Scoring and Stats by Dr. Michael Ciocco

The “game” is meant to be fun and the statistics, stats, should not be taken too seriously. However the recording of the stats should be uniform and in accordance to the rules.

For each plate appearance (APP) the following 5 things can happen: Hit, Out, Walk, ROE, orSac. Where:

Hit – Any time the batter reaches base safely without a force out, a fielder’s choice, or an Error being recorded a Hit is recorded. It is possible for a fielder’s choice being recorded without an out being recorded and therefore no Hit is recorded. These are often recorded as a ROE. Note that if a runner, not the batter, is hit by a batted ball and subsequently called out a Hit is recorded for the batter.

Out – The batter is out or a force out / fielder’s choice is recorded.

Walk – The batter reaches base via a base on balls.

ROE – The batter reaches base safely as the result of a fielding error. Determining whether or not the play should be recorded as a hit or an error is at the judgment of the scorekeeper. The best way of determining whether it is a Hit or a ROE is the “Ordinary Effort” rule. If the play would have been made with “Ordinary Effort” it should be scored a ROE.

Sac – If a player scores on a fair fly ball hit by the batter without an error being recorded, that helped the runner score, a Sac is recorded. However if an error is recorded that allows a runner to score a Sac is not recorded. For instance, if a runner is advancing from 2nd to 3rd on a fly ball and a fielder throws the ball away allowing the runner to score a Sac is not recorded. Note that a Sac can be recorded even when an error is recorded. That is, if a batter hits a deep fly ball that would score a runner and the fielder drops the ball, an error, a Sac is still recorded.

At bats, ABs = APPs – Walks - Sacs

Batting Average, AVE = Hits / ABs

On Base percentage, OB% = (Hits + Walks) / APPs

Slugging percentage, SL% = (Total Bases) / ABs

Appearances, APPs = ABs + Walks + Sacs

Total Bases = Singles + 2 * Doubles + 3 * Triples + 4 * Homeruns

ROEs are NOT hits!