In NPB's past, striking out was considered shameful. Batters who made contact were praised; those who struck out frequently were labeled 'rough.' Today, hitters who swing hard without fear of strikeouts are celebrated. When and why did this value reversal occur?
A strikeout that isn't an out. The uncaught third strike rule is so complex that even experienced players struggle to explain its conditions correctly. Why does this rule exist, and what are its exact requirements?
After two strikes, a batter can foul off pitches indefinitely without striking out. Why? The answer involves a time when fouls didn't count as strikes at all, and the current rule is a historical compromise.