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Fielding Percentage Formula:
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Fielding Percentage (FP) is a baseball and softball statistic that reflects a player's defensive performance. It represents the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball.
The calculator uses the standard fielding percentage formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of successful defensive plays to total defensive chances.
Details: Fielding percentage is a key metric for evaluating defensive performance. While it doesn't account for range, it shows how reliably a player makes plays when they reach the ball.
Tips: Enter the player's putouts, assists, and errors from the season or game. All values must be non-negative integers, and at least one chance (PO+A+E > 0) must be recorded.
Q1: What is a good fielding percentage in softball?
A: In competitive softball, .950 is generally considered average, .970 is good, and .980+ is excellent. Positions vary - first basemen typically have higher percentages than shortstops.
Q2: How does fielding percentage differ from fielding runs?
A: Fielding percentage measures reliability, while fielding runs is a more comprehensive metric that also considers range and arm strength.
Q3: Why might a player with great range have a lower FP?
A: Players who reach more balls have more chances to make errors. FP doesn't account for balls other players wouldn't reach.
Q4: What positions typically have the highest FP?
A: First basemen usually have the highest FP, followed by outfielders. Shortstops and third basemen typically have lower percentages due to more difficult plays.
Q5: How important is FP compared to other defensive metrics?
A: While useful, modern analytics emphasize range-based metrics like UZR or DRS alongside FP for a complete defensive evaluation.