Total Baseball (1994 Edition)/Total_Baseball_1994_Edition_Creative_Multimedia_1994.iso/dp/0128/01284.txt

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$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