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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘D’ / Designated Hitter (DH)

Designated Hitter (DH)

des*ig*nat*ed hit*ter

What Is The Definition Of Designated Hitter In Baseball?

What Is A Designated Hitter (DH) In Baseball? Definition & Meaning

1. The designated hitter (DH) is a player whose sole purpose during a game is to permanently hit and run the bases for a defensive player, usually the pitcher. The designated hitter in Major League Baseball is only allowed in the American League. However, the designated hitter is allowed to be used against and by National League teams in certain scenarios. Both the National League and American League teams are allowed to use a designated hitter when a game is played in an American League stadium during interleague play, the All-Star game or the World Series.

Examples Of How Designated Hitter Is Used In Commentary

1. The manager decided to take Martinez out of the field and use him as the DH tonight against the Yankees.

2. With the next two games of the World Series being played in San Francisco, the Yankees decide to have Rodriguez hit in the DH spot and have Chavez play third base. The move will keep the hot hitting Rodriguez in the lineup while also making them stronger defensively at third base with Chavez.

Sports The Term Is Used

1. Baseball
2. Softball

Abbreviated As:

1. DH

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