What are Considered Errors in Baseball?

Errors in baseball are assessed based on the judgment of the official scorer, determining whether the fielders have made acceptable plays. According to Major League Baseball (MLB), a fielder receives an error if, in the official scorer's opinion, they fail to convert an out in a situation where an average fielder should have succeeded. This includes instances where a fielder makes a poor play, allowing one or more runners to advance on the bases. Additionally, even if a batter does not reach base, a fielder can be penalized with an error for mishandling a foul ball that extends an at-bat.

In modern practice, an error on a batted ball is only recorded if the fielder makes contact with the ball and fails to catch it. If the fielder misplays the ball but doesn’t make contact, it is considered a base hit rather than an error. However, if a throw made by the fielder goes well beyond the baseman's ability to catch it, and as a result, it goes into foul territory or the outfield, the fielder can still be charged with an error.

Multiple Errors on One Play

Multiple errors can occur on a single play, as illustrated in a scenario where an infielder drops a catchable ball, allowing the batter to reach first base, and then throws wildly, enabling the hitter or runner to reach second base. In such a case, the infielder would receive two errors. If the fielder retrieving the errant throw then makes another wild throw, leading to the hitter/runner reaching third base, a third error would be attributed. Potentially, a fourth error could be applied if another wild throw results in the hitter/runner scoring.

The Attribution of Responsibility

The allocation of responsibility for throwing errors is nuanced, often depending on the fielder's skill level. For instance, skilled first basemen like Keith Hernandez could catch poor throws while keeping their feet on the bag, whereas a less skillful first baseman might be charged with a throwing error. Official scorers have discretion in attributing responsibility, whether to the thrower or the fielder catching the throw. This discretion underscores the variability in how errors are recorded.

Historical Context and Modern Reassessments

Historically, fielding percentage, calculated as the number of errors over total fielding chances, was seen as a good measure of defensive prowess. However, in recent years, statisticians and experts have recognized that many fielders escape an error because they do not reach a catchable ball. Instead, the pitcher is often blamed for a hit. This has led to a push towards more advanced fielding statistics that consider the performance of a fielder based on the degree of difficulty of securing an out.

These new metrics take into account not only the fielder's actions but also the context of the play. For example, they evaluate a fielder's range from their starting point, providing a more accurate picture of their defensive contributions. Quality of positioning has not yet been fully factored into these metrics, but teams increasingly employ strategic shifts based on historical data about batters to reduce the likelihood of challenging plays.

The Role of Technology

The advent of advanced technology has significantly transformed error assessment. With the introduction of StatCast, a system of cameras placed around Major League fields, far more precise fielding evaluations are possible. This has diminished the traditional emphasis on errors. StatCast provides detailed analysis of each play, which allows for more accurate determinations of a fielder's performance.

In conclusion, understanding errors in baseball requires a thorough knowledge of the rules and the evolving methods of assessment. As technology continues to advance and statistical analysis becomes more sophisticated, the way we evaluate fielding will undoubtedly continue to change, providing a clearer picture of a player's defensive capabilities.