Baseball is a game full of unique terminology, and one of the more intriguing terms players and fans may encounter is fielder choice. If you’re not familiar with it, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Whether you’re a casual fan trying to grasp the intricacies of the sport or a seasoned player looking to refine your understanding, understanding what a fielder’s choice in baseball means is essential. In this post, we’ll break down the concept, provide clear examples, and explain its role in the game.
What is Fielder Choice in Baseball?
Simply put, a fielder’s choice is a baseball play where the fielder decides whether to throw to first base to get the batter out or to take a different approach. Unlike a regular out, a fielder’s choice is a judgment call made by the fielder. They usually try to get a runner out at second or third base instead of first.
Fielder Choice in Action
A fielder’s choice usually happens when a batter hits a ground ball to a fielder. The fielder could throw the batter out at first base but decides to try for another runner. For example, if a runner is on second base, the fielder may throw to second to force the runner out. If the runner is out and the batter reaches first base safely, the batter gets credited with a fielder’s choice instead of a hit.
It’s important to note that a fielder’s choice does not count as a hit. However, it counts as an at-bat, and the batter’s on-base percentage may drop. Let’s take a closer look at when and why a fielder’s choice is used.
When Does a Fielder Choice Happen?
A fielder’s choice is typically seen when there’s more than one runner on base. Here are a few examples to illustrate when this play may occur:
Runner on First and No Outs:
If the batter hits a ground ball to a fielder, the fielder can choose to throw to second base for the force-out on the runner. However, if they don’t throw to first base to get the batter, the batter reaches safely at first, and the fielder’s choice is recorded.
Runner on Second Base:
In this situation, the fielder may throw to second base to try to get the runner out, opting to make the play at second instead of going for the easy out at first base.
Force Play Situations:
A fielder’s choice most often occurs during force plays. A force play happens when a runner is required to advance to the next base due to the batter becoming a runner. For example, if the batter is out, but there are runners on first and second, the fielder might choose to force the runner out at second base rather than trying to throw out the batter at first.
Why Do Fielders Choose This Option?
There are a few key reasons why a fielder might opt for a fielder’s choice rather than throwing to first base to get the batter out:
Strategic Decisions: A fielder may believe it’s better to get the lead runner out and stop further advancement, even though the batter reaches safely. This can be a key move in halting a rally.
Infield Conditions: Sometimes, the speed of the ball or the positioning of the fielders may make it easier for the fielder to make a throw to second or third instead of attempting a play at first base.
Preserving a Double Play: One of the main advantages of a fielder’s choice is that it can potentially set up a double play. If the first out is made at second or third base, the fielder can then throw to first base to try to complete the double play, getting two outs in one play.
How Does a Fielder’s Choice Impact the Game?
A fielder’s choice impacts the game in a few ways, mainly in terms of scoring. When a batter reaches base through a fielder’s choice, they do not receive credit for a hit. However, the batter still records an at-bat, and the play is not scored as a hit. Here’s how it breaks down:
At-Bat: The batter receives an official at-bat, which counts toward their statistics.
On-Base Percentage: The fielder’s choice affects the batter’s on-base percentage because they reach base but not through a hit.
No Hit, But No Error: A fielder’s choice does not count as an error. Instead, the scorekeeper records it as a defensive play that doesn’t result in a hit for the batter.
Fielder Choice vs. Other Defensive Plays
To truly understand the nuances of fielder’s choice in baseball, it’s important to differentiate it from similar plays that can occur during a game.
Fielder Choice vs. Error
An error occurs when a fielder mishandles the ball, allowing a runner to reach base or advance further than they would have on a normal play. A fielder’s choice, on the other hand, is a conscious decision to attempt to get a different runner out rather than going for the simple out at first base.
Error: The fielder’s mistake results in the batter (or runner) being allowed to reach base.
Fielder’s Choice: A defensive strategy is employed, and the batter reaches base safely because the fielder chose not to throw to first base.
Fielder Choice vs. Force Play
A force play is a specific type of play that happens when the batter becomes a runner and forces other runners to advance to the next base. This is a key moment where a fielder’s choice can come into play. For example, in a force play, the fielder may throw to second base instead of first to attempt to get a lead runner out.
Force Play: Occurs when a runner is forced to advance to the next base.
Fielder’s Choice: The fielder chooses to throw to a base other than first base, attempting to get a runner out.
Fielder Choice vs. Base Hit
One of the main differences between a fielder’s choice and a base hit is that a base hit occurs when the batter reaches first base safely without the defense getting anyone out. A fielder’s choice happens when the fielder has the option to throw the batter out at first but decides to get a different runner out instead.
Base Hit: The batter reaches base due to the ball’s placement or by outrunning the throw to first base.
Fielder’s Choice: The batter reaches base because the fielder chose to throw to another base instead of trying to get the batter out at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fielder Choice in Baseball?
A fielder’s choice happens when a fielder could throw to first base to get the batter out but decides to try for a different runner instead. The batter reaches base safely but does not get credited with a hit. However, the batter still gets an at-bat.
Does a Fielder’s Choice Count as a Hit?
No, a fielder’s choice does not count as a hit. The batter gets an at-bat but does not earn a hit because they reached base due to the fielder’s decision.
When Does a Fielder’s Choice Usually Occur?
A fielder’s choice usually happens when there are runners on base. The fielder tries to get the lead runner out instead of throwing to first base to get the batter. It commonly occurs during force plays or when the defense wants to prevent the runners from advancing.
How Does a Fielder’s Choice Impact a Player’s Statistics?
A fielder’s choice counts as an at-bat but not a hit. This keeps the batter’s batting average the same. However, their on-base percentage may drop since they reached base through a fielder’s choice instead of a hit.
Can a Fielder’s Choice Lead to a Double Play?
Yes, a fielder’s choice can lead to a double play. If the fielder throws to a base like second or third to get a lead runner, they can then throw to first base to get the batter out.
Conclusion
Now you know what a fielder’s choice is and how it works. It’s a strategic play that requires quick thinking from the fielder. Understanding this play can deepen your appreciation for baseball, whether you watch games or play the sport. Next time you see a fielder’s choice, you’ll understand its role and significance in the game.