For the longest time, baseball fans have been debating over whether or not a fielder’s choice (FC) should count as a hit. The argument is that a fielder’s choice is a defensive play and not an offensive one, therefore it should not be counted as a hit. While this is certainly a valid point, there are also arguments to be made in favor of the fielder’s choice being counted as a hit.
What is a Fielder’s Choice?
First, let’s take a look at what exactly a fielder’s choice is. A fielder’s choice is a play made by the defense in which an out is recorded, but an offensive player is given credit for reaching base. This usually occurs when a fielder makes a decision to throw to a base other than the one the batter is running to, and the runner is safe as a result.
The Argument in Favor of Fielder’s Choice Counting as a Hit
The argument in favor of a fielder’s choice counting as a hit revolves around the idea that the batter has done their job, which is to get on base. It doesn’t matter how they reached base, whether it’s a hit, a walk, or a fielder’s choice. The fact of the matter is that the batter has reached base safely and should be given credit for it.
Another argument in favor of a fielder’s choice counting as a hit is that it encourages smart baserunning. The batter is given a choice to either hit the ball or try to reach base by way of a fielder’s choice. In order to get on base via a fielder’s choice, the batter must be able to read the fielders and make a decision that will give them the best chance of reaching base. It rewards them for making smart decisions on the field.
The Argument Against Fielder’s Choice Counting as a Hit
The main argument against a fielder’s choice counting as a hit is that it is a defensive play and not an offensive one. The batter has not actually hit the ball and is not being given credit for it. This undermines the importance of actually hitting the ball and is not an accurate representation of a batter’s ability.
Some people also argue that a fielder’s choice should not count as a hit as it can lead to artificially inflated batting averages. A fielder’s choice can sometimes be seen as an easy way to get on base and could lead to a batter’s average being higher than it should be.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is up to the individual leagues and organizations to decide whether a fielder’s choice should count as a hit or not. While there are valid arguments to be made for and against it, the final decision will ultimately come down to personal preference. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to remember that the main thing that matters is that the game is being played fairly and with respect to all of the rules.