Baseball statistics

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Baseball statistics are a collection of quantitative data that measure various aspects of the game of baseball. These statistics are used to evaluate the performance of players, teams, and managers. They are an essential part of the game, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of players and teams.

History

The use of statistics in baseball dates back to the 19th century. Henry Chadwick, a sportswriter and statistician, is credited with developing the box score, which is a summary of a baseball game. Chadwick's work laid the foundation for modern baseball statistics.

Types of Statistics

Baseball statistics can be broadly categorized into traditional and advanced metrics.

Traditional Statistics

Traditional statistics are the basic metrics that have been used for decades to evaluate player performance. These include:

• Batting average (BA): The ratio of a player's hits to their at-bats.
• Runs batted in (RBI): The number of runs a player has driven in.
• Home runs (HR): The number of home runs a player has hit.
• Earned run average (ERA): The average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings.
• Wins and losses (W-L): The number of games a pitcher has won and lost.

Advanced Metrics

Advanced metrics, also known as sabermetrics, provide a deeper analysis of player performance. These include:

• On-base percentage (OBP): The ratio of a player's times on base to their plate appearances.
• Slugging percentage (SLG): The total number of bases a player records per at-bat.
• On-base plus slugging (OPS): The sum of a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
• Wins Above Replacement (WAR): A comprehensive statistic that measures a player's total contributions to their team.

Applications

Baseball statistics are used by managers, coaches, scouts, and analysts to make informed decisions. They help in:

• Evaluating player performance
• Making strategic decisions during games
• Drafting and trading players
• Setting player salaries

Related Pages

• Baseball
• Sabermetrics
• Henry Chadwick
• Box score (baseball)
• Batting average
• Earned run average
• Wins Above Replacement