Under what circumstances can a batter be awarded first base?

A batter is awarded first base under certain circumstances, and one of those circumstances is being hit by a pitched ball. This is a fundamental rule in baseball, acknowledging that a batter has the right to stand in the batter’s box without the fear of being injured by a ball thrown at them. When the pitched ball makes contact with the batter's body or clothing, the batter is entitled to advance to first base.

Other situations, such as receiving four balls, also result in a batter being awarded first base. However, hitting a catcher’s mitt does not apply as it indicates a foul and does not grant the batter any right to the base. A wild pitch refers to a pitch that is not caught and allows the runner to advance, but it does not automatically award first base to the batter; it only permits them to advance if they choose to do so. Understanding these rules is crucial for comprehending the different ways a batter may reach base in a game.