Baseball is a sport full of complex strategies, where players make quick decisions that can change the course of the game. Among these strategies, the fielder choice and sacrifice are two important terms that players and fans often hear.
What is a Fielder Choice?
A fielder choice occurs when the batter hits the ball, but instead of getting out immediately, the fielders make a decision to throw the ball to a base in an attempt to get another runner out. This decision is made by the fielders based on their judgment of which runner poses a bigger threat.
In simpler terms, when a batter hits the ball, the fielder may choose to throw the ball to a base in order to put out a different runner, rather than trying to get the batter out. If the fielder successfully puts out the other runner, the batter is credited with a fielder choice on the play, and the batter is not charged with an out. However, the runner who is thrown out is credited with an out.
For example, if there is a runner on first base and the batter hits the ball to the shortstop, the shortstop may decide to throw the ball to second base to get the runner out, instead of trying to throw out the batter. If the shortstop succeeds in getting the runner out at second, it’s called a fielder’s choice, and the batter stays safe at first.
What is a Sacrifice?
A sacrifice is a type of play where the batter deliberately sacrifices their chance to reach base to help another runner advance. The batter usually bunts the ball or hits a fly ball with the intention of making the opposing team work harder to get an out. Sacrifices are typically made in situations where advancing a runner is crucial, like moving a runner from second to third base.
There are two main types of sacrifices in baseball:
Sacrifice Bunt: In a sacrifice bunt, the batter bunts the ball, allowing the runner to advance while the batter is almost guaranteed to be out. This is a selfless play designed to move a base runner into a better scoring position.
Sacrifice Fly: In a sacrifice fly, the batter hits the ball high into the outfield, allowing the runner to tag up and advance to the next base. The batter is still credited with a sacrifice, even though they hit the ball in the air. The runner’s advancement is considered the key result, not whether the batter reaches base.
In both types of sacrifices, the batter is not credited with a hit, but the outcome benefits the team by moving a runner closer to scoring.
Fielder’s Choice vs. Sacrifice: Key Differences
Now that we have explained fielder’s choice and sacrifice, let’s dive into the key differences between them:
1. The Objective of the Play
A fielder’s choice occurs when the fielder has the opportunity to get the batter out but instead decides to throw the ball to another base to try to get another runner out. The batter is not out on the play.
A sacrifice, on the other hand, is a selfless play by the batter. The batter deliberately sacrifices their chance of getting on base to advance a runner to a better scoring position. The batter is out, but the runner benefits from the play.
2. Batter’s Intentions
In a fielder’s choice, the batter does not intend to advance the runner. Their goal is simply to make contact with the ball. The fielder then decides which base to throw to in an attempt to get another runner out.
In a sacrifice, the batter’s goal is to help the team by advancing a base runner. The batter knows that they will likely be out, but the team benefits from the runner’s advancement.
3. Credit for the Out
In a fielder’s choice, the batter is not credited with a hit, but they are not charged with an out either. The fielder makes the decision to throw to a base to get a different runner out.
In a sacrifice, the batter is credited with a sacrifice but is not given a hit. The batter is out, but their play helps the team by advancing the runner.
4. Type of Play
A fielder’s choice can happen in various situations, such as when a batter hits a ground ball and the fielder has the option of getting an out at another base instead of first.
A sacrifice is a planned and deliberate play, where the batter either bunts or hits a fly ball to move a runner into scoring position. The batter’s personal outcome is not as important as the runner’s advancement.
5. Outcome for the Runner
In a fielder’s choice, the runner may be thrown out at a base, but if they are safe, the batter does not get an out and can continue to play.
In a sacrifice, the batter is out, but the runner moves ahead and is in a better position to score.
6. Statistical Impact
A fielder’s choice does not count as a hit for the batter. However, the batter is not penalized with an out. Instead, the batter is credited with a fielder’s choice on the play.
A sacrifice does not count as a hit either, but the batter is credited with a sacrifice (bunt or fly). The batter is out, but their play serves a strategic purpose of advancing the runner.
When are Fielder’s Choice and Sacrifice Used?
Both fielder’s choice and sacrifice are commonly used in situations where advancing a base runner is crucial to the team’s success.
Fielder’s Choice is often used when there are runners on base, and the fielder makes a decision to put out a runner at a different base. This decision can occur in various game situations, such as a force play at second base or a throw to third to get a faster runner out.
Sacrifice is typically used when a team wants to advance a runner into scoring position, especially with no outs or one out. A sacrifice bunt might be used when a runner is on first base and needs to be moved to second, while a sacrifice fly is used to score a runner from third base.
Examples of Fielder’s Choice and Sacrifice
Here are a couple of examples of both terms in action:
Fielder’s Choice Example: In the bottom of the 5th inning, with a runner on first base and one out, the batter hits a ground ball to shortstop. The shortstop decides to throw the ball to second base to get the runner out, allowing the batter to stay safe at first base. The play is scored as a fielder’s choice.
Sacrifice Example: In the top of the 9th inning, with a runner on second base and no outs, the batter bunts the ball down the first baseline, successfully advancing the runner to third base. The batter is out, but the runner is now in a position to score. This is recorded as a sacrifice bunt.
