Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and its terminology can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the game. One term that is often encountered in baseball is GF, which stands for “game-ending fielder’s choice.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning of GF in baseball, as well as how it’s used in the game.
What Is a Fielder’s Choice?
A fielder’s choice is a defensive play in which a fielder attempts to make a play on a batted ball before it reaches a base. The fielder attempts to throw out or tag out a runner attempting to advance to the next base. If the fielder is successful, the runner is out and the batter remains at the same base.
How Is GF Used in Baseball?
GF is used in baseball to describe a defensive play that results in a game-ending out. This can happen in a variety of ways. For example, if a runner on third attempts to score on a ground ball and is thrown out at home, the play would be recorded as a GF.
Similarly, if a runner on first attempts to steal second and is thrown out, the play would be recorded as a GF. In either of these situations, the runner attempting to reach the next base is out and the game ends.
GF vs. FC
It’s important to note that GF is not the same as FC, which stands for “fielder’s choice.” FC is a defensive play in which a fielder attempts to make a play on a batted ball before it reaches a base. The fielder attempts to throw out or tag out a runner attempting to advance to the next base.
However, FC does not necessarily result in a game-ending out. For example, if a fielder makes a play on a batted ball and throws out the runner attempting to reach the next base, the play will be recorded as an FC, but the game will not end.
Difference Between GF and DP
GF is also not the same as DP, which stands for “double play.” A double play is a defensive play in which two runners are put out on the same play. This usually happens when a runner attempts to steal a base and the fielder makes a throw to the base in time to tag out the runner.
However, a double play does not necessarily result in a game-ending out. For example, if a runner attempts to steal a base and is thrown out, but the runner on third base is able to score, the play will be recorded as a double play, but the game will not end.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GF in baseball stands for “game-ending fielder’s choice.” GF is a defensive play in which a fielder attempts to make a play on a batted ball before it reaches a base, and the runner attempting to reach the next base is thrown out, resulting in a game-ending out. It’s important to note that GF is not the same as FC or DP, both of which can result in a defensive play but not necessarily a game-ending out.