Baseball is a sport with a rich history, and the game has many unique stats and metrics that can be used to measure the performance of a team or individual player. WHIP, which stands for Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched, is one of the most frequently cited measures of a pitcher’s effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explain what WHIP means in baseball and how it is used to evaluate a pitcher’s performance.
What is WHIP?
WHIP stands for Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched. It is a statistic that measures the number of walks and hits a pitcher allows per inning pitched. It is a good measure of a pitcher’s control, as it takes into account the number of base runners the pitcher has allowed. A low WHIP is an indication of a pitcher’s effectiveness, as it means that the pitcher has allowed fewer base runners.
How Is WHIP Calculated?
WHIP is calculated by dividing the number of walks and hits allowed by the total number of innings pitched. So, if a pitcher has allowed 12 hits and 8 walks in 6 innings pitched, the WHIP would be calculated as follows: (12 + 8) / 6 = 2.0. This means that the pitcher has allowed 2 base runners per inning pitched.
Why Is WHIP Important?
WHIP is an important statistic in baseball because it provides a measure of a pitcher’s control. A low WHIP indicates that the pitcher has allowed fewer base runners, which is an important factor in determining the success of a pitcher. It also provides an indication of how many runs a pitcher is likely to give up, as a higher WHIP usually means the pitcher will give up more runs.
How Is WHIP Used?
WHIP is used to evaluate a pitcher’s performance. It is often used in conjunction with other metrics such as ERA (Earned Run Average) and strikeouts, to get a better overall picture of a pitcher’s effectiveness. WHIP is also used to compare pitchers to one another, as it gives a good indication of a pitcher’s control.
Conclusion
WHIP is an important statistic in baseball that measures the number of walks and hits a pitcher allows per inning pitched. It is a good measure of a pitcher’s control and is often used in conjunction with other metrics to evaluate a pitcher’s performance. Low WHIP numbers indicate that a pitcher has good control and is likely to give up fewer runs.