HBP: Myths or Facts


Are the following HBP situations urban legend?
 
A) True or False: The batter must make some attempt or take some action to avoid being hit by a pitched ball. If he does not, then he is not entitled to be awarded first base.

Call
False: 7-3-4 -- It is a HBP as long as he does not "permit" (interpreted as leans into) a pitch to hit him.


B) True or False: If a pitched ball first strikes the ground and then the batter, is a "ball" call, not a HBP, and the batter is not awarded first.

Call
False: It does not matter if the pitch touches the ground first, it is still a HBP.


C) True or False: If a pitch hits the catcher and ricochets and hits the batter, it is not an HBP and the batter is not entitled to first base.