Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific player in a baseball lineup: In the sport of baseball, a "designated hitter" is a player who is officially named in the starting lineup to bat in place of the pitcher. This player does not play a defensive position in the field.

Usage

• The term is used exclusively in the context of baseball, specifically in leagues that employ the designated hitter rule, such as the American League in Major League Baseball (MLB).
• It refers to the role and position within the game's rules.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The manager decided to use a veteran player as the designated hitter for the crucial game.
  • With a strong designated hitter, the team's offense improved significantly.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as the designated hitter": To perform the role of batting for the pitcher.
  • The injured star was able to serve as the designated hitter while recovering.
• "DH": A common abbreviation used in scorecards and statistics.
  • He was listed as DH in the lineup card.

Variants and Related Words

• Designate (verb): To officially choose someone for a particular role or purpose. (e.g., )
• Pinch hitter (noun): A substitute batter who replaces another batter during an at-bat, which is a different role from a designated hitter who is named before the game starts.

Synonyms

• DH (Abbreviation): The standard abbreviation for "designated hitter."
• Hitter: A more general term for a batter, but does not specify the designated role.

Related Phrases

• Designated hitter rule: The rule that allows a team to use a designated hitter.
  • The debate over adopting the designated hitter rule in the National League continues.

Noun

1. a ballplayer who is designated to bat in place of the pitcher