Definition

Noun: 1. A designated area for the batter in baseball: The "batter's box" is one of two rectangular areas, one on each side of home plate, marked by chalk or paint lines on the ground. The batter must stand within this box while taking their turn to hit the pitched ball.

Usage

• The term is used specifically in the context of baseball and softball to denote the legal hitting position.
• It is a singular noun but often used in the plural ("batter's boxes") when referring to both the left-handed and right-handed boxes.
• Common verbs used with it include: .

Examples

• Noun:
  • The umpire told the player to keep his back foot inside the batter's box.
  • Before the pitch, the hitter tapped his cleats just outside the batter's box.
  • There are two batter's boxes, one for right-handed hitters and one for left-handed hitters.

Advanced Usage

• "to step into the batter's box": This phrase means to take one's turn to bat, often implying readiness to face the pitcher.
  • With the game on the line, the rookie nervously stepped into the batter's box.
• "to be called out for leaving the batter's box": Refers to a rule violation where a batter steps completely out of the box during a pitch, which can result in an automatic strike or an out in some leagues.
  • The hitter was called out for leaving the batter's box and disrupting the pitcher's timing.

Variants and Related Words

• On-deck circle (n): The area where the next scheduled batter warms up.
• Batter (n): The offensive player who is taking their turn to hit the ball.
• Home plate (n): The base at which the batter stands and which the runner must touch to score a run.

Synonyms

• Hitting area: A more general, non-technical term for the space where the batter stands.
• Batter's rectangle: A very literal, descriptive synonym, though not standard terminology.

Related Phrases

• "In the box": A common shorthand for being in the batter's box and ready to hit.
  • The crowd grew quiet as the cleanup hitter got in the box.
• "Out of the box": Refers to a batter who has stepped out of the designated area, either legally between pitches or illegally during one.
  • He jumped out of the box to avoid a high, inside fastball.

Noun

1. an area on a baseball diamond (on either side of home plate) marked by lines within which the batter must stand when at bat