passed ball

[ past bawl ]

noun

, Baseball.

1. a pitched ball that the catcher can reasonably be expected to catch but misses, allowing one or more base runners to advance one or more bases.

Word History and Origins

Origin of passed ball¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Matt Chapman walked on a full-count fastball that caromed off catcher Smith’s glove for a passed ball that allowed Wade to score for a 1-0 Giants lead.

From Los Angeles Times

He advanced to second on a passed ball, hustled to third on J.P.

From Seattle Times

Huntington Beach 1, Laguna Beach 0: Four pitchers combined for a two-hit shutout for the Oilers, who scored the game’s only run in the top of the seventh inning on a passed ball.

From Los Angeles Times

Jason Heyward had three hits for the Dodgers and scored a run in the sixth when Jason Outman reached on a strikeout and a passed ball by catcher Austin Wynns.

From Washington Times

James Outman singled off reliever Tyler Rogers, and pinch-hitter Jason Heyward struck out but went to first base on a passed ball by catcher Patrick Bailey.

From Washington Times