity to score runs. They can also be an important part of a player’s batting average, as hits are one of the key components used to calculate this statistic.

Overall, a single is a basic but important type of hit in baseball, and one that is essential for batters looking to contribute to their team’s success on the field.