fielding percentage

{{short description|Baseball statistic}}

{{sabermetric | formula = $FPCT=\backslash frac\{PO\; +\; A\}\{PO\; +\; A\; +\; E\}$}}

File:JeterError.jpg

In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball. It is calculated by the sum of putouts and assists, divided by the number of total chances (putouts + assists + errors).Rule 10.21(d). {{cite web |title=Official Rules |publisher=Major League Baseball (MLB.com) |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp |access-date=2010-06-02}}

While a high fielding percentage is regarded as a sign of defensive skill, it is also possible for a player of lesser defensive skill to have a high fielding percentage, as it does not reflect or take into account a player's defensive range;{{cite news|last=Center |first=Bill |title=In defense of the Padres |date=March 31, 2010 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/31/defense-padres-quantifying/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403195227/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/31/defense-padres-quantifying/ |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |url-status=dead }} a player who cannot get to a ball surrenders a hit instead of having an opportunity to make an out or an error.{{cite news |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Frank |title=Phillies can rely on their defense ... or maybe not |date=September 30, 2011 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-09-30/sports/30229204_1_phillies-defense-shane-victorino-jimmy-rollins |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220083340/http://articles.philly.com/2011-09-30/sports/30229204_1_phillies-defense-shane-victorino-jimmy-rollins |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 20, 2011 |access-date=October 6, 2011 |quote=But there's a lot more to defense, obviously, than just not making errors. You have to get to the ball to not make an error in the first place.}} Conversely, a highly skilled fielder might have a comparatively low fielding percentage by virtue of reaching, and potentially missing, a greater number of balls.

In order to qualify for the league lead in fielding percentage, an infielder or outfielder must appear at the specific position in at least two-thirds of his team's games (games in the outfield are not separated by position).Rule 10.22(c)(2). {{cite web |title=Official Rules |publisher=Major League Baseball (MLB.com) |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp |access-date=2010-06-02}} A catcher must appear in at least half his team's games.Rule 10.22(c)(1). {{cite web |title=Official Rules |publisher=Major League Baseball (MLB.com) |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp |access-date=2010-06-02}} A pitcher must pitch at least one inning for each of his team's scheduled games (however, a pitcher with fewer innings may qualify if they have more total chances and a higher average).Rule 10.22(c)(3). {{cite web |title=Official Rules |publisher=Major League Baseball (MLB.com) |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp |access-date=2010-06-02}} In order to qualify for major league career records for fielding average, a player must appear in 1,000 games at the position; pitchers must have at least 1,500 innings.

The MLB record for team fielding percentage is currently held by the 2013 Baltimore Orioles, with a .99104 fielding percentage.