Not known as being the most rough and tumble of sports, baseball nonetheless poses some risks for players, mostly in the form of a ball hurtling at 100 mph right at them. Whether they were actually taking one for the team, ensuring a man would be on base, or just couldn't get out of the way quickly enough, we salute those hit by a pitch.
Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar (5) is hit by a Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitch in the second inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA on July 26, 2015. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI
Kansas City Royals' Billy Butler is hit by a pitch during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on July 23, 2014 in Chicago. The Royals defeated the White Sox 2-1. UPI/Brian Kersey
New York Yankees Curtis Granderson avoids being hit by a pitch in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium in New York City on June 19, 2010. The Yankees defeated the Mets 5-3. UPI/John Angelillo
Chicago White Sox's Carlos Quentin is hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers in Chicago on July 23, 2008. The White Sox won 10-8. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)