A fielder’s choice (FC) in baseball most often happens when a defender fields a fair ground ball and attempts to retire an existing baserunner instead of throwing to first to get the batter. The batter may reach first base safely but is not automatically credited with a hit. It is a scoring judgment about the play, not a special kind of live-ball rule announced by an umpire.
Fielder’s choice example: runner on first
Imagine one out and a runner on first. The batter grounds the ball to the shortstop. Instead of throwing to first base, the shortstop throws to second to force out the runner. The batter reaches first. The scorekeeper records the out at second and commonly marks the batter’s arrival at first as a fielder’s choice. Although a runner reaches base, the batter has not recorded a single.
What if the fielder’s throw does not get the runner?
The defense can attempt a play on the lead runner and fail to record an out. Whether the batter earns a hit can depend on the official scorer’s assessment of whether an ordinary play at first would have retired that batter. A fielder’s choice is not synonymous with ‘one runner was out’. The attempted choice and likely outcome matter.
Fielder’s choice versus single versus error
| Situation | Typical scoring result | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Infielder fields a grounder and throws to second for a force out; batter reaches first | FC, not a hit | Defense chose the preceding runner |
| Hard grounder likely to beat a routine play at first regardless of another throw | May be scored a hit | Batter would likely be safe on ordinary effort |
| Routine throw to first is mishandled | May be an error | Defensive misplay, not a deliberate alternate play |
Some scoring uses of FC also describe how runners advance while a fielder tries to retire another runner. Avoid assuming every FC notation tells exactly the same story without looking at the complete play.
Does a fielder’s choice affect batting average and on-base percentage?
For the common batter-reaches-first FC, the plate appearance usually counts as an at-bat but not as a hit, so it can reduce batting average. It generally does not count as a time on base for on-base percentage. The actual box-score treatment depends on other features of the play, including whether there was a sacrifice, walk or other recognized event. The official scorer’s designation controls the record.
How do you write it in a baseball scorebook?
Use FC for a fielder’s choice. Mark the force out with the relevant fielding sequence, such as shortstop-to-second baseman (6–4), and trace the batter-runner to first. Player position numbers are part of normal baseball notation; if you need a scoring refresher, consult MLB’s official scorekeeping primer.
When is FC different from the infield fly rule?
An infield fly is a special rule for certain catchable pop-ups with runners on and fewer than two outs; the batter can be declared out regardless of a catch. A fielder’s choice ordinarily describes the defense’s decision on a batted ground ball. They address different situations. Our infield fly rule guide shows how the scenarios differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is the batter safe on a fielder’s choice?
Often yes, but the play can also include other outs and baserunner advances. The phrase describes how an advance is recorded.
Can FC happen with no out recorded?
Yes. An unsuccessful attempt to retire a preceding runner can still qualify, depending on what the scorer judges would have happened at first.
Is FC always scored by the home-team scorer?
Major League Baseball uses an official scorer, whose role is separate from the on-field umpiring crew.
Baseball sources checked October 11, 2026. References: MLB’s baserunner glossary and MLB scoring symbols.
Featured photo: Minda Haas Kuhlmann, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; unchanged.
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