Get out of the way. (Insider: baseball).

For a moment, Torii Hunter had the audacity of Dennis Rodman and the accuracy of Brett Favre. Pushing peacemakers aside at home plate, the Twins center fielder threw a retaliatory fastball that nailed Indians pitcher Danys Baez, who had plunked Hunter moments earlier. The July 17 incident is one of the most vivid images of the season and the most visible example of a recent baseball trend: Batters are being hit by pitches more frequently than ever.

Already this season, teams have been hit about 38 times on average--more than for all of 1992. According to Elias Sports Bureau, batters were hit about three times more often in 2001 than in 1941. Ted Williams was plunked 39 times in his 19 seasons. Craig Biggio nearly surpassed that number in 1997 alone and has taken more than 200 shots in 14 years.

Whether pitchers have lost control, batters have become plate hogs or both sides have lost a little respect is up for debate. And though brawls are the most noticeable result, there are other consequences. Players are sent to the D.L. and games are decided--the Royals recently ...