Batting

In the Hole

The batter who is two spots away from hitting, after the on-deck hitter. Also refers to the fielding area between shortstop and third baseman.

Example Usage

“She's in the hole, so she has time to get a few practice swings in.”

In the Hole

In the hole has two meanings in baseball:

  1. Batting order: The batter who is two spots away from hitting (after the on-deck batter)
  2. Fielding position: The area between the shortstop and third baseman

In the Hole (Batting)

Position

  • Two batters before your at-bat
  • After the on-deck hitter
  • Usually in the dugout or nearby

What to Do

  • Watch the pitcher
  • Start mental preparation
  • Get equipment ready
  • Study pitch sequences

The Order

  1. Current batter (at the plate)
  2. On-deck (in the on-deck circle)
  3. In the hole (preparing)

In the Hole (Fielding)

Location

  • The gap between shortstop and third baseman
  • Also called the "5-6 hole" (positions 5 and 6)
  • Where ground balls sneak through

Making Plays

  • "He went in the hole and made the throw"
  • Requires range, arm strength
  • Highlight-reel territory

Origin of the Term

The term likely comes from the batting order position being the "third spot" in the hole behind two other batters. The fielding usage borrowed from the same terminology.

  • On deck: Next batter up
  • 6 hole: Specifically between SS and 3B
  • 5 hole: The gap, named after third baseman (position 5)

Related Terms

On Deck

The batter who is next in line to hit, waiting in the on-deck circle near the dugout.

6 Hole

The gap between the shortstop and the third baseman, named after the shortstop's position number (6).

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