Fielding percentage

In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball. It is calculated by the sum of putouts and assists, divided by the number of total chances (putouts + assists + errors).[1]

While a high fielding percentage is regarded as a sign of defensive skill, it is also possible for a player of lesser defensive skill to have a high fielding percentage, as it does not reflect or take into account a player's defensive range;[2] a player who cannot get to a ball surrenders a hit instead of having an opportunity to make an out or an error.[3] Conversely, a highly skilled fielder might have a comparatively low fielding percentage by virtue of reaching, and potentially missing, a greater number of balls.

In order to qualify for the league lead in fielding percentage, an infielder or outfielder must appear at the specific position in at least two-thirds of his team's games (games in the outfield are not separated by position).[4] A catcher must appear in at least half his team's games.[5] A pitcher must pitch at least one inning for each of his team's scheduled games (however, a pitcher with fewer innings may qualify if they have more total chances and a higher average).[6] In order to qualify for major league career records for fielding average, a player must appear in 1,000 games at the position; pitchers must have at least 1,500 innings.

The MLB record for team fielding percentage is currently held by the 2013 Baltimore Orioles, with a .99104 fielding percentage.

See also

Footnotes
  1. Rule 10.21(d). "Official Rules". Major League Baseball (MLB.com). Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  2. Center, Bill (March 31, 2010). "In defense of the Padres". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010.
  3. Fitzpatrick, Frank (September 30, 2011). "Phillies can rely on their defense ... or maybe not". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved October 6, 2011. But there's a lot more to defense, obviously, than just not making errors. You have to get to the ball to not make an error in the first place.
  4. Rule 10.22(c)(2). "Official Rules". Major League Baseball (MLB.com). Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  5. Rule 10.22(c)(1). "Official Rules". Major League Baseball (MLB.com). Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  6. Rule 10.22(c)(3). "Official Rules". Major League Baseball (MLB.com). Retrieved 2010-06-02.
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