As a long time baseball scorekeeper using paper in the old days and now the gamechanger app, here are some common misconceptions kids and parents have about baseball scoring. I’m always learning something about baseball scoring so this is my understanding and let’s talk if you think it’s not right.
Errors/ROE
Errors are the biggest area of confusion and because there is a subjective element, it adds to that. But the key thing to remember about errors is to use the actual definition of an error. Most people, in my experience, form an idea or mental picture about what an error is but may not know the actual definition, which must be used especially in borderline cases.
Definition from MLB: A fielder is given an error if, in the judgment of the official scorer, he fails to convert an out on a play that an average fielder should have made [at that level]. Fielders can also be given errors if they make a poor play that allows one or more runners to advance on the bases. A batter does not necessarily need to reach base for a fielder to be given an error. If he drops a foul ball that extends an at-bat, that fielder can also be assessed an error.
So one common misconception is that player has to mishandle a ball to be counted as an error, which is not true. A ball that goes through a fielders legs would be a error and even a easy fly ball the fielder loses track would be an error. Scorers have to consider the level of play when evaluating “an average fielder should have made” so there is some subjectivity there. Also note a really hard play not made such as a diving catch where the ball bounced off or out of a glove would typically not be scored as an error.
My understanding is also that some mental errors are not scored as errors such as communication errors between fielders such as 2 outfielders letting a ball drop because no one called it, etc.
Sac Bunt
Sacrifice plays are scored as such and do not adversely affect a batter’s hitting stats because they help the help. A sac bunt can be scored if the hitter’s bunt advances a runner on base. Unlike a sac fly, they do not have to score on the play.
MLB: A sacrifice bunt occurs when a player is successful in his attempt to advance a runner (or multiple runners) at least one base with a bunt. In this vein, the batter is sacrificing himself (giving up an out) in order to move another runner closer to scoring. When a batter bunts with a runner on third base, it is called a squeeze play and, if successful, is still recorded as a sacrifice.
Sac Fly
A sac fly is a flyball where a runner scores after tagging up on the play and the runner is out.
MLB: A sacrifice fly occurs when a batter hits a fly-ball out to the outfield or foul territory that allows a runner to score. The batter is given credit for an RBI.
FC – Fielder’s Choice
If a runner is safe at first but another runner is out because that was an easier play to make for the defense, it’s scored as a fielder’s choice, which does not count as a hit for the batter. The reason is that it would have been an out if there were no runners on base and not a hit.
MLB Rule 2, “Definitions”, as “the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter-runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner.”
Hit and Error Combos
A base runner could end up at another base and it could still be counted as a single. For example, let’s say the hitter hits a blooper into the outfield but the fielder throws the ball away such that the runner gets to second base. That would be scored as a single and an error. Another common case is a single where the defense throws home to try to prevent a run scoring, which would be scored as a single and the hitter reached on the throw.
No credit for advancing a runner via ground ball
Although beneficial, there is no stat (or credit) for advancing a runner on a ground out for example. So if hitter grounds out with runner on first who then makes it to second, it just a regular out for the hitter.
Final Word
Parents and players should understand the scorekeeper is an unpaid volunteer and does it for the love of baseball and to help the team’s coach by providing season and game stats. For complicated plays especially, things can be missed, mistakes can be made, and interpretations of things like errors can vary. Just remember one play is not going to mean anything over the season and it all evens out in the end. Like any sport, some calls go your way and some don’t. In my view, the most important stat is the team’s win-lose record and how you, as a player contributed and were a positive force on the team.
