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Feb 8, 2022 · Every advanced baseball stat defined in one place. There are so many baseball stats flying around. We house dozens of columns and tables on our player pages and it can be overwhelming to learn everything, from their context to their derivisions and why they actually matter.
- Beyond The Barrel
A series of stats that I’ve been particularly curious about...
- Happ-les to Oranges
In 2018, Ian Happ had some holes in his swing. Among players...
- Beyond The Barrel
The lists below are a complete glossary of all of the statistics in baseball and these lists are split up into two sections – the “Standard Baseball Statistics” section and the “Advanced Baseball Statistics” section.
3 days ago · The number of times a fielder touched or threw a ball that resulted in an out (or would have resulted in an out but for an error by the fielder receiving the ball). At Bats (often hyphenated,...
- The Concept of Outs in Baseball
- Types of Outs
- Uncommon Outs in Baseball
- Strategies For Getting Outs
- Famous Plays and Historical Outs
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of an out
An out in baseball is a fundamental concept that signifies the termination of a batter’s or baserunner’s opportunity to contribute to the offense.This can occur in a variety of ways, such as a batter striking out, a fielder catching a batted ball in the air, or a baserunner being tagged or forced out by a defensive player. Each team’s turn on offense, known as an “inning,” continues until three outs are recorded. This cyclical structure creates an ebb and flow that is emblematic of the sport’...
Significance of outs for both offense and defense
The significance of outs in baseball cannot be overstated, as they serve as the lifeblood of the game’s tactical landscape. For the offense, the overarching objective is to score runs by avoiding outs and moving runners around the base paths. Outs can limit offensive opportunities by preventing baserunners from advancing, and they often demand strategic decisions such as when to risk a steal or bunt. Conversely, for the defense, the primary goal is to record outs as efficiently as possible, t...
Number of outs per inning
In each half-inning, a total of three outsmust be recorded by the defense to bring their turn at bat. These three outs create a sense of urgency for both teams, as the offense endeavors to capitalize on their limited chances to score while the defense strives to shut down the opposition. The finite nature of outs adds a layer of drama and tension to each inning, as every pitch, swing, and defensive play could contribute to or detract from a team’s success. As a result, the pursuit of outs and...
1. Strikeouts
Strikeouts represent a fundamental aspect of baseball, embodying the timeless duel between pitcher and batter as they battle for supremacy on the field. A strikeout occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a single plate appearance, thereby resulting in an out. As one of the most straightforward and decisive ways to record an out, strikeouts showcase the raw power and finesse of a pitcher’s arsenal, while also highlighting the batter’s struggle to make contact with the ball. Ther...
2. Groundouts
Groundouts are a critical component of baseball, as they exemplify the intricate choreography and collaboration between fielders in their pursuit of outs. A groundout occurs when a batter hits a ground ball that is subsequently fielded and thrown to first base before the batter can reach the bag. This type of out emphasizes the importance of defensive agility, quick thinking, and precise execution in thwarting the offense’s efforts.
3. Flyouts
Flyouts represent a captivating aspect of baseball, as they involve the soaring flight of the ball and the subsequent race against time for fielders to make a catch. A flyout occurs when a batter hits a ball into the air and a fielder successfully catches it before it touches the ground, thus recording an out. This type of out highlights the importance of fielders’ athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and ability to judge the trajectory of the ball. There are several types of flyouts, each pre...
Uncommon outs refer to outs that occur less frequently than standard outs, such as flyouts, groundouts, and strikeouts. Here are some of the more unusual outs and their explanations:
Pitch selection
The significance of pitch selection as a strategy for getting outs lies in its ability to influence the quality of contact made by the batter. By thoughtfully selecting pitches that exploit a batter’s vulnerabilities, pitchers can induce weak swings, ground balls, and strikeouts, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing outs. Mastering the art of pitch selection requires a deep understanding of both the pitcher’s arsenal and the batter’s tendencies, as well as the ability to adapt and ad...
Defensive positioning
Defensive positioning plays a vital role in the pursuit of outs, as proper alignment of fielders can greatly increase the chances of turning batted balls into outs. By carefully studying batter tendencies, pitch selection, and game situations, teams can optimize their defensive alignment to counteract the opposing team’s offensive strengths. This strategic approach underscores the importance of preparation, data analysis, and teamwork in the quest for outs, elevating baseball to a game of bot...
Communication among fielders
Communication among fielders is integral to the success of any defensive strategy, as it fosters cohesion, accuracy, and timely decision-making in the pursuit of outs. Clear and effective communication enables fielders to coordinate their movements, anticipate potential challenges, and rapidly adapt to changing game conditions. As a cornerstone of successful defense, communication among fielders highlights the importance of teamwork, trust, and shared vision in the quest for baseball supremac...
Memorable outs in World Series history
1. Willie Mays’ “The Catch” in the 1954 World Series: Mays made an over-the-shoulder catch to rob Vic Wertz of an extra-base hit, preserving a tie game and helping the Giants eventually win the Series. 2. Bill Mazeroski’s game-winning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series: Mazeroski hit a walk-off homer to give the Pittsburgh Pirates a dramatic victory over the New York Yankees, clinching the championship. 3. Carlton Fisk’s game-winning home run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series: Fisk’...
Game-changing outs in baseball history
1. Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” in the 1932 World Series: Ruth allegedly predicted and then delivered a home run, silencing critics and helping the Yankees secure another championship. 2. Kirk Gibson’s walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series: Gibson, hobbled by injuries, hit a dramatic pinch-hit homer to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory over the Oakland Athletics, setting the tone for the entire Series. 3. Derek Jeter’s “Flip Play” in the 2001 American League Division Series:...
Record-breaking outs
1. Nolan Ryan’s 383rd strikeout in 1974: Ryan broke Sandy Koufax’s single-season strikeout record with a blazing fastball that blew past Minnesota Twins batter Rich Reese, solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant pitchers in history. 2. Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st consecutive game played in 1995: Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s longstanding record for consecutive games played when he caught a line drive for the final out of the game, exemplifying his incredible durability and commitment to t...
What is the most common out in baseball?
The most common out in baseball is arguably the groundout. A groundout occurs when a batter hits a ground ball to a fielder, who subsequently throws the ball to first base before the batter reaches the base. This type of out is common due to the nature of baseball, where a majority of batted balls are hit into the ground, and because fielders are typically well-positioned to handle these plays efficiently. The prevalence of groundouts also speaks to the importance of a strong infield defense...
What is the rarest out in baseball?
One of the rarest outs in baseball is the unassisted triple play. This extraordinary feat occurs when a single fielder is responsible for recording all three outs of a half-inning without assistance from any teammates. Unassisted triple plays are exceedingly rare, as they require a unique combination of factors, including baserunners in motion, a well-hit line drive, and perfect positioning by the fielder. In the history of Major League Baseball, there have been only 15 recorded instances of...
In conclusion, understanding the various types of outs in baseball is essential for both players and fans alike. These outs play a crucial role in the game and showcase the ongoing battle between offense and defense, as well as the individual talents of the players. From the common ground out to the extremely rare unassisted triple play, outs help ...
Mar 28, 2019 · Analytics, also called sabermetrics, rule baseball front offices, and on-field decision making. To most fans, they’re just a confusing or misunderstood topic. Some people think they ruin...
Dec 13, 2022 · In this article, we’re going to explore some of these statistical figures more deeply – from the common stats that everyone is familiar with, such as batting averages and home run totals, all the way through less well-known categories like walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP).
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Nov 16, 2018 · Part of being a baseball fan these days is having at least a passing familiarity with advanced statistics -- i.e., the metrics that go beyond the usual fare of RBI, batting average, ERA,...
