$Unique_ID{BAS01284} $Pretitle{} $Title{Appendix: Rules and Scoring: Part 7} $Subtitle{} $Author{ Bingham, Dennis Heitz, Thomas R.} $Subject{Rule Rules Score Scoring Change Changes} $Log{} Total Baseball: Appendixes Rules and Scoring: Part 7 Dennis Bingham and Thomas R. Heitz 1951 Base Hit When a batter apparently hits safely and a runner who is obliged to advance by reason of the batter becoming a baserunner misses touching the first base to which he is advancing and is called out on appeal, charge the batter with a time at bat but no hit. Caught Stealing When records are kept of players caught stealing by catchers, credit the catcher with preventing a stolen base each time he traps a runner off any base with a thrown ball and, as a result of such throw, the runner is retired or would have been except for a subsequent error by any fielder, including the catcher. Runners who are retired in rundown plays started by the catcher trapping a runner off any base, or whose baserunning life is prolonged by an error after they have been trapped off base by the catcher, are to be included among those prevented from stealing by the catcher. Championship To be designated as the leader of his league's pitchers in the minimum average number of earned runs allowed, a pitcher is required to pitch at least as many innings as the number of games scheduled for each team in his league. (This would be 154 innings in a major league.) Error If a batter is awarded first base by an umpire because of interference by the catcher, charge the catcher with an error; if an umpire awards a runner or runners one or more bases because of interference or obstruction by any defensive player, charge the player who committed the interference or obstruction with one error, no matter how many bases the runner or runners are advanced. An error is to be charged when a fielder, in violation of the playing rules, touches a thrown ball with his cap, glove, or uniform while such article is detached from its proper place. Sacrifice Score a sacrifice if, with less than two out, the batter advances one or more runners with a bunt and is retired at first base, or would have been retired except for a fielding error. In case a runner is forced out at any base on a bunt, it shall be scored as a time at bat but no sacrifice. Also score a sacrifice if, with less than two out, the fielders handle a bunted ball without error in attempting to force a preceding runner but fail to do so. Exception: When such an attempt is made to turn a bunt into a force-out of a preceding runner and fails and it is the scorer's judgment that perfect play would not have retired the batter at first base, it shall be scored as a one-base hit and not as a sacrifice. Shutout No pitcher shall be credited with pitching a shutout unless he pitches the complete game. When two or more pitchers combine to pitch a shutout, a notation to that effect should be included in the league's official pitching records. Stolen Base See Caught Stealing; also see 1950 Stolen Base entry. Time at Bat See Base Hit. Winning and Losing Pitcher Determining the winning and losing pitcher of a game in which a team uses more than one pitcher often calls for careful consideration. Scorers can be guided by these rules: (1) Credit the starting pitcher with a game won only if he has pitched at least five complete innings and his team not only is in the lead when he is replaced but remains in the lead the remainder of the game; (2) They "must pitch five complete innings" rule in respect to the starting pitcher shall be in effect for all games of six or more innings. When a game is ended after five innings of play the starting pitcher must have pitched at least four complete innings to be credited with a victory. As stated in 10.16 (a), the starting pitcher in a five-inning game can be credited with a victory only if his team is in the lead when he is replaced (after pitching at least four complete innings) and his team remains in the lead to the finish of the game; (3) Except in a five-inning game (when they "must pitch at least four complete innings" rule applies) if the winning team uses more than two pitchers and the starting pitcher has not pitched at least five complete innings the victory shall be awarded one of the relieving pitchers on this basis: (a) Once the opposing team assumes the lead, all pitchers who have pitched for the winning team up to that point are excluded from being credited with the victory with the exception that if the pitcher against whose pitching the opposing team gained the lead continues to pitch until his team regains the lead which it holds to the finish of the game that pitcher would be the winning pitcher; (b) If, after the starting pitcher is replaced before pitching at least five complete innings, the opposing team does not tie the score or take the lead, credit the victory to the relief pitcher deemed by the scorer to have done the most effective pitching; (c) Whenever the score is tied, the game becomes a new contest insofar as determining the winning and losing pitchers are concerned; (d) With one exception, no pitcher can be credited with a victory unless he is the pitcher of record when his team assumes a lead and maintains the lead to the finish of the game; (e) The exception to the foregoing is: Do not credit a game won to a relief pitcher who pitches briefly and ineffectively and is the pitcher of record when his team assumes a lead which it maintains over a period of innings to the finish of the game. If a succeeding relief pitcher pitches effectively in helping to maintain his team in the lead credit such relief pitcher with the victory. 1952 Championship The individual batting champion of any league shall be the player with the highest batting average, if he is credited with as many or more times at bat as the number of games scheduled for one club in his league during the season, multiplied by 2.6. However, if there is any player in a league with fewer than the required number of times at bat whose average would be the highest if he were charged with this required at-bat total, then that player shall be awarded the batting championship. Putout When a runner is declared out by an umpire for running out of line to avoid being tagged by the ball in the hands of a fielder, the putout shall be credited to the fielder whom the runner avoided; when a runner is called out for passing another runner, credit the putout to the fielder nearest the spot at which the violation took place. 1953 There were no changes to the scoring rules this year. 1954 Double Play A double play is a play by the defense in which two offensive players are legally put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts. Sacrifice The following section was added to the rule regarding sacrifice bunts and flies: Also score a sacrifice if, with less than two out, the batter hits a fair fly ball which is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or is dropped for an error, and a runner scores, if in the scorer's judgment, the runner could have scored after the catch had the fly been caught. Scorer To promote uniformity in keeping the records of championship games, scorers shall conform to the instructions of this scoring code, but in no case shall the scorer's decisions conflict with the playing rules. Scoring Summary Sacrifice flies and bunts are to be listed separately in the scoring summary. 1955 Assist Mere ineffective contact with the ball shall not be considered an assist. "Deflect" shall mean to slow down or change the direction of the ball and thereby effectively assist in retiring a batter or runner. Do not credit an assist to the pitcher when, as the result of a legal pitch caught by the catcher, a runner is retired, as when the catcher picks a runner off base, throws out a runner trying to steal or tags a runner trying to steal home. Do not credit an assist to a fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to advance, even though the runner subsequently is retired as a result of a continuous play. A play which follows an error is a new play, and the player making an error is not entitled to an assist unless he takes part in the new play. Base Hit A base hit shall be scored when a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which takes an unnatural bounce so that a fielder cannot handle it with ordinary effort, or which strikes the pitcher's plate or any base (including home plate) before being touched by a fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot handle it with ordinary effort. A base hit shall be scored when the fielder throws to another base in an unsuccessful attempt to retire a preceding runner, and in the scorer's judgment the batter-runner would not have been retired at first base by perfect fielding. A base hit shall not be scored when a fielder fails in an attempt to retire a preceding runner, and in the scorer's judgment the batter-runner could have been retired at first base. A base hit shall not be scored when a fielder handles a batted ball and retires a preceding runner, or would have retired one with ordinary effort except for a fielding error. Charge the batter with a time at bat but no hit. Note: This shall not apply if the fielder merely looks toward or feints toward another base before attempting to make the putout at first base. Base Hit/Value Whether a safe hit shall be scored as a one-base hit, two-base hit, or three-base hit when no error or putout results, shall be determined as follows: When, with one or more runners on base, the batter advances more than one base on a safe hit and the defensive team makes an attempt to retire a preceding runner, the scorer shall determine whether the batter made a legitimate two-base hit or three-base hit, or whether he advanced beyond first base on the fielder's choice. Note: The rules of 1955 include a series of examples to illustrate the application of this rule for the guidance of the scorer. When the batter attempts to make a two-base hit or a three-base hit by sliding, he must hold the last base to which he advances. If he overslides and is tagged out before getting back to the base safely, he shall be credited with only as many bases as he attained safely. If he overslides second base and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a one-base hit; if he overslides third base and is tagged out he shall be credited with a two-base hit. Note: If the batter overruns second or third base and is tagged out trying to return, he shall be credited with the last base he touched. If he runs past second base after reaching that base on his feet, attempts to return and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a two-base hit. If he runs past third base after reaching that base on his feet, attempts to return and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a three-base hit. Subject to provisions of the playing rules, when the batter ends a game with a safe hit which drives in as many runs as are necessary to put his team in the lead, he shall be credited with only as many bases on his hit as are advanced by the runner who scores the winning run, and then only if the batter runs out his hit for as many bases as are advanced by the runner who scores the winning run, touching each base in proper order. Note: Apply this rule even when the batter is theoretically entitled to more bases because of being awarded an "automatic" extra-base hit under various provisions of the playing rules. Base on Balls A base on balls shall be scored whenever a batter is awarded first base because of four balls having been pitched outside the strike zone, but when the fourth such ball strikes the batter it shall be scored as a "hit batter." Note: The scoring rules contain detailed instructions for charging runners who receive a base on balls when the pitcher is changed in mid-batter. Batter/Out of Turn When a player bats out of turn, and is put out, and the proper batter is called out before the ball is pitched to the next batter, charge the proper batter with a time at bat and score the putout and any assists the same as if the correct batting order had been followed. If an improper batter becomes a runner by reason of a hit, error, fielder's choice, hit batter, base on balls, interference or obstruction, and the proper batter is called out for having missed his turn at bat, charge the proper batter with a time at bat, credit the putout to the catcher, and ignore everything entering into the improper batter's safe arrival on base. If more than one batter bats out of turn in succession, score all plays just as they occur, skipping the turn at bat of the player or players who first missed batting in the proper order. Box Score A box score is in balance (or proved) when the total of the team's times at bat, bases on balls received, hit batters, sacrifice bunts, sacrifice flies, and batters awarded first base because of interference or obstruction, equals the total of that team's runs, players left on base, and the opposing team's putouts. Caught Stealing Do not credit the catcher with a man "caught stealing" when he traps a runner off base after fielding a batted ball or on any play started by another fielder. Championship The individual fielding champions shall be the fielders with the highest fielding average at each position, subject to the following: (1) A catcher must have participated as a catcher in at least 90 games (80 games in leagues playing schedules of 140 games or less); (2) An infielder or outfielder must have participated at his position in at least 100 games (90 games in leagues playing schedules of 140 games or less); (3) A pitcher must have pitched in at least as many innings as the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season. Earned Run The scoring rules of 1955 contain detailed provisions for charging runners and runs to starting pitchers and relief pitchers where pitching changes are made in mid-batter. No run can be earned which scores as a result of the batter reaching first base (1) on a hit or otherwise after his time at bat is prolonged by a muffed foul fly; (2) because of interference or obstruction; or (3) because of any fielding error, except for a wild pitch charged as an error. Error Slow handling of the ball which does not involve mechanical misplay shall not be construed as an error. An error shall be charged against any fielder when he muffs a foul fly, to prolong the time at bat of the batter, whether the batter subsequently reaches first base or is retired. If a runner advances on a throw by a fielder, and in the scorer's judgment there was no occasion for the throw, an error shall be charged to the fielder making the unnecessary throw. An error shall be charged against any fielder whose throw takes an unnatural bounce, or strikes a base or the pitcher's plate, or strikes a runner, a fielder or an umpire, thereby permitting any runner to advance. Note: Apply this rule even when it appears to be an injustice to a fielder whose throw was accurately directed. Every base advanced by a runner must be accounted for. When an umpire awards the batter or any runner or runners one or more bases because of interference or obstruction, charge the fielder who committed the interference or obstruction with one error, no matter how many bases the batter, or runner or runners, may be advanced. No error shall be charged against the catcher when he makes a wild throw in attempting to prevent a stolen base, unless such wild throw permits the base stealer to advance one or more extra bases, or in the scorer's judgment permits another runner to advance one or more bases. Charge only one error on such a wild throw, regardless of the number of bases advanced by the runner or runners. No error shall be charged against any fielder when he makes a wild throw in attempting to prevent a runner's advance, unless in the scorer's judgment such wild throw permits the runner to advance beyond the base he would have reached had the throw not been wild, or permits any other runner to advance one or more bases beyond the base he would have reached had the throw not been wild. Charge only one error on such wild throw, regardless of the number of bases advanced by the runner or runners. See also Wild Pitch. Fielder's choice Fielder's choice is the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to retire the batter-runner, throws to another base in an attempt to retire a preceding runner. The term is also used by scorers (1) to account for the advance of the batter-runner who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles his safe hit attempts to retire a preceding runner; and (2) to account for the advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is attempting to retire another runner. Note: This definition appears in the Playing Rules for 1955. Game-Ending Hit See last paragraph, Base Hit/Value. Putout When a runner is called out for running the bases in reverse order, credit the putout to the fielder covering the base he left in starting his reverse run. Do not credit any assist on such plays. When the batter-runner is called out because of interference by a preceding runner, credit the putout to the first baseman. If the fielder interfered with was in the act of throwing the ball, credit him with an assist, but credit only one assist on any one play. Run Batted In A run batted in is a run which reaches home base safely because of a safe hit, a sacrifice bunt, a sacrifice fly, a putout via a foul fly, an infield putout, or a fielder's choice; or which is forced over home plate by reason of the batter being struck by a pitched ball, or being awarded a base on balls, or being awarded first base because of interference or obstruction. If a batter hits a home run always score the home run as a run batted in. Also count all other runs which score ahead of the batter who hit the home run as runs batted in. If, with less than two out, an error is made on a play on which a runner from third base ordinarily would score and does score, credit the batter with a run batted in. Sacrifice Score a sacrifice bunt when, with less than two outs, the fielders handle a bunted ball without error in an unsuccessful attempt to retire a preceding runner advancing one base. Exception: When an attempt to turn a bunt into a putout of a preceding runner fails, and in the scorer's judgment perfect play would not have retired the batter at first base, the batter shall be credited with a one-base hit and not a sacrifice. Do not score a sacrifice bunt when a runner is retired attempting to advance one base on a bunt. Charge the batter with a time at bat. Scorer The Official Scorer shall keep records of each game as outlined in the scoring rules. He shall have sole authority to make all decisions involving judgment, such as whether a batter's advance to first base is the result of a hit or an error. In no event shall a scorer make a decision conflicting with the Official Playing Rules or with an umpire's decision. Scoring Summary The scoring summary shall contain: (1) Number of runners left on base by each team. This total shall include all runners who get on base by any means and who do not score and are not put out. Include in this total a batter-runner whose batted ball results in another runner being retired for the third out; (2) Total number of bases on balls issued by each pitcher and a separate listing of the number of intentional bases on balls issued by each pitcher. The scoring rules of 1955 also include detailed instructions for notations to the tabulated game records. It is recommended that letters a, b, c, d, etc., be used in the notations as symbols for substitute batters and that numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., be used as symbols for substitute runners. Also the instructions detail notations needed when a substitute is announced but removed for another substitute before he actually enters the game. Stolen Base A stolen base shall be credited to a runner whenever he advances one base unaided by a base hit, a putout, an error, a force-out, a fielder's choice, a passed ball, a wild pitch or a balk, subject to the following: When a runner, attempting to steal, evades being put out in a rundown play and advances to the next base without the aid of an error, credit the runner with a stolen base. If another runner also advances on the play, credit both runners with stolen bases. If a runner advances while another runner, attempting to steal, evades being put out in a rundown play and returns safely, without the aid of an error, to the base he originally occupied, credit a stolen base to the runner who advances. Strikeout A strikeout shall be scored whenever a pitcher delivers three legal pitches at which the batter swings and misses, or which the umpire decrees are strikes. A strikeout shall be scored even though the batter reaches first base safely after the third strike because of an error by the pitcher or catcher as defined in the scoring rules. Wild Pitch When the batter's fourth called ball is a wild pitch and as a result (1) the batter-runner advances to a base beyond first base; (2) any runner, forced to advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner, advances more than one base; or (3) any runner, not forced to advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner, advances one or more bases, score the base on balls and also an error for the pitcher and do not score a wild pitch. When the batter swings at a wild pitch for his third strike and thereby is enabled to reach first base, score a strikeout and also an error for the pitcher, and do not score a wild pitch. When the batter swings at a wild pitch for his third strike or when the catcher muffs a third strike, if the catcher recovers the ball and throws out the batter-runner trying to reach first base, but another runner or runners advance, score the strikeout and error the same as if the batter had reached first base. Credit an assist to the catcher, and a putout to the fielder taking the throw at first base. Winning and Losing Pitcher In some non-championship games (such as the Major League All-Star Game) it is provided in advance that each pitcher shall work a stated number of innings, usually two or three. In such games, it is customary to credit the victory to the pitcher of record, whether starter or reliever, when the winning team takes a lead which it maintains to the end of the game, unless such pitcher is knocked out after the winning team has a commanding lead, and the scorer believes a subsequent pitcher is entitled to credit for the victory. 1956 Base Hit A base hit should be scored when the fielder unsuccessfully attempts to retire a preceding runner, and, in the scorer's judgment, the batter-runner would not have been retired at first base by perfect fielding. Also see Time at Bat. Run Batted In The batter shall not be credited with a run batted in if a run scores when he grounds into a force double play, or grounds into a double play in which the first out is made at first base and the second out made by tagging a runner who was originally forced, attempting to advance one base. Time at Bat When a fielder handles a batted ball and retires a preceding runner who is attempting to advance one base, or would have retired one with ordinary effort except for a fielding error, charge the batter with a time at bat but no hit. 1957 Base Hit A base hit shall be scored when a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball hit with such force, or so slowly, that any fielder attempting to make a play with it has no opportunity to do so. Note: A hit shall be scored if the fielder attempting to handle the ball cannot make a play, even if such fielder deflects the ball from or cuts off another fielder who could have retired a runner. Also see Time at Bat. Championship To assure uniformity in establishing the batting, pitching and fielding championship of professional leagues, such champions shall meet the following minimum performance standards: The individual batting champion shall be the player with the highest batting average, provided he is credited with as many or more total appearances at the plate in league championship games as the number of games scheduled for each club in the league that season, multiplied by 3.1. Total appearances at the plate shall include official times at bat, plus bases on balls, times hit by pitcher, sacrifice hits, sacrifice flies and times awarded first base because of interference or obstruction. Earned Run An earned run shall be scored every time a runner reaches home base by the aid of safe hits, sacrifice bunts, a sacrifice fly, stolen bases, putouts, fielder's choices, bases on balls, hit batters, balks or wild pitches (including a wild pitch on third strike which permits a batter to reach first base) before fielding chances have been offered to retire the offensive team. Note: A wild pitch is solely the pitcher's fault, and contributes to an earned run just as a base on balls or a balk. No run can be earned which scores as a result of the batter reaching base (1) on a hit or otherwise after his time at bat is prolonged by a muffed foul fly; (2) because of interference or obstruction; or (3) because of any fielding error. An error by the pitcher is treated exactly the same as an error by any other fielder in computing earned runs. Error No error shall be charged to any fielder who permits a foul fly to fall safe with a runner on third base before two are out, if in the scorer's judgment the fielder deliberately refuses the catch in order that the runner on third shall not score after the catch. Because the pitcher and catcher handle the ball much more than other fielders, certain misplays on pitched balls are called "wild pitches" and "passed balls," and are defined elsewhere in the scoring rules. No error shall be charged when a wild pitch or passed ball is scored. No error shall be charged when the batter is awarded first base on four called balls or because he was touched by a pitched ball, or when he reaches first base as the result of a wild pitch or passed ball. When the third strike is a wild pitch, permitting the batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and a wild pitch. When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and a passed ball. Passed Ball See second paragraph, Error. Run Batted In 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. Scorer The league president shall appoint an official scorer for each league championship game. The official scorer shall observe the game from a position in the press box. The scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions involving judgment, such as whether a batter's advance to first base is the result of a hit or an error. He shall communicate such decisions to the press box and broadcasting booths by hand signals or over the press box loudspeaker system, and shall advise the public address announcer of such decisions if requested. After each game, including drawn, forfeited and called games, the scorer shall prepare a report, on a form prescribed by the league president, listing the date of the game, where it was played, the names of the competing clubs and the umpires, the full score of the game, and all records of individual players compiled according to the system specified in these Official Scoring Rules. He shall forward this report to the league office within 36 hours after the game ends. He shall forward the report of any suspended game within 36 hours after the game has been completed, or after it becomes an official game because it cannot be completed, as provided by the Official Playing Rules. To achieve uniformity in keeping the records of championship games, the scorer shall conform strictly to the Official Scoring Rules. If the teams change sides before three men are put out, the scorer shall immediately inform the umpire of the mistake. If the game is protested or suspended, the scorer shall make note of the exact situation at the time of the protest or suspension, including the score, the number of outs, the position of any runners, and the ball and strike count on the batter. Note: It is important that a suspended game resume with exactly the same situation as existed at the time of suspension. If a protested game is ordered replayed from the point of protest, it must be resumed with exactly the situation that existed just before the protested play. The scorer shall not make any decision conflicting with the Official Playing Rules or with an umpire's decision. The scorer shall not call the attention of the umpire or of any member of either team to the fact that a player is batting out of turn. The scorer is an official representative of the league, and is entitled to the respect and dignity of his office, and shall be accorded full protection by the league president. The scorer shall report to the president any indignity expressed by any manager, player, club employee or club officer in the course of, or as the result of, the discharge of his duties. The umpire-in-chief shall inform the official scorer of the official batting order, and any changes in the lineups and batting order, on request. Wild Pitch See second paragraph, Error. Winning and Losing Pitcher Regardless of how many innings the first pitcher has pitched, he shall be charged with the loss of the game if he is replaced when his team is behind in the score, and his team thereafter fails either to tie the score or gain the lead. 1958 Championship The individual fielding champions shall be the fielders with the highest fielding average at each position, provided: (1) A catcher must have participated as a catcher in at least one-half the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season; (2) An infielder or outfielder must have participated at his position in at least two-thirds of the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season; (3) A pitcher must have pitched at least as many innings as the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season. Percentage To compute the pitcher's earned run average, multiply the total earned runs charged against his pitching by 9, and divide the result by the total number of innings he pitched. Sacrifice Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a fair fly ball which: (1) is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or (2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if, in the scorer's judgment, the runner could have scored after the catch had the fly been caught. Note: Score a sacrifice fly in accordance with the scoring rules even though another runner is forced out by reason of the batter becoming a runner. 1959-64 There were no changes to the scoring rules in these years. 1965 Championship To qualify for the fielding championship at his position a pitcher must have pitched at least as many innings as the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season. Exception: If another pitcher has a fielding average as high or higher, and has handled more total chances in a lesser number of innings, he shall be the fielding champion. 1966 There were no changes to the scoring rules this year. 1967 Championship The individual batting champion shall be the player with the highest batting average, provided he is credited with as many or more total appearances at the plate in league championship games as the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season, multiplied by 3.1. Exception: However, if there is any player with fewer than the required number of plate appearances whose average would be highest if he were charged with the required number of plate appearances or official at-bats, then that player shall be awarded the batting championship. Error Mental mistakes or misjudgments are not to be scored as errors unless specifically covered in the rules. No error shall be charged against any fielder when, after fumbling a ground ball or dropping a fly ball, a line drive or a thrown ball, he recovers the ball in time to force out a runner at any base. Sacrifice Do not score a sacrifice bunt when, in the judgment of the scorer, the batter is bunting for a base hit and not solely for the purpose of advancing a runner or runners. Charge the batter with a time at bat. Note: In applying this rule always give the batter the benefit of the doubt. Stolen Base When a runner, attempting to steal, or after being picked off base, evades being put out in a rundown play and advances to the next base without the aid of an error, credit the runner with a stolen base. If another runner also advances on the play, credit both runners with stolen bases. If a runner advances while another runner, attempting to steal, evades being put out in a rundown play and returns safely, without the aid of an error, to the base he originally occupied, credit a stolen base to the runner who advances. 1968 There were no changes to the scoring rules this year. 1969 Double Play/Triple Play Credit participation in the double play or triple play to each fielder who earns a putout or an assist when two or three players are put out between the time a pitch is delivered and the time the ball next becomes dead or is next in possession of the pitcher in pitching position, unless an error or misplay intervenes between putouts. Note: Credit the double play or triple play also if an appeal play after the ball is in possession of the pitcher results in an additional putout. Earned Run An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the inning should be reconstructed without the errors and passed balls, and the benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by errorless play. When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher shall not have the benefit of previous chances for outs not accepted in determining earned runs. Note: It is the intent of this rule to prevent relief pitchers from not being charged with earned runs for which they are solely responsible. Error When an umpire awards the batter or any runner or runners one or more bases because of interference or obstruction, charge the fielder who committed the interference or obstruction with one error, no matter how many bases the batter, or runner or runners, may be advanced. Note: Do not charge an error if obstruction does not change the play in the opinion of the scorer. Relief Pitcher See Earned Run, second paragraph. Sacrifice Do not score a sacrifice bunt when, in the judgment of the scorer, the batter is bunting primarily for a base hit and not for the purpose of advancing a runner or runners. Charge the batter with a time at bat. Note: In applying this rule always give the batter the benefit of the doubt. Note: The rule is the same as that appearing in the 1967 scoring rules with the addition of the word primarily. Save Credit a save to a relief pitcher who enters a game with his team in the lead if he holds the lead the remainder of the game, provided he is not credited with the victory. A relief pitcher cannot be credited with a save if he does not finish the game unless he is removed for a pinch hitter or pinch runner. When more than one relief pitcher qualifies for a save under the provisions of this rule, credit the save to the relief pitcher judged by the scorer to have been the most effective. Only one save can be credited in any game. 1970-72 There were no changes to the scoring rules in these years. 1973 Save A pitcher shall be credited with a save when, in entering a game as a relief pitcher, he finds the potential tying or winning run either on base or at the plate or pitches at least three or more effective innings and, in either case, preserves the lead. 1974 Hitting/Playing Streaks A consecutive hitting streak shall not be terminated if the plate appearance results in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or a sacrifice bunt. A sacrifice fly shall terminate the streak. A consecutive-game hitting streak shall not be terminated if all the player's plate appearances (one or more) result in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or a sacrifice bunt. The streak shall terminate if the player has a sacrifice fly and no hit. A consecutive-game playing streak shall be extended if the player plays one half-inning on defense, or if he completes a time at bat by reaching base or being put out. A pinch-running appearance only shall not extend the streak. If a player is ejected from a game by an umpire before he can comply with the requirements of this rule, his streak shall continue. Suspended Game For the purpose of the scoring rules, all performances in the completion of a suspended game shall be considered as occurring on the original date of the game. 1975 Sacrifice Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a fly ball or a line drive handled by an outfielder or an infielder running in the outfield which: (1) is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or (2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the scorer's judgment the runner could have scored after the catch had the fly been caught. Note: Score a sacrifice fly in accordance with the scoring rules even though another runner is forced out by reason of the batter becoming a runner. Save 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 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. 1976 Base on Balls See Strikeout. Earned Run An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the inning should be reconstructed without the errors (which includes catcher's interference) and passed balls, and the benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by errorless play. When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher shall not be charged with any run (earned or unearned) scored by a runner who was on base at the time he entered the game, nor for runs scored by any runner who reaches base on a fielder's choice which puts out a runner left on base by the preceding pitcher. Note: It is the intent of this rule to charge each pitcher with the number of runners he put on base, rather than with the individual runners. When a pitcher puts runners on base and is relieved, he shall be charged with all runs subsequently scored up to and including the number of runners he left on base when he left the game, unless such runners are put out without action by the batter, i.e., caught stealing, picked off base, or called out for interference when a batter-runner does not reach first base on the play. Exception: The pitcher walks batter A and is relieved. The relief pitcher allows B to single, but runner A is out trying for third. Runner B takes second on the throw. Batter C singles, scoring runner B. Charge the run to the relief pitcher rather than the preceding pitcher. Game Played When a player listed in the starting lineup for the visiting club is substituted for before he plays defensively, he shall not receive credit in the defensive statistics (fielding), unless he actually plays that position during a game. All such players, however, shall be credited with one game played (in batting statistics) as long as they are announced into the game or listed on the official lineup card. Percentage For purposes of earned run average calculations and innings pitched totals, innings pitched shall be rounded off to the nearest whole inning. Examples: 200 1/3 innings becomes 200; 200 2/3 becomes 201. Note: This standard was changed in 1982 and fractions were no longer rounded off but counted for their full value. Also see rule addition under 1981. Relief Pitcher See Earned Run, second paragraph. Scoring Summary The name of a pitcher credited with a save is to be shown on the scoring summary. Strikeout When the batter leaves the game with two strikes against him, and the substitute batter completes a strikeout, charge the strikeout and the time at bat to the first batter. If the substitute batter completes the turn at bat in any other manner, including a base on balls, score the action as having been that of the substitute batter. Substitute Batter See Strikeout. 1977 Base on Balls Intentional base on balls shall be scored when the pitcher makes no attempt to throw the last pitch to the batter into the strike zone but purposely throws the ball wide to the catcher outside the catcher's box. 1978 There were no changes to the scoring rules this year. 1979 Caught Stealing A runner shall be charged as "caught stealing" if he is put out, or would have been put out by errorless play, when he (1) tries to steal; (2) is picked off a base and tries to advance (any move toward the next base shall be considered an attempt to advance); (3) overslides while stealing. Note: In those instances where a pitched ball eludes the catcher and the runner is put out trying to advance, no caught stealing shall be charged. Earned Run An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the inning should be reconstructed without the errors (which include catcher's interference) and passed balls, and the benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by errorless play. For the purpose of determining earned runs, an intentional base on balls, regardless of the circumstances, shall be construed in exactly the same manner as any other base on balls. Scorer The official scorer must make all decisions concerning judgment calls within twenty-four (24) hours after a game has been officially concluded. No judgment decision shall be changed thereafter except, upon immediate application to the league president, the scorer may request a change, citing the reasons for such. In all cases the official scorer is not permitted to make a scoring decision which is in conflict with the scoring rules. 1980 Run Batted In Game-winning RBI is credited for the RBI that gives a club the lead it never relinquishes. Note: There does not have to be a game-winning RBI in every game and all game-winning RBIs must conform to the scoring rule governing RBIs. 1981 Percentage For purposes of earned run average calculations and innings pitched totals, do not round off the fraction where a pitcher has only 1/3 of an inning for the entire season. In such cases carry his total for innings pitched as 1/3. 1982 Percentage Earned run averages shall be calculated on the basis of total innings pitched, including fractional innings. Example: 9 1/3 innings pitched and three earned runs is an earned run average of 2.89 (3 ER times 9 divided by 9 1/3 equals 2.89). 1983 Championship The individual batting champion or slugging champion shall be the player with the highest batting average or slugging percentage, provided he is credited with as many or more total appearances at the plate in League championship games as the number of games scheduled for each club in his League that season, multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a major league player. Exception: However, if there is any player with fewer than the required number of plate appearances or official at-bats, but who, when credited with an out for each of his deficient at-bats, still has the highest average, then that player shall be awarded the batting championship or slugging championship. 1984 Percentage To compute on-base percentage, divide the total of hits, all bases on balls, and hit by pitch, by the total of at-bats, all bases on balls, hit by pitch, and sacrifice flies. Note: For the purpose of computing on-base percentage, ignore being awarded first base on interference or obstruction. 1985-88 There were no changes to the scoring rules this year. 1989 Run Batted In The game-winning RBI is dropped from the rule book. 1990-1993 There were no changes to the scoring rules in these years. Index to Scoring Rule Changes 1877-1993 Note: Dates shown following an entry refer to the year a rule change or amendment was adopted. Rule changes and summaries of rules are to be found in the chronology. All-Star Game, determining winning pitcher of 1955 Assist 1877; 1882; 1883; 1885; 1887; 1890; 1897; 1904; 1910; 1914; 1931; 1950; 1955 Assist, mere ineffective contact with ball not to be 1955 Assist not to be scored on strikes 1890 Assist scored or not scored to pitcher 1877; 1882; 1883; 1885; 1887; 1890; 1931; 1950; 1955 Assist scored to each player handling ball 1877; 1897; 1904; 1910; 1914; 1931; 1950 Assist scored to player deflecting ball 1931; 1950 Assist scored to player even when putout is not completed 1877 Assist, wild throw scored as 1950 Base Hit, determining value of 1920; 1931; 1939; 1950; 1955 Base Hit scored when batted ball strikes base, home plate, or pitcher's plate 1950; 1955 Base Hit scored when batter receives base on balls 1887 Base Hit, when or when not to score 1877; 1880; 1881; 1887; 1888; 1889; 1898; 1904; 1907; 1914; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1951; 1955; 1956; 1957; 1967 Base on Balls 1877; 1883; 1885; 1887; 1888; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1912; 1914; 1917; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1955; 1957; 1979; 1984 Base on balls scored as error charged to pitcher 1883 Bases run, scoring of total ("Total Bases") 1877; 1878; 1880; 1881; 1882 Batter batting ball illegally ("Foul strike", out of batter's box) 1883; 1884; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1931; 1950 Batter batting out of turn 1877; 1883; 1884; 1904; 1909; 1931; 1950; 1955 Batter entitled to benefit of doubt 1950 Batter out on bunt foul for third strike 1931 Batter out when struck with own batted ball 1931 Batter, scoring when substitute completes time at bat for 1950; 1955; 1976 Batter, time at bat charged or not charged to 1877; 1887; 1888; 1894; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1914; 1931; 1950; 1951; 1955 Battery Error 1887; 1888; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1914 Batting Average, computing of 1920; 1950 Batting Championship, eligibility for 1950; 1952; 1957; 1967; 1983 Batting Order (See Batter batting out of turn) Box Score, balanced 1955 Box Score, detailed form and contents of 1950 Catcher's automatic putouts (See Putouts automatic to catcher) Caught Stealing, when to score 1951; 1955; 1979 Chances offered, scoring of 1880 Double (See Base Hit, determining value of) Double Play, determining and effect of 1909; 1914; 1939; 1950; 1954; 1955; 1956; 1969 Double Steal 1909; 1910 Earned Run Average Championship, eligibility for 1951 Earned Run Average, computing of 1917; 1950; 1958; 1976; 1981; 1982 Earned Run, pitcher receives benefit of the doubt on determining 1917; 1931; 1950; 1969; 1979 Earned Run, when to score 1888; 1889; 1890; 1897; 1912; 1917; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1955; 1957; 1969; 1976; 1979 Error 1877; 1883; 1885; 1887; 1888; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1914; 1917; 1920; 1926; 1931; 1950; 1951; 1955 1957; 1967; 1969 Error allowing batter to advance 1877; 1887; 1898; 1931 Error allowing runner to advance 1877; 1887; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1914; 1950; 1955 Error charged to baseman failing to stop thrown ball 1904; 1909; 1931; 1950 Error charged or not charged to catcher (See also Battery Error) 1885; 1909; 1914; 1920; 1931; 1950; 1951; 1955 Error charged or not charged to fielder 1877; 1887; 1888; 1950; 1951; 1955; 1957; 1969 Error charged or not charged to pitcher (See also Battery Error) 1883; 1885; 1909; 1917; 1926; 1931; 1950; 1955; 1957 Error charged to fielder making unnecessary throw 1955 Error charged to fielder on throw that takes unnatural bounce or which strikes obstacle 1950; 1955 Error charged to first baseman 1920; 1931; 1950 Error charged to infielder 1898; 1914; 1931; 1950 Error charged to second baseman 1931 Error charged when ball touched with detached cap, glove, etc. 1950; 1951 Error, mental mistakes and misjudgments not to be scored as 1967 Error not to be charged to fielder allowing foul fly to drop with runner on third and less than two out 1957 Error prolonging life of runner 1914; 1950 Error prolonging time at bat of batter 1904; 1909; 1910; 1914; 1950; 1955 Error, slow handling of ball not involving mechanical misplay is not to be construed as 1955 Error, wild throw scored as 1950 Fielder's Choice, scoring of 1914; 1950; 1955; 1957 Fielding Average, computing of 1920; 1950 Fielding Championship, eligibility for 1955; 1958; 1965 Force Out, scoring of and effect of 1898; 1904; 1909; 1931; 1939; 1950; 1955; 1967 Forfeited Game 1931; 1940; 1957 Forfeited Game, no victory or loss to pitcher in 1940 Game-Ending Hit (See Base Hit, determining value of) Game Played (See Player, appearances in game by) Game-Winning Run Batted In, scoring of 1980; 1989 Hit by Pitch 1885; 1887; 1888; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1912; 1914; 1917; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1957; 1984 Hitting Streak, termination of consecutive game 1974 Home Run, scoring of (See also Base Hit, determining value of) 1920; 1931; 1950 Infield Fly, scoring of dropped 1898; 1904; 1909; 1931; 1940; 1950 Innings Pitched 1950 Intentional Base on Balls, scoring and effect of 1977; 1979 Interference by runner 1898; 1904; 1909; 1950; 1955 Interference, defensive 1931; 1950; 1951; 1955; 1957; 1969; 1979; 1984 Interference with catcher, scoring when batter is out for 1931; 1950 Interference with fielder 1950 No changes to the scoring rules 1879; 1882; 1884; 1893; 1895; 1896; 1899; 1900; 1901; 1902; 1903; 1905; 1906; 1911; 1913; 1915; 1916; 1918; 1919; 1921; 1922; 1923; 1924; 1925; 1927; 1928; 1929; 1930; 1932; 1933; 1934; 1935; 1936; 1937; 1938; 1941; 1942; 1943; 1944; 1945; 1946; 1947; 1948; 1949; 1953; 1959; 1960; 1961; 1962; 1963; 1964; 1966; 1968; 1970; 1971; 1972; 1978; 1985; 1986; 1987; 1988; 1990 Obstruction, scoring of 1951; 1955; 1957; 1969; 1984 Official playing records 1931; 1940 On-Base Percentage, computing of 1984 Passed Ball, definition of 1910; 1926 Passed Ball, scoring and effect of 1880; 1882; 1885; 1887; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1914; 1926; 1931; 1950; 1957; 1969; 1979 Percentages, computing of statistics and 1917; 1920; 1931; 1950; 1951; 1958; 1974; 1976; 1982; 1984 Pitcher, illegal delivery by 1887; 1888; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1909 Pitcher, mention of balk committed by 1885; 1887; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1912; 1914; 1917; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1951; 1955; 1957 Player, appearances in game by 1907; 1912; 1976 Player, recording number of times first base reached by 1878 Player, recording runs made by each 1877 Playing Streak, termination of consecutive game 1974 Putout automatic to catcher 1931; 1950 Putout automatic to fielder (interference, runner hit by batted ball, etc.) 1898; 1904; 1909; 1931 Putout scored to catcher 1877; 1882; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1931; 1950; 1955 Putout, scoring of 1877; 1882; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1914; 1931; 1950; 1952; 1955 Relief Pitcher, determining runs charged to 1940; 1950; 1955; 1969; 1976 Run Batted In, game-winning (See Game-Winning Run Batted In) Run Batted In, when to score 1891; 1931; 1939; 1950; 1955; 1956; 1957 Runner failing to touch a base 1950; 1951 Runner hit by batted ball 1888; 1901; 1931; 1940; 1950 Runner passing a preceding runner 1952 Runner running bases in reverse order 1955 Runner running out of base line 1898; 1904; 1909; 1950; 1952 Runner overrunning a base 1888; 1950; 1955 Runner oversliding a base 1909; 1939; 1950; 1955; 1979 Runner stealing a base (See Stolen Base, scoring of) Sacrifice flies and hits listed separately 1954 Sacrifice Fly 1889; 1908; 1909; 1912; 1914; 1917; 1920; 1926; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1954; 1957; 1958; 1975; 1984 Sacrifice Hit (bunt) 1889; 1894; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1908; 1909; 1912; 1917; 1920; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1950; 1951; 1955; 1957; 1967; 1969; 1984 Sacrifices 1889; 1894; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1908; 1909; 1912; 1914; 1917; 1920; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1950; 1951; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1958; 1967; 1969; 1975; 1984 Saves, crediting of 1969; 1973; 1975 Scorer as league official 1950; 1957 Scorer changing decision 1979 Scorer, duties of 1950; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1979 Scorer's decisions not to conflict with playing or scoring rules 1950; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1979 Scorer's decisions not to conflict with umpire's decisions 1955; 1957 Scorer's duty if batter bats out of turn 1957 Scorer's duty if game is protested or suspended 1957 Scorer's duty if sides change before three are out 1957 Scorer's reporting of abuse to league president 1950 Scorer's seating position to observe the game 1957 Scoring Summary 1877; 1880; 1881; 1884; 1885; 1886; 1887; 1888; 1889; 1890; 1891; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1914; 1920; 1950; 1954; 1955; 1976 Shutout, crediting of 1951 Slugging Championship, eligibility for 1983 Slugging Percentage, computing of 1950 Squeeze Play, definition of 1950 Stolen Base, detailed description of 1950 Stolen Base, indifference of defensive team to 1950 Stolen Base, scoring of 1886; 1887; 1888; 1889; 1890; 1892; 1897; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1914; 1917; 1920; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1951; 1955; 1957; 1967 Streaks, consecutive game hitting and playing 1974 Strikeout 1883; 1884; 1885; 1887; 1888; 1926; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1950; 1955; 1957; 1976 Substitute completes time at bat for batter, scoring when 1950; 1955; 1976 Time at Bat (See Batter, time at bat charged or not charged to) Triple (See Base Hit, determining value of) Triple Play 1950; 1969 Triple steal 1910; 1950 Umpire, batted ball hitting 1889; 1950 Umpire-in-Chief to inform scorer of batting order and changes 1957 Wild Pitch, definition of 1910; 1926; 1931; 1950 Wild Pitch, scoring of 1880; 1882; 1885; 1887; 1898; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1912; 1914; 1917; 1920; 1926; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1950; 1955; 1957 Wild throw scored as both error and assist 1950 Wild throw, scoring of 1898; 1914; 1931; 1950; 1955 Winning and Losing Pitcher, determining 1950; 1951; 1955; 1957 Won-Lost percentage, computing of 1920; 1950