A fielder’s choice (FC) is an action taken by a fielder in baseball when a batter hits a ball into the field of play and the fielder chooses to throw out a runner, usually at a base other than the one the batter is headed for. The fielder’s choice is recorded as an out, but the batter is not charged with an at-bat.
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Understanding the Basics of the Fielder’s Choice
At its most basic level, a fielder’s choice occurs when a fielder fields the ball hit by the batter and then chooses to throw out a runner at a base other than the one the batter was headed for. The fielder does not have to throw the ball to the base that the batter was headed for in order for the fielder’s choice to be recorded. The fielder simply has to throw out a runner at another base.
For example, if the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop and the shortstop throws out the runner at third base, the play is recorded as a fielder’s choice. Even if the batter was headed for first base and the shortstop chose to throw the runner out at third, the play is still recorded as a fielder’s choice.
Benefits of the Fielder’s Choice
The primary benefit of the fielder’s choice is that it gives the fielder the ability to make a split-second decision based on the situation. If the fielder believes that throwing out the runner at a base other than the one the batter was headed for will lead to an out, he or she can make that decision without the batter having to suffer an at-bat. This can be beneficial to the team, as it can prevent the batter from making an out and allowing the runners to advance.
When Does a Fielder’s Choice Occur?
A fielder’s choice can occur on any play where the batter hits the ball into the field of play and a runner is thrown out at a base other than the one the batter was headed for. This includes ground balls, fly balls, line drives, and bunts. It is important to note that a fielder’s choice can only be recorded if the fielder chooses to throw out a runner at a base other than the one the batter was headed for. If the fielder chooses to throw out the batter at the base that he or she was headed for, the play is not recorded as a fielder’s choice.
Can a Fielder’s Choice Be Avoided?
In some cases, a fielder’s choice can be avoided. If the batter is running to a base and the fielder chooses to throw to that base, the play is not recorded as a fielder’s choice. This is because the fielder chose to throw the ball to the base that the batter was headed for.
Conclusion
A fielder’s choice is an action taken by a fielder in baseball when a batter hits a ball into the field of play and the fielder chooses to throw out a runner, usually at a base other than the one the batter is headed for. The fielder’s choice is recorded as an out, but the batter is not charged with an at-bat. The primary benefit of the fielder’s choice is that it gives the fielder the ability to make a split-second decision based on the situation. In some cases, a fielder’s choice can be avoided if the fielder chooses to throw to the base that the batter was headed for.