Answer:
The speed of sound in air is lower compared to in solids and liquids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sound is a wave that can be generated by a vibrating body. Its speed through different media differs due to the nature of the media.
Since the molecules of solids are closely packed, sound can be easily transferred from one molecule to another at a faster rate. Thus, the high speed of sound in solids.
In liquids, the molecules are not as closely packed as solids. So that the speed of sound though liquids is lower compared to that of solids. Gases has its molecules farther apart, thus making the speed of sound through it the lowest compared to solids and liquids.
Therefore the sound of the batter hitting the ball is heard latter, due to its lower speed through the air.