RESEARCH: An Introduction to Bruise Rate

There are many ways to get on base, but none are as dangerous or painful as being hit by a pitch. Hitters who get beaned by a baseball traveling over 90 mph can lose playing time or even their livelihood. Ask Dickie Thon or Tony Conigliaro.

Yet some players successfully endure an almost daily ritual of baseball abuse. Craig Biggio, the modern-day career HBP leader with 285, got beaned on average nearly once a week but suffered only one trip to the disabled list in a long career that placed him 16th all-time in games played and 10th all-time in plate appearances. And his one DL appearance was not related to getting drilled.

Despite Biggio's singular ability to stay on the field, you still might expect that frequent beanings...

Almost!

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