Runs Batted In

My guess would be "neither" - same as when a runner scores on a wild pitch or passed ball. Team season RBI's will always be lower than runs scored.

The only "runner" who may get credit for an RBI is a batter/runner who hits a home run.

If there were no errors or passed balls involved, the balked-in run is an earned run.

As stated, there is no RBI in this balk situation. RBI= Run Batted In....in no way was a bat involved in this situation.

This is another example of why HS stats are fairly useless. RBI's, saves, batting averages, etc. are all subjective and only as accurate as the hometeam scorer.

Ive seen saves reported in the local paper when the team was winning by 10 runs, I've seen players touted for going 4-4 when I umpired the game and saw that player go 1-4 while getting on base 3 times by fielding errors.

ERA and scoring in general makes me crazy Is there a source where I could learn more? Always a new situation. Reconstructing innings[lol] most of the time we at the fence can't agree what just happened in real time.

#1 fielders choice where out is not made: runner on second, one out, ground ball to short play to third FC both safe. Next batter ground ball to second out at first run scored earned or not? [this should have been the third out if the FC play had been made at first]Is this and error since an out was not made that should have by definition of FC.

#2 runner on 2nd and 3rd 2 outs hitter pops up to 1st base in foul territory but ball is dropped next pitch double.RBI basehit earned run???

#3 Is an error ever given to an infielder/catcher on a throw from the outfield thought to be in time that is dropped on an agressive slide.

You don't have to hit the ball for an RBI. A walk or hit by pitch with the bases loaded is an RBI for the batter.

Here is the MLB rule for an RBI:

RUNS BATTED IN
10.04
(a) Credit the batter with a run batted in for every run which reaches home base because of the batter's safe hit, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder's choice; or which is forced over the plate by reason of the batter becoming a runner with the bases full (on a base on balls, or an award of first base for being touched by a pitched ball, or for interference or obstruction). (1) Credit a run batted in for the run scored by the batter who hits a home run. Credit a run batted in for each runner who is on base when the home run is hit and who scores ahead of the batter who hits the home run. (2) Credit a run batted in for the run scored when, before two are out, an error is made on a play on which a runner from third base ordinarily would score. (b) Do not credit a run batted in when the batter grounds into a force double play or a reverse force double play. (c) Do not credit a run batted in when a fielder is charged with an error because he muffs a throw at first base which would have completed a force double play. (d) Scorer's judgment must determine whether a run batted in shall be credited for a run which scores when a fielder holds the ball, or throws to a wrong base. Ordinarily, if the runner keeps going, credit a run batted in; if the runner stops and takes off again when he notices the misplay, credit the run as scored on a fielder's choice.

From what I gather in the above senario, and as others have stated, no RBI would be given for a runner scoring on a balk.

Piaa_ump,

I learned just last week that no matter what the score (we were up by a bunch) since the reliever pitched at least three effective innings and finished the game he was awarded a save. Not sure I agree with it, but it happened.

SAVES FOR RELIEF PITCHERS
10.20
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions: (1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and (2) He is not the winning pitcher; and (3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions: (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

Justafan,

#1--FC's are not factored in reconstructing an inning for earned runs. Was the runner at 3B safe because batted ball was fielded cleanly and the throw late? Or did SS or 3B mishandle ball for an error? If no error committed, runner scoring on GB to 2B is earned, assuming this runner did not reach base originally by an error.

#2--RBI, double, and both runs unearned because at bat (and inning) prolonged by dropped foul fly ball. Assuming next batter makes third out.

#3--Yes, if infielder/catcher cannot field accurate throw cleanly with ordinary effort.

thanks colo05dad

I've just never been too strong with the book.The first one really bothered me since the pitcher takes the earned run for what turns out to be a mental 'error' on the part of the ss which in effect prolonged the inning.On the other hand if he got the man going to third he could very likely save the pitcher a run and although baseball is considered by most to be an individual game very few stats especially on the defensive side are earned in a vacuum.

justafan -
Not to promote another web site because I think the HSBASEBALLWEB is the greatest, but baseballscorecard.com has several good references as well as a scorekeeper message board.

Justafan,

I know how you feel on the 'mental' errors affecting a pitchers ERA. Two nights ago my son was pitching and got the first two batters out in the bottom of the 1st inning. Next batter hits lazy fly ball to CF. CF took 2 steps back, hesitated, ran forward 3-4 steps, stopped and waited for ball to bounce 10 ft in front of him (aka lazy). Next batter hits fly ball to RF. RF misjudges and batter is standing on second. Both runners scored before inning was over, giving pitcher 2 more earned runs.

You may want to go MLB website and print a copy of the rules for scorekeeping. They are actually pretty easy to read and understand. I have to refer to them from time to time for 'unusual' situations.

Good luck to you in the rest of your season.

Thanks for the help Maybe I'll just start keeping my own book to learn the fine points.