At bat facts for kids

Ichiro Suzuki, a famous baseball player, at bat.

In baseball, an at bat (often called AB) is a special term used to keep track of how well a player hits. It's a key part of many important stats, like a player's batting average. An at bat starts almost every time a batter steps up to face a pitcher. However, there are some times when a batter does not get an "at bat" counted against them.

When an At Bat is NOT Counted

An at bat is not counted in these situations:

• When the batter gets a base on balls (BB), also known as a walk. This means the pitcher threw four pitches outside the strike zone.
• If the batter is hit by a pitch (HBP).
• When the batter hits a sacrifice fly or a sacrifice hit (also called a sacrifice bunt). These are special plays where the batter helps a teammate advance or score, often getting out themselves.
• If the batter is given first base because a fielder, usually the catcher, got in their way (interference or obstruction).
• When the inning ends before the batter finishes their turn. This can happen if another player gets the third out, like being caught stealing. The batter will start fresh in the next inning.
• If another player takes over batting for them before their turn is done.

The official rules of Major League Baseball also explain these situations. They state that an at bat is not charged when a player hits a sacrifice, gets a walk, is hit by a pitch, or is awarded first base due to interference.

When an At Bat IS Counted

An at bat is counted in these common situations:

• The batter gets a hit, like a single, double, triple, or home run.
• The batter reaches first base because a fielder made an error.
• The batter is called out for any reason, unless it was a sacrifice play.
• When there is a fielder's choice. This happens when a fielder chooses to get another runner out instead of the batter.