A fielder's choice is a frequently misunderstood baseball statistic, often leaving fans wondering about its impact on a player's batting average and overall performance metrics. The simple answer is yes, a fielder's choice does count as an at-bat. However, understanding why this is the case, and what it implies for the game, requires a closer look.
What is a Fielder's Choice?
A fielder's choice occurs when a batter hits a fair ball, and the fielder chooses to throw to a base to get a runner out instead of attempting to make a play at the batter himself. This typically happens in situations where the batter hits a slow ground ball or a bunt, leaving the fielder with the option to make a quick throw to force out a runner on the bases. Crucially, the batter reaches base because of the fielder's decision, not because of a hit.
The key distinction here is that a fielder's choice doesn't necessarily reflect the batter's hitting ability. It highlights the fielder's judgment and the overall strategic situation on the field. While the batter might have hit a ball that could have resulted in a hit, the fielder's decision changed the outcome.
Why Does a Fielder's Choice Count as an At-Bat?
The reason a fielder's choice counts as an at-bat comes down to the fundamental definition of an at-bat itself. An at-bat is generally defined as any plate appearance where a batter is put out, gets on base (excluding walks, hit-by-pitches, or other non-batting events), or hits a fair ball that's caught. Since a fielder's choice results in the batter reaching base, it satisfies the conditions for an at-bat. It's a plate appearance where the batter has a chance to hit the ball, and the result – reaching base – is recorded as an at-bat.
Does a Fielder's Choice Affect Batting Average?
Yes, a fielder's choice is included in the calculation of a player's batting average. However, it's important to note that it doesn't increase their number of hits. Only official hits (singles, doubles, triples, and home runs) contribute to a player's hits total. Consequently, a fielder's choice can actually lower a player's batting average since it adds to the number of at-bats without adding to the number of hits.
How Does a Fielder's Choice Impact Other Statistics?
While a fielder's choice impacts batting average, its influence on other baseball statistics is minimal. It doesn't affect statistics like on-base percentage (OBP), slugging percentage (SLG), or on-base plus slugging (OPS), because these statistics are calculated differently and consider various ways a batter can reach base.
What are Some Examples of Fielder's Choices?
Imagine a situation where a batter bunts the ball, and the pitcher fields it. The pitcher then throws to first base, forcing the runner on first out. The batter safely reaches first base. This is a fielder's choice. The batter is credited with a plate appearance (at-bat) and reaching first, even though the play resulted in a runner being out.
Another example might involve a slowly hit ground ball to shortstop with runners on. The shortstop chooses to throw to second base to try and get a force out of the lead runner. This is also a fielder’s choice; the batter is safe.
Understanding fielder's choices is essential for a comprehensive grasp of baseball statistics. It's a situation where the outcome isn't solely determined by the batter's hitting ability but also involves the strategic choices of the fielders. While it counts as an at-bat, it's crucial to remember that it doesn't contribute to a player's hit count, potentially influencing their batting average.
