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In baseball statistics, an at bat (AB) is used to calculate other data such as batting average. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance. A batter has an at bat every time he faces a pitcher, except in the following circumstances:
- He receives a base on balls (BB).In 1887, Major League Baseball counted bases on balls as hits. The result was skyrocketed batting averages, including some near .500, and the experiment was abandoned the following season.
- He is hit by a pitch (HBP).
- He hits a sacrifice fly or a sacrifice hit (also known as sacrifice bunt).
- He is awarded first base due to interference or obstruction, usually by the catcher.
- The inning ends while he is still at bat (due to the third out being made by a runner caught stealing, for example).
- He is replaced by another hitter before his at bat is completed (unless he is replaced with two strikes and his replacement strikes out).
Examples
An at bat is counted when
- the batter reaches first base on a hit
- the batter reaches first base on an error
- the batter is called out for any reason other than as part of a sacrifice
- there is a fielder's choice
At bat as a phrase
"At bat," "up," "up at bat," and "at the plate" are phrases in baseball describing someone that is facing the pitcher. Interestingly, just because a player is described as being at bat (facing the pitcher) does not mean he will be given an at bat in his statistics, and in fact just signifies a plate appearance.
Notes
See also
"At bat"