What is a double in baseball?

In baseball, a double is a hit in which the batter safely reaches second base without the aid of an error or a fielder's choice. It is considered one of the most valuable hits in the game because it advances a runner two bases and puts the batter in scoring position.

A double is credited to the batter in the box score and is often signified by the letter "2B" (for second base) next to the batter's name.

Typically, a double occurs when the ball is hit hard and lands in the outfield, beyond the reach of the infielders. However, it can also occur when a well-placed bunt eludes the defense and allows the batter to reach second safely.

Players who specialize in hitting doubles are often referred to as "gap hitters" because they aim to hit the ball into the gaps between outfielders, giving themselves a better chance to reach second base.