Factors Affecting Batting Averages

Batting averages offer a way to statistically measure a hitter's success at the plate. In simplest terms, a batting average represents a player's total number of hits divided by total number of at bats. Examining the various plays included in this mathematical equation reveal the factors behind a player's average.

  1. At Bats

    • Since a batting average is calculated by dividing the number of hits by the number of at bats, the frequency of a batter's appearance at the plate determines the average. A hitter with one at bat and one hit earns a batting average of 1.000. Obviously, the converse is also true. Someone with one at bat and no hits earns an average of .000. Players who bat frequently level out to a more accurate average over time.

    Hits

    • Number of hits makes up another essential factor in determining a player's batting average. In fact, it represents the key factor that a batting average describes. A player with very few hits earns a low average. For instance, a player who went to bat 10 times and had one hit would earn a .100 batting average. Batters who get more hits at the plate gain higher averages. A player who got a hit in 34 out of 100 at bats would earn a .340 average.

    Outs

    • Several situations at the plate result in an out for the batter. Each instance negatively impacts the batting average by lowering it. Strikeouts, fly balls and ground outs each factor into a player's average. Outs count as zeroes when calculating a batting average. These zeroes are added to the total number of hits. Since zeroes divided by a positive number result in a fraction, even one out keeps a player's average below 1.000.

    Errors and Fielder's Choice Plays

    • Although classified as neither a hit nor an out, errors and fielder's choice plays still factor into a player's batting average. Both of these types of plays result from an at bat in which a player would incur an out under normal circumstances. Plays in which a fielder mishandles a ball, allowing the hitter to get to first base, fall under the category of errors. Fielder's choice plays result when a fielder chooses to use a would-be out by the batter to tag out a base runner instead. Both of these types of plays count as zeroes against a player's average just like a regular out.