Expert: John McInnis - 9/20/2005

Question
John,
I know Sacrifice Bunts/Hits are not scored as official at bats.

How is a Fielders Choice scored?
Thank you.
Hal Galdi

Answer
Hi Hal,

For those who don't know, a FIELDER'S CHOICE (FC) is the act of a fielder who handles a fair ground ball and, instead of throwing to first base to put the batter out, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a lead runner.

The term is also used by scorers (a) to account for the advance of the batter runner who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles his safe hit attempts to put out a preceding runner; (b) to account for the advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is attempting to put out another runner; and (c) to account for the advance of a runner made solely because of the defensive team's indifference (undefended steal).

(thanks MLB).

For stats purposes, here is the official call:

Ordinarily, if the runner keeps going, (the batter gets)credit a run batted in; if the runner stops and takes off again when he notices the misplay, credit the run as scored on a fielder's choice (FC).

I hope this answers your question?  If not, send me a follow up.

Regards,

JohnMc