Definition

Noun: 1. A pitch in baseball that is so far from the target that the catcher cannot reasonably be expected to catch it, resulting in an advance by any base runners. - This is a specific term in baseball. It is a mistake by the pitcher, not the catcher. The official scorer rules it a wild pitch, and it is recorded as such. It is distinct from a "passed ball," which is charged as an error to the catcher.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The runner scored from third on a wild pitch. (The runner advanced home because the pitcher threw a ball the catcher could not control.)
  • The pitcher was charged with a wild pitch, allowing the tying run to move into scoring position. (The official scorer attributed the advancing runner to the pitcher's errant throw.)

Advanced Usage

• Scoring Rule: In official baseball statistics, a wild pitch is recorded as a negative statistic for the pitcher (WP). It is not counted as an error for the catcher.
• Strategic Consequence: A wild pitch can significantly change the dynamics of an inning, as it allows runners to advance without a hit, walk, or stolen base. This is particularly critical in close games with runners in scoring position.

Variants and Related Words

• Passed Ball (n): A pitch that the catcher should have caught with ordinary effort but did not, allowing a runner to advance. This is charged to the catcher, not the pitcher.
• Balk (n): An illegal motion by the pitcher with runners on base, resulting in all runners advancing one base. This is a different rule violation from a wild pitch.

Synonyms

• Errant pitch: A general term for a pitch that misses its intended target.
• Uncatchable pitch: Describes the result from the catcher's perspective.

Related Phrases

• To throw a wild pitch: The action verb form describing the pitcher's mistake.
  • The reliever threw a wild pitch on his first delivery, letting the winning run score.

Noun

1. an errant pitch that the catcher cannot be expected to catch and that allows a base runner to advance a base