Definition

Noun A pitch in baseball that the catcher fails to catch or stop with ordinary effort when no runner is attempting to steal a base, and which allows each runner to advance at least one base. It is a specific term in baseball scoring.

Usage

A "passed ball" is a statistic charged to the catcher. It is not an error, but it is a mistake that benefits the opposing team by allowing runners to advance. It is only called when no runner is attempting to steal a base on the pitch.

Examples

• The runner scored from third base on a passed ball.
• The catcher was charged with a passed ball, allowing the runner to advance to second.
• A wild pitch and a passed ball both allowed runners to move up, but they are scored differently.

Advanced Usage

• The official scorer judges whether the catcher should have caught or controlled the pitch with ordinary effort. A very difficult pitch to handle is typically scored as a wild pitch, charged to the pitcher, not a passed ball.
• The term is used in official game records and statistics (e.g., "The catcher has three passed balls this season").

Variants and Related Words

• Wild Pitch (noun): A related but distinct term. A wild pitch is a pitch so high, low, or wide that the catcher cannot control it with ordinary effort, and it is charged to the pitcher. Both allow runners to advance.

Synonyms

• Miscue (by the catcher) (This is a general synonym, not a formal baseball scoring term).

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Caught Stealing: A play where a runner is thrown out while attempting to steal a base. This is a positive defensive play for the catcher.
• Putout: A statistic credited to a fielder who records an out, which a passed ball does not accomplish.

Noun

1. a pitch that the catcher should have caught but did not; allows a base runner to advance a base