Baseball 101...Spring Training for the Fan

[Coach C]

Not sure where you want this to go, but I figured this would be the appropriate place.

 

We have many young posters, fans who have never played baseball on the board, or some have little to no baseball knowledge and could not understand, so they just nod their heads and pretend to understand the conversation, thereby creating more confusion.

 

If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask it. Myself, someone who knows will explain it the best we can, or link it on the web. In this thread, there should be no such thing as a "stupid baseball related question".

 

For those who really know.....pick a topic and explain it in a way that a Jr High kid could understand.

 

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

Let the questions and Answers rip. This could be a great educational experience. Lets go NSBB. Get the Rookies in Game-day Shape.

Edited July 16, 2005 by Coach C

[Sparkle]

What a great idea! Thanks for starting this.

 

What is the infield fly rule?

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Who decides the winners of the gold glove award (managers?) and how do they go about selecting the GGers?

[sandberg23]

What a great idea! Thanks for starting this.

 

What is the infield fly rule?

 

With runners at first, first & second, or first, second & third and 0 or 1 outs, when a batter pops the ball up to the infield or to the outfield where an infielder can easily make the catch facing the infield, the batter is called out automatically. The reason is so that the fielder cannot "accidentily" drop the ball on purpose and then get a double play. The double play could occur because the runners will not be running. So, even if the fielder drops the ball, the batter is still out. The runners can advance at their own risk after the call/catch is made.

 

If any of this is incorrect, please fix it. Thanks.

[Fred Hornkohl]

What a great idea! Thanks for starting this.

 

What is the infield fly rule?

 

With runners at first, first & second, or first, second & third and 0 or 1 outs, when a batter pops the ball up to the infield or to the outfield where an infielder can easily make the catch facing the infield, the batter is called out automatically. The reason is so that the fielder cannot "accidentily" drop the ball on purpose and then get a double play. The double play could occur because the runners will not be running. So, even if the fielder drops the ball, the batter is still out. The runners can advance at their own risk after the call/catch is made.

 

If any of this is incorrect, please fix it. Thanks.

 

I don't believe the infield fly rule applies when there is only a runner on first, it's when there are runners on 1st & 2nd, or bases loaded. The batter is never out "automatically", it is a judgement call on the part of the umpire as to whether the fielder could have reasonably made the play.

[sandberg23]

Who decides the winners of the gold glove award (managers?) and how do they go about selecting the GGers?

 

This site has lots of info.

 

The Gold Glove award is given by Rawlings Sporting Goods.....Since 1965, the managers and coaches of each team have taken over the voting responsibility. Voters are not permitted to select players on their own teams......Although voters are supposed to consider defensive performance only, the winners have often borne little relationship to the best defensive players.....

 

The quote is just snippets of what the article says.

[Outshined_One]

Who decides the winners of the gold glove award (managers?) and how do they go about selecting the GGers?

 

Managers and coaches are the ones who decide the awards. It's kind of like being named an NFL All Pro, where typically a person is given the honor based on reputation more than actual play. There are no qualifications for the amount of time played at the position (as evidenced by when Raffy won one for 1B despite playing 28 games there), although it usually helps to hit at least .260 or better.

[sandberg23]

What a great idea! Thanks for starting this.

 

What is the infield fly rule?

 

With runners at first, first & second, or first, second & third and 0 or 1 outs, when a batter pops the ball up to the infield or to the outfield where an infielder can easily make the catch facing the infield, the batter is called out automatically. The reason is so that the fielder cannot "accidentily" drop the ball on purpose and then get a double play. The double play could occur because the runners will not be running. So, even if the fielder drops the ball, the batter is still out. The runners can advance at their own risk after the call/catch is made.

 

If any of this is incorrect, please fix it. Thanks.

 

I don't believe the infield fly rule applies when there is only a runner on first, it's when there are runners on 1st & 2nd, or bases loaded. The batter is never out "automatically", it is a judgement call on the part of the umpire as to whether the fielder could have reasonably made the play.

 

Fred - thanks. That sounds correct to me.

 

ETA:

An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare "Infield Fly" for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare "Infield Fly, if Fair." The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an Infield Fly. On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately. When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly rule takes precedence.

 

Source

[lowest]

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

along with whats quoted above, whats WHIP, LHIP, RHIP or whatever? and anything else you'd like to throw in

[rawaction]

The IF fly rule is very stupid. It basically rewards a bad at bat. It doesn't make any sense that a guy can hit a 50ft popup and only get 1 out, but a guy can rocket a ball to the 3B and possibly make 2-3 outs. I understand that it protects the runners (if they run, they'll get doubled up....if they don't run, they'll get doubled up), but it's the hitter's fault for having such a weak at bat. His team deserves to take whatever consequences result from a popup.

[USSoccer]

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

along with whats quoted above, whats WHIP, LHIP, RHIP or whatever? and anything else you'd like to throw in

 

WHIP is walks and hits per innings pitched.

[USSoccer]

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

along with whats quoted above, whats WHIP, LHIP, RHIP or whatever? and anything else you'd like to throw in

 

OPS is slugging plus on base percentage (OBP).

 

I think you calculate OBP by:

 

walks plus hits/PA(plate apperances)

[erik316wttn]

What the bloody heck is "equivilency average" or whatever that stat is, and what does it determine?

[erik316wttn]

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

along with whats quoted above, whats WHIP, LHIP, RHIP or whatever? and anything else you'd like to throw in

 

OPS is slugging plus on base percentage (OBP).

 

I think you calculate OBP by:

 

walks plus hits/PA(plate apperances)

 

WHIP is a pitching stat that stands for Walks+Hits/Innings pitched. Pretty much, how many baserunners does a pitcher allow?

[rawaction]

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

along with whats quoted above, whats WHIP, LHIP, RHIP or whatever? and anything else you'd like to throw in

 

OPS is slugging plus on base percentage (OBP).

 

I think you calculate OBP by:

 

walks plus hits/PA(plate apperances)

 

OBP also adds in HBP and sac flies.

 

So, basically its: Walks + Hits + HBP/ ABs + Walks + HBPs + SF ( or total plate appearances)

[rawaction]

SLG is total bases/ at bats

 

Total bases = singles + (2 * doubles) + (3* triples) + (4* HRs)

[Fred Hornkohl]

What is OBP%? How do you calculate OBP%? What exactly is SLG? OPS? etc.

 

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

along with whats quoted above, whats WHIP, LHIP, RHIP or whatever? and anything else you'd like to throw in

 

OPS is slugging plus on base percentage (OBP).

 

I think you calculate OBP by:

 

walks plus hits/PA(plate apperances)

 

OBP = ( H + BB + HBP ) / ( AB + BB + HBP + SF )

 

SLG = TB / AB

 

TB (total bases) = H + 2b + ( 3b * 2 ) + ( HR * 3 )

 

OPS = OBP + SLG

[WindyCity]

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

Here's a link to a stats glossary from ESPN.com: Stats Glossary

[lowest]

thats one of the things that always confuses me- all the (seemingly) random letters. i know some of the more basic ones but others ive forgotten, or never knew. is there like a baseball glossary of some kind online?

 

Here's a link to a stats glossary from ESPN.com: Stats Glossary

 

good stuff, thanks

[rocket]

I think I know quite a bit about the game. But I still have no idea what constitutes a balk.

 

So...what constitues a balk?

[Roast]

I consider myself pretty Knowledgeable when it comes to stats and stuff. But there are two i have NO idea what they are....

 

BABIP, IsoD

[rocket]

IsoD is isolated discipline. OBP - AVG. Essentially, it shows how disciplined he is at the plate.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I consider myself pretty Knowledgeable when it comes to stats and stuff. But there are two i have NO idea what they are....

 

BABIP, IsoD

 

BABIP is batting average on balls in play.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

MLB rule 8.05 deals with the balk.

 

Here it is courtesy of mlb.com.

 

If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when_ (a) The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery; If a left-handed or right-handed pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher's rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pick off play. (b) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw; © The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base; Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk. A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base but does not require him to throw (except to first base only) because he steps. It is possible, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it is not a balk. (d) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play; (e) The pitcher makes an illegal pitch; A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter's box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted. (f) The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while he is not facing the batter; (g) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher's plate; (h) The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game; (i) The pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher's plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch; (j) The pitcher, after coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch, or in throwing to a base; (k) The pitcher, while touching his plate, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball; (l) The pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher's box; (m)The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop. PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk. APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and throws wild, either to a base or to home plate, a runner or runners may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk. APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall be considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of this rule. Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire's mind, the "intent" of the pitcher should govern. However, certain specifics should be borne in mind: (a) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk. (b) With a runner on first base the pitcher may make a complete turn, without hesitating toward first, and throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as throwing to an unoccupied base.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

I think I know quite a bit about the game. But I still have no idea what constitutes a balk.

 

So...what constitues a balk?

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/images/wormcan.gif

 

:D