What is rbi in baseball?

In baseball, RBI stands for Runs Batted In. It's a key statistic that measures a batter's contribution to their team's scoring.

  • Definition: An RBI is awarded to a batter for each runner who scores as a result of the batter's action, such as a hit, sacrifice fly, sacrifice bunt, infield out, or being awarded first base on an error, walk or hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded (provided it is not as a result of a passed ball or wild pitch).

  • How it's earned: A batter earns an RBI when their hit, out (excluding double plays), or other action directly causes a runner to score.

  • Exceptions: There are specific situations where an RBI is not awarded. These include cases where a runner scores due to an error, passed ball, or wild pitch, or if the batter hits into a double play where the runner who would have scored was forced out at another base.

  • Significance: RBI totals provide insight into a player's ability to drive in runs and contribute to their team's offense. High RBI totals often indicate a player who is a clutch hitter and performs well with runners on base.

  • Related Stats: RBI is often considered alongside other offensive statistics like batting average, home runs, and on-base percentage to provide a more comprehensive picture of a player's offensive value. Here are some key terms with links:

  • Runs Batted In

  • Sacrifice Fly

  • Sacrifice Bunt

  • Infield Out

  • Double Play

  • Batting Average

  • Home Runs

  • On-Base Percentage