What is a Fielders Choice: A Concise Baseball Guide

by

A fielder’s choice is a unique play in baseball that occurs when a fielder with a live ball decides to attempt a putout or unassisted retirement of a runner or batter-runner, which subsequently allows another runner to advance on the bases.

This play takes place with runners on base and typically involves the batter reaching base when they could have been putout in the fielder’s attempt to get an out on another base.

Fielder’s choice situations often present the defensive player with multiple options for securing an out, and the player must make a quick decision to determine which baserunner should be targeted.

These decisions often depend on the game situation, such as the number of outs already recorded and the positions of runners on the bases.

Understanding Fielder’s Choice


A fielder’s choice in baseball refers to a specific type of play that occurs when a fielder decides to make an out on a runner other than the batter, allowing the batter to safely reach base.

There are various situations and scenarios that can result in a fielder’s choice, and understanding these situations can enhance the comprehension of the game.

During a fielder’s choice, a fielder with a live ball has two or more options for making an out and chooses one of the options, thus allowing other runners to advance on the bases. For example, let us consider a situation where there is a runner on first base, and the batter hits a ground ball toward the second baseman.

The second baseman could potentially throw the ball to first base to get the batter out, but instead, he chooses to throw it to the shortstop at second base, getting the lead runner out and allowing the batter to reach first base safely.

It is important to note that a fielder’s choice is not considered a hit for the batter but rather a decision made by the fielder to record an out on another baserunner. T

According to the specific rules, the official scorer determines whether the batter is credited with a hit or an extra-base hit.

In some instances, all runners may be safe due to the fielder’s choice, while in others, the defense may successfully force out a runner at a subsequent base.

Fielder’s choice plays can be found in numerous game situations and are essential to comprehend the dynamics of baseball strategy.

For example, a team may choose to allow a runner to advance in exchange for getting an out on a more dangerous runner or when risking a double play.

By recognizing different fielder’s choice scenarios, a deeper understanding of the complexities of baseball can be achieved.

The Rules and Scenarios

In baseball, a fielder’s choice occurs when a fielder handling a fair ball chooses to put out a baserunner rather than focusing on the batter, allowing the batter to advance to a base safely.

Understanding the rules and scenarios around fielder’s choices is vital for players, coaches, and fans of the game.

Force Out Situations

A force out occurs when a baserunner is forced to advance to the next base due to the batter becoming a batter-runner.

During a fielder’s choice situation, a fielder may attempt to put out the preceding baserunner at second, third, or home instead of going for the batter at first base.

This is often a strategic decision by the fielder to get the most advantageous out for their team.

Record Keeping and Statistics


During a fielder’s choice play, the batter is not credited with a hit. Instead, the batter receives an At Bat (AB) in their statistics.

This is important to note as it can impact a player’s overall batting average.

Additionally, the official scorer must decide whether the batter is credited with a safe hit or an extra-base hit in accordance with various rules.

Here is a brief summary of how fielder’s choices impact the following statistics:

  • Batting Average (BA): Calculated as hits divided by At Bats, a fielder’s choice lowers the BA as it counts as an At Bat without being considered a hit.
  • On-Base Percentage (OBP): Calculated as times reached base divided by plate appearances, fielder’s choices do not affect OBP since reaching base on a fielder’s choice does not count as a plate appearance.
  • Slugging Percentage (SLG): Calculated as total bases divided by At Bats, a fielder’s choice can lower a player’s SLG since it counts as an At Bat without adding any total bases.

Factors Influencing a Fielder’s Decision

Game Situation


A fielder’s decision when executing a fielder’s choice can be heavily influenced by the current game situation.

Factors such as the number of outs or the score can play a role in the fielder’s choice to target a specific baserunner rather than the batter.

For example, in a close game with two outs, a fielder may prioritize getting the lead runner out to prevent a potential run, rather than focusing on the batter at first base.

Players’ Speed and Skill

Another factor influencing a fielder’s decision is the speed and skill of both the baserunners and the batter.

If a baserunner is known to be fast, a fielder may choose to put more effort into getting that runner out instead of the batter.

This is because a speedy baserunner poses a higher risk of scoring or advancing further around the bases.

Conversely, if the batter is known to be a slow runner, the fielder may opt for the easier out at first base.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both the baserunners and the batter helps the fielder make a more informed decision on which player to focus on during a fielder’s choice play

Famous Fielder’s Choice Examples

In the history of baseball, numerous fielder’s choice plays have left memorable impressions.

While the fielder’s choice is a common occurrence in any game, specific instances have secured their place in baseball lore due to their strategic, skillful, or unexpected nature.

Take the 1960 World Series, for example, during Game 7. In the ninth inning, with the score tied and a runner on first, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ second baseman Bill Mazeroski executed a fielder’s choice play that allowed the lead runner to advance safely to second base.

This set the stage for Mazeroski’s walk-off home run and secured the Pirates’ first World Series victory in 35 years.

Another tactical fielder’s choice example is the squeeze bunt, where a runner on third base sprints towards home plate as the batter lays down a bunt.

Outfielders then must decide between attempting to throw out the runner at home or retire the batter at first base.

When executed correctly, this play can result in a vital run scored, thus influencing the game’s outcome.

Fielder’s choices can also demonstrate exceptional skill and quick thinking by defensive players.

For instance, a third baseman might field a ground ball and, instead of throwing to first base for an easy out, choose to throw the ball to the catcher to retire a runner attempting to score from third base. These types of plays showcase the fielder’s ability to assess the situation and make split-second decisions that can change the game.