In the American League they have what they call a Designated Hitter. This is a player who hits but does not play a position when his team is in the field, but when his team is batting he bats for the pitcher. In the American League the Pitcher does not have to bat. In the National League pitchers must bat. When an American League team plays a National league team, if they are playing in the National League Stadium, then the American League pitcher must bat. If they are playing in an American League Stadium then the Designated Hitter rule is in force.