ERA, or earned run average, is one of the most important measures of a pitcher’s success in the game of baseball. It is a statistic that measures the number of earned runs a pitcher has allowed per nine innings pitched. A pitcher’s ERA is a key indicator of how well they have been performing and can be used to compare pitchers against each other. But what is considered a good ERA?
What is an ERA?
ERA stands for earned run average, and it is a statistic used to measure the number of earned runs a pitcher has allowed over nine innings pitched. This statistic is calculated by taking the number of earned runs allowed and dividing it by the number of innings pitched. Additionally, ERA is divided into three categories: starters, relievers, and closers.
Starters’ ERA is calculated with all innings pitched, as well as innings in relief. This allows for a more accurate ERA for starters who are generally expected to pitch more innings than relievers and closers. Relievers and closers, on the other hand, have their ERA calculated with only innings pitched in relief. This is because relievers and closers usually don’t pitch as many innings as starters.
What is a Good ERA?
A good ERA is typically considered to be below 3.00, although this can vary depending on the league and the pitcher’s role. A starter’s ERA should ideally be below 3.00, while a reliever’s ERA should be below 2.00 and a closer’s ERA should be below 1.50.
For starters, an ERA between 3.00 and 4.00 is considered average, while an ERA above 4.00 is considered bad. For relievers, an ERA between 2.00 and 3.00 is considered average, while an ERA above 3.00 is considered bad. Lastly, for closers, an ERA between 1.50 and 2.50 is considered average, while an ERA above 2.50 is considered bad.
Factors that Impact ERA
There are a variety of factors that can affect a pitcher’s ERA. The most important factor is the quality of the pitcher’s pitches. Pitchers who can throw pitches with more movement, velocity, and control are more likely to have a lower ERA. Additionally, pitchers who can throw more strikes and limit walks are also more likely to have a lower ERA.
Another important factor is the quality of the defense behind the pitcher. Poor defensive plays can lead to more runs being allowed, which can drive up a pitcher’s ERA. Additionally, the quality of the opposition can also have an impact on a pitcher’s ERA. If a pitcher is facing a strong lineup of hitters, it can be more difficult to keep their ERA low.
Lastly, the environment can also have an impact on a pitcher’s ERA. If a pitcher is pitching in a hitter’s park, they are more likely to allow more runs than if they were pitching in a pitcher’s park. This is because the environment can affect the speed and movement of a pitcher’s pitches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ERA is an important statistic for evaluating a pitcher’s performance. A good ERA is typically considered to be below 3.00 for starters, below 2.00 for relievers, and below 1.50 for closers. There are a variety of factors that can affect a pitcher’s ERA, such as the quality of the pitcher’s pitches, the quality of the defense behind the pitcher, the quality of the opposition, and the environment. All of these factors must be taken into account when evaluating a pitcher’s ERA.