Many terms used in baseball are not as straightforward. This can be a source of confusion for new fans and players. This time, let us equip you with the answer to what is a fielder’s choice in baseball.
Fielder’s choice, or FC, happens when a defensive player catches or picks up a ball and picks a baserunner to call out. This event involves many options for the defensive player, and its scoring is slightly different.
Contents
FC Baseball Meaning: Fielder’s Choice
Many things can happen in a baseball game. And sometimes, a defensive player can opt for playing a fielder’s choice.
What a fielder’s choice means in baseball is that a fielder makes a play on a ground ball and intends to put out one advancing runner.
Impact of a Fielder’s Choice On the Scores
When a batter safely reaches base because of the fielder’s choice, it would not be named as a hit. Instead, they would be granted an at-bat.
If an at-bat is granted during this play, how would it impact the fielder’s choice batting average? The hitter will not be credited during the execution of an FC. So, the hitter’s batting average will be negatively affected.
The Rule
The fielder’s choice rule is explicitly stated in the MLB. Under the definition in rule 2, is that a fielder can choose to put out or retire a runner or any batter-runner. Then, they can allow the advance of the next runners.
The same rule mentions that the officials of the game can deliberate on whether to credit an extra-base hit or a safe hit when a fielder’s choice is in play.
How Does Fielder’s Choice Work?
Now that the fielder’s choice definition is all clear let us take a look at how it is applied in a game.
Here is an example of a fielder’s choice. Ball hit to outfield was sent by the batter. The fielder would catch it and aim at the Homeplate because he would try to put out the runner.
Or, after a hit, a runner goes to first base. Then, the batter would hit their ground ball toward the shortstop. Now, the shortstop opts to throw to the second baseman.
Because of this, the runner from first base is forced out. The batter-runner can then successfully reach first base.
The official scorer of the game has the authority to impose a judgment on the outcomes of a fielder’s choice. Plus, they can decide whether to score a fielder’s choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a fielder’s choice scored in baseball?
A fielder’s choice is not scored as a hit. Instead, it is recorded for the batter-runner as either a 6-4-3 or a 6-4. The record would depend on how the attempt made by the fielder to out the batter-runner.
Could a fielder’s choice count as a hit?
Unfortunately, a fielder’s choice not a hit when it comes to baseball. The scoring would be different as it falls under different rules.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have an idea of what is a fielder’s choice in baseball. What FC mean in baseball is all about a defensive player’s attempt to put out a baserunner.
Similar to other strategies in baseball, the fielder’s choice has many scenarios that could be labeled as such. As long as the primary idea of attempting to put out the baserunner is seen, the play could still count as a fielder’s choice.
Unfortunately, the batter-runner cannot be credited with a hit. A fielder’s choice is recorded differently, and it depends on how it was executed and upon the judgment of the official scorers.
Interesting posts you can read to learn more about baseball basics:
- Walk-in Baseball Meaning – Baseball Abbreviation
- What is Baseball Zen: Everything you need to know
- Single in Baseball: Definition & Explanation
A powerful swing and the ball is flying across the field, just one hit, and we might never forget the thrill it brings. I do not know about you, but I never do. Every baseball game is the chance to compete with others and cooperate with your teammate. It is among my biggest passions.
