Hit and run on? (when can the batter take?)

The hit and run is designed to put the runner in motion and have the runner be protected by the batter. The play is to gain at least an extra base by having the runner hit the ball on the ground while the runner slides safely into second base. At most, the play is to result in the runner advancing two bases and the batter reaching base safely presumably by an infielder opening up a hole.

Well, can the play be successful if the batter doesn't swing? Yes. But, only on a couple of situations.

Here is when the batter does not need to protect the runner.

1)Runner takes off and the ball is thrown in the dirt. The batter is not expected to protect the runner as it would take an extraordinary play to throw the runner out at 2B.

2)Runner takes off and the ball is going to actually hit the batter. By all means, take the HBP and move on. "Don't rub it."

3)Runner takes off and the ball is a pitchout. If they pitchout, they win. At least, that phase of the hit and run. There is a chance that the runner could be safe but we're certainly not going to ask the batter to protect the runner and risk a strike on the batter when there is still an above average shot of the runner being thrown out anyway.

The hit and run is predicated on the batter protecting the runner. However, if the pitcher makes a pitch that makes protection unlikely, take the pitch. Some results will be good and others will be bad but it's not because it wasn't the prudent choice to take the pitch.