バッター

バッター is a baseball loanword from English "batter," referring specifically to the player at bat. It is the standard term used in Japanese baseball broadcasts and casual conversation about the sport.

Common collocations

• 先頭(せんとう)バッター: leadoff batter (first batter in the lineup)
• 四番(よばん)バッター: cleanup hitter (the strong fourth batter)
• 代打(だいだ)バッター: pinch hitter
• バッターボックス: batter's box
• バッターが構(かま)える: the batter takes their stance
• バッターを抑(おさ)える: to retire the batter (from the pitcher's side)

Similar words

• 打者(だしゃ): native Japanese term meaning "batter" — slightly more formal/written, used in newspapers and statistics
• バッター is more colloquial and conversational; 打者(だしゃ) appears in formal contexts

Usage

• The katakana spelling reflects the doubled consonant of English "batter" with the small tsu (ッ).
• In broadcast commentary, both バッター and 打者(だしゃ) alternate freely.