A fielder's choice is a complex baseball statistic that often leaves fans scratching their heads. The simple answer is yes, a fielder's choice does count as an at-bat. However, understanding why this is the case requires a deeper dive into the nuances of baseball scoring.
This article will explore the intricacies of fielder's choices, explaining their impact on batting statistics and addressing common questions surrounding this often-misunderstood play.
What is a Fielder's Choice?
A fielder's choice occurs when a batter hits a ball that could potentially result in an out, but the fielder chooses to throw to a base other than first base to try and get a runner out. This often happens when a batter hits a slow ground ball or a popup near an infielder. The batter is often safe at first, but a runner is forced out elsewhere on the field. The key element is the fielder's choice – they have a decision to make, and the outcome hinges on that choice rather than the quality of the batter's hit.
Why Does a Fielder's Choice Count as an At-Bat?
The reasoning behind counting a fielder's choice as an at-bat boils down to the fundamental definition of an at-bat. An at-bat is recorded when a batter completes a plate appearance, resulting in one of the following:
- Hit: The batter successfully hits a fair ball.
- Out: The batter is put out.
- Walk: The batter receives four balls.
- Hit by Pitch: The batter is hit by a pitch.
- Sacrifice: The batter makes a sacrifice bunt or fly.
- Fielder's Choice: The fielder chooses to make a play on another runner, allowing the batter to reach base safely.
Since a fielder's choice represents a completed plate appearance where the batter is not automatically out (as in a strikeout or caught fly ball), it's counted as an at-bat. It reflects the batter's opportunity to hit and reach base, even if the outcome was indirectly influenced by the fielder's defensive decision.
Does a Fielder's Choice Affect Other Batting Statistics?
Yes, fielder's choices impact batting averages and other related statistics, although not as directly as hits or walks. They are typically not included in a player's hit total. A fielder's choice is typically not counted as a hit, which directly affects batting averages. However, it does increase the batter's at-bats, potentially lowering their batting average if they don't get many hits. It contributes to their on-base percentage.
How Does a Fielder's Choice Differ from a Hit?
The crucial distinction lies in the fielder's decision. A hit implies the batter successfully put the ball into play, and their skill (or lack thereof) in hitting determines the outcome. With a fielder's choice, the batter might have hit a weak ground ball that could have been an out but for the fielder's choice to throw to another base. The outcome depends more on the fielder's tactical judgment than on the quality of the batter's hit.
What if the Batter Makes an Out on a Fielder's Choice Play?
Even if the batter is put out on a fielder's choice play, the at-bat is still recorded. This is because their plate appearance concluded with a fielder making a decision about getting another runner out instead of immediately trying to get the batter out at first.
Conclusion:
In summary, while it might seem counterintuitive at first, a fielder's choice does count as an at-bat. This reflects the reality that the batter completed their plate appearance and the outcome, while influenced by the defense, is still linked to the batter's opportunity at the plate. Understanding this nuance helps to appreciate the complexity of baseball statistics and the strategic considerations involved in the game.
