what are the 7 ways to reach first base in baseball without getting a hit?

joethecpa...

Markj has a point.  It depends on whether you are talking about a
batter or how anyone can reach first base.  The typical 7 are:

1. hit
2. error
3. base on balls
4. hit by pitch
5. dropped third strike
6. catcher's interference
7. Fielder's choice

7 ways to get to first base safely!
http://www.infosprts.com/baseball/camp/quiz/74.htm

I also found the following list:

1. get a hit
2. walk
3. reach on an error
4. catcher interference
5. drop third strike and beat the throw
6. wild pitch third strike and beat the play
7. fielder's choice
8. Hit by pitch
9. Inserted as a pinch runner
10. Official Rule 7.05 (h), ball thrown from the pitchers plate as a
pitch or to catch a baserunner goes into the stands or dugout.
11. Official Rule 7.05 (i), the pitched ball misses the catcher and
lodges onto the umpire's equipment (e.g. facemask).

How many possible ways can a batter get to first base?
http://www.faqfarm.com/Sports/Baseball/2767

Thanks for your question. If you need any additional clarification,
please let me know.

Regards,

-THV

Search Strategy:
ways to "reach first base"

joethecpa --

Despite the answers of seven that you can find in online quizzes, I
think the best answer to your question as worded is either six or
eight depending on whether or not you count separately the three ways
one can get on base when the catcher doesn't field a third strike
pitch (i.e., a dropped ball, a passed ball or a wild pitch swung on by
the batter).

Since I think that the answer is debatable, I will leave the question
open for other researchers to take a crack at.

markj-ga

Wouldn't a Base on Balls and an Intententional Walk be considered TWO
separate ways to reach first, or am I splitting hairs?