The term “fielder’s choice” has been a part of baseball language for over 150 years. It is used to describe a play in which a fielder chooses to make a play on a batted ball rather than throw it to a base. It is a common occurrence in the game, and has a long history in baseball.
History of Fielder’s Choice
The earliest known reference to a fielder’s choice is from an 1867 newspaper article in which a fielder is described as having “made a fielder’s choice” by throwing to a base rather than making a play on the ball. In the late 19th century, the term was used to describe a fielder’s decision to throw to an occupied base rather than make a play on the ball. It was not until the early 20th century, however, that the term became a part of the official baseball language.
The term “fielder’s choice” was first used in the official baseball rule book in 1911. The rule stated that a fielder “may make a fielder’s choice by throwing to an occupied base or by making a play on the ball.” The rule was amended in 1913 to include the phrase “or by throwing to an unoccupied base.” This is the form of the rule that is most commonly used today.
Function of Fielder’s Choice
A fielder’s choice is an important part of the game because it allows a fielder to make a play on a batted ball without having to throw it to a base. This allows the fielder to make a play on a batted ball without having to worry about throwing the ball to an occupied base or allowing a runner to advance on a base. It also allows the fielder to make a play on a batted ball without having to worry about the consequences of an error.
Types of Fielder’s Choice
There are two main types of fielder’s choice: the “standard” fielder’s choice and the “pop-up fielder’s choice.” The standard fielder’s choice occurs when a fielder chooses to make a play on a batted ball rather than throw it to a base. The pop-up fielder’s choice occurs when a fielder catches a pop-up and chooses to throw the ball to a base instead of trying to make a play on the ball.
Conclusion
Fielder’s choice is an important part of the game of baseball. It has been a part of the game for over 150 years, and it is an essential tool for fielders to make plays on batted balls without having to worry about throwing to an occupied base or allowing a runner to advance on a base. It is a term that is used in the official baseball rulebook and is an important part of the game.