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What Exactly Is A Fielder’s Choice?
In baseball, a fielder’s choice occurs when the defense has an opportunity to retire multiple batters on the same play. For example, if a runner is on first base and the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop, the shortstop can throw out the runner at second base or first base. If the runner is safe at second base, it is considered a fielders choice.
When Do They Occur?
In some cases, a fielder’s choice may also be awarded if the defense fails to retire any batters on the play. For example, if a runner is on first base and the batter hits a fly ball that the outfielder catches, the runner may advance to second base. If the fielder then throws out the runner at third base, it is considered a fielders choice.
Fielders’ choices are typically credited to the defensive player who made the initial contact with the ball. However, in some cases, they may be credited to another player involved in the play, such as an infielder who threw out a runner at first base.
Why Is It Called A Fielders Choice?
The term “fielding choice” is used because the defense has the opportunity to make a choice on how to best defend the play. The term is not used when the defense does not have a choice, such as when an infielder throws to first base automatically on a ground ball.
