What is Fielder's choice in Baseball? Definition and Meaning

What is the Definition of a Fielder’s Choice in Baseball?

In the game of baseball, various plays and strategies come together to make it the exciting sport it is today. One such play is the fielder’s choice, which might not be as well-known as a home run or a strikeout, but it plays a crucial role in the unfolding of a baseball game. The fielder’s choice is a strategic play that involves a defensive player making a calculated decision between getting the batter out at first base or attempting to put out a baserunner at another base.

The fielder’s choice is an act that occurs when a ground ball is fielded by a defensive player who decides to put out a preceding runner at either second, third, or home, instead of focusing on getting the batter out at first base. This play has the potential to significantly impact the game’s outcome and adds an element of strategic thinking to baseball’s defensive side. Understanding fielder’s choice in baseball requires knowing the fundamentals, different types of plays, and how it affects player statistics.

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Key Takeaways

Fielder’s choice is a strategic defensive play where a player opts to put out a baserunner instead of the batter
The play can impact a game’s outcome and adds depth to baseball’s defensive strategies
It is essential to understand the fundamentals, different types, and statistical effects of fielder’s choice in baseball.

Fielder’s Choice Fundamentals

A fielder’s choice in baseball is a play where a defensive player, upon fielding a ground ball, opts to putout a preceding runner on second, third, or home base instead of the batter at first base. This decision generally arises when there are runners on base and the batter hits the ball but without it being caught by a fielder. The defensive player’s choice to make an out on an advancing runner takes precedence over the batter.

The concept of fielder’s choice is integral to understanding certain aspects of baseball scoring. When a batter safely reaches base due to a fielder’s choice, that situation is not considered a hit. Instead, the batter is granted an at-bat, which positively impacts the hitter’s statistics, as it is not recorded as a hit or walk. However, it should be noted that the official scorer has full discretion in determining whether the batter gets credited with a safe hit or an extra base hit according to the situation.

Fielder’s choice plays can involve various combinations of base runners and outs. For instance, a fielder might attempt a double play by targeting an out at second base and then quickly throwing to first base to get the batter out. On further complexities, a fielder’s choice could also come into play when there are multiple runners on base, leading to situations where the defensive player must assess the importance of which out to pursue. This strategic aspect of fielder’s choice adds a certain depth to the game.

In summary, the fielder’s choice is a fundamental aspect of baseball that showcases the strategic decision-making skills of defensive players. While it may not always result in a hit for the batter, it creates interesting gameplay dynamics and can alter the outcome of an inning.

Types of Fielder’s Choice Plays

In baseball, a fielder’s choice occurs when a defensive player chooses to put out a baserunner instead of the batter, allowing the batter to reach base safely. This section will cover two types of fielder’s choice plays: infield plays and outfield plays.

Infield Plays

Infield plays are the most common type of fielder’s choice situation. These occur when a ground ball is hit towards an infielder, and the defensive player has the option to make a play on the batter or attempt to put out another baserunner. Examples of this include:

Double plays: With a runner on base, the infielder catches the ground ball and throws to second base to force out the lead runner, then the second baseman or shortstop throws to first base to complete the double play.
Force outs: In this situation, the infielder can choose between attempting to put out the batter at first base or throwing to another base where there is a force play possible, such as second or third base.

Outfield Plays

Fielder’s choice plays involving outfielders are relatively rare compared to infield plays, but they can still occur under specific circumstances. Here are some examples:

Shallow fly balls: When a fly ball is hit towards the outfield, and the outfielder chooses to throw to a different base to put out a runner who tagged up and tried to advance.
Runners caught in a rundown: In certain situations, an outfielder may throw to a base where a baserunner is caught in a rundown, prioritizing the out on the baserunner over the batter.

Fielder’s choice plays can be strategically essential in baseball, as they allow the defensive team to make the best tactical choice in terms of outs. Understanding the various types of plays can help players and fans better appreciate the complexity and excitement of the game.

Role of the Hitter in Fielder’s Choice

A fielder’s choice is a tactical play wherein a fielder, usually an infielder, decides to put out a runner advancing to second, third, or home, instead of attempting to make an out at first. As a result, the hitter remains safe on first base. Although not credited with an official hit, the hitter’s actions play a crucial role in enabling the fielder’s choice play.

The hitter must consider several factors during their at-bat, such as timing, location, and speed of the pitch. The hitter’s aim is to make contact with the ball in a way that troubles the defense, forcing them to make a decision on which runner to put out. By doing so, the hitter hopes to keep their team’s inning alive, as well as advance runners into scoring positions.

When the hitter is at the plate, they are not only thinking about hitting the ball, but also about situational baseball. Strategic placement of the ball can potentially force the fielder to make a difficult choice, allowing the runners to advance or even score. For example, a well-placed bunt along the baselines can result in the fielder prioritizing the lead runner, allowing the hitter to reach first base safely.

Additionally, hitters should read the defensive alignment to exploit any possible weaknesses. If the fielders are positioned closer to the bases in anticipation of a double play, the hitter may try to hit the ball through the gaps to create a fielder’s choice scenario, rather than grounding into a double play.

In the event of a fielder’s choice, the hitter’s role is to ensure they make quality contact with the ball and create a challenging situation for the defense. This can lead to advancing their teammates, securing better positioning for run-scoring opportunities, and potentially increasing their team’s chances of winning the game.

How Fielder’s Choice Affects Player Statistics

Batting Average and On-Base Percentage

A fielder’s choice in baseball can impact a player’s statistics in several ways. For the batter, a fielder’s choice does not count as a hit or an at-bat, meaning it does not directly affect their batting average. However, it does count as a plate appearance, which comes into play when calculating a player’s on-base percentage (OBP). Since the batter reached base safely, their OBP increases, even though they did not record a hit.

Runners Advancing and Scoring

The fielder’s choice also has implications for baserunners and their statistics. In cases where a runner advances as a result of a fielder’s choice, the advancement is not attributed to the batter’s performance but rather to the defensive player’s decision. These advancements do not count as a stolen base, nor do they fall under the category of a batter’s runs batted in (RBI) if a run is eventually scored.

In the event that a runner is put out during a fielder’s choice play, that out is recorded for the defender(s) who participated in the play. However, the batter who put the ball in play is not credited with an RBI or a hit, as their advancement to first base was solely due to the defensive player’s decision. This unique combination of outcomes distinguishes the fielder’s choice from other offensive plays and highlights its strategic value in baseball.

Key Rules and Regulations for Fielder’s Choice

A fielder’s choice in baseball occurs when a defensive player fields a ground ball and chooses to put out a preceding runner at either second, third, or home, instead of the batter at first base. This allows another runner to advance safely and is not considered a direct result of a hit or error.

According to MLB Rule 2, a fielder’s choice is defined as “the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter-runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner.” The fielder’s choice takes place during a live ball situation, and the defensive player opts to either throw for an attempted putout or retire unassisted any runner or batter-runner.

The official scorer determines whether the batter is credited with a safe hit or an extra base hit in accordance with the rules 9-2-2 and 9-3-3. It is important to note that a successful fielder’s choice means that a batter has reached base safely only because the defensive player decided not to put them out and chose a different play.

When employing a fielder’s choice, it is crucial for defensive players to make quick decisions and communicate effectively with their teammates. They must evaluate the situation and determine which play, be it putting out the batter at first or attempting to put out a preceding runner, maximizes the potential for outs and minimizes the risk of allowing additional runs.

Notable Fielder’s Choice Examples in Baseball History

A fielder’s choice is a strategic play in baseball, where a defensive player opts to put out a baserunner instead of the batter-runner. Over the years, several high-stakes scenarios have showcased the importance and impact of the fielder’s choice decision.

In the 1991 World Series, Gene Larkin, a player for the Minnesota Twins, hit a ground ball during the 10th inning of Game 7. The Atlanta Braves’ second baseman fielded the ball, but instead of attempting an out at first base, he threw it to second base to put out the runner. Despite their efforts, the Twins won the championship with Larkin reaching first base safely.

Another notable example took place during the 2016 National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. In a tight game, Cubs’ Javy Baez hit a ground ball, with the Dodgers’ second baseman choosing to throw and tag out a runner at second base. This fielder’s choice allowed Baez to reach first base safely, and the Cubs eventually went on to win the game and later capture their first World Series title in 108 years.

The 2018 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers featured a critical fielder’s choice in 17th inning of Game 3. Dodgers’ Max Muncy reached first base on a fielder’s choice, with the Red Sox opting to tag out a runner advancing to third base. Muncy later scored the winning run, giving the Dodgers their only victory in the series.

These instances highlight the importance of the fielder’s choice in baseball, as it often involves split-second decisions that can either help the team or lead to missed opportunities. Although it may seem like a simple play, its strategic significance in the game cannot be overlooked.