Unlocking the Mystery- Can You Legitimately Get an RBI on a Fielder’s Choice-

Can you get an RBI on a fielder’s choice? This is a question that often arises in the realm of baseball, where the intricacies of the game can sometimes leave even the most seasoned fans scratching their heads. In this article, we will delve into the concept of a fielder’s choice and explore whether or not it is possible to record a run batted in (RBI) on such an occurrence.

Fielder’s choice is a term used in baseball to describe a play where the defensive team has two or more outs, and the batter is ruled out because of a forceout or a double play. However, this does not necessarily mean that the batter is unable to contribute to the team’s scoring. In this article, we will discuss the possibility of earning an RBI on a fielder’s choice and provide examples to illustrate the concept.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that a fielder’s choice does not guarantee that the batter will be credited with an RBI. The RBI is awarded when a batter drives in a run, and this can happen in various situations, including a fielder’s choice. For instance, if the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop, who throws to the second baseman for the forceout, and the second baseman then throws to the catcher for the second out, the batter is ruled out on the forceout. However, if the batter is also credited with a sacrifice bunt or a sacrifice fly during this play, they can still earn an RBI.

One example of earning an RBI on a fielder’s choice is when a batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman, who makes a perfect throw to the first baseman for the forceout. In this scenario, the batter is ruled out on the forceout, but if they were to sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly, they would still be credited with an RBI. This is because the sacrifice bunt or fly allows the batter to advance a runner, thereby contributing to the team’s scoring.

Another example can be seen when a batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop, who throws to the second baseman for the forceout. If the second baseman, in the process of making the throw, throws the ball away, allowing the runner on first base to advance to second base, the batter is still ruled out on the forceout. However, since the runner advanced due to the batter’s actions, they can be credited with an RBI.

It is worth noting that while it is possible to earn an RBI on a fielder’s choice, it is not a common occurrence. This is because fielder’s choices often result in double plays or forceouts, which typically prevent the batter from contributing to the team’s scoring. Nevertheless, the possibility exists, and understanding the rules surrounding fielder’s choices can help clarify this aspect of the game.

In conclusion, while it is not a common occurrence, it is indeed possible to get an RBI on a fielder’s choice. By understanding the rules and scenarios in which a batter can contribute to the team’s scoring despite being ruled out on a forceout or double play, fans and players alike can appreciate the intricacies of baseball even more. So, the answer to the question “Can you get an RBI on a fielder’s choice?” is a resounding yes, albeit not as frequently as one might think.