Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/28/2007

Question
Let's say runner on third.  Ball hit to the infield.  They can make the play to first but, they opt to hold the ball in order to hold the runner at third.  Is this scored as a hit or a fielder's choice for the batter?

Answer
Green,

If 'ordinary effort' would have led to the team getting an out, then the play would be scored as an error.  If the ball is thrown to 3rd, then you could score it an error and a fielder's choice.  Otherwise, it can be scored as a hit.

The tricky thing is that it is the judgement of the scorekeeper.  The rulebook quotes the term 'ordinary effort.'  It is up to the scorekeeper to determine what the heck that is.

Hope this helps!

Brian