Definition of Batting Average in Baseball
Definition 1
The ratio of hits H divided by at-bats AB is called the batting average, abbreviated as AVG. In other words, batting average is defined as follows. $$ AVG := {{ H } \over { AB }} $$
Theory
- [1]: Batting average does not have a significant correlation with the batter’s run production ability.
Description
The term batting average, originating from baseball, has become a word frequently used in everyday expressions, as it inherently asks how many attempts were made and how many were successful (hits). It’s such an intuitive and simple rate stat that there is no stat easier to comprehend for those unfamiliar with baseball. Consider the complex definition of the Earned Run Average (ERA), used to summarize a pitcher’s value in the past when there was a lack of statistical understanding of baseball, and the difference is significant.
Sabermetrics
Even fans not familiar with sabermetrics are well aware that batting average is a meaningless indicator in modern baseball. The major problem with batting average is its lack of direct relevance to the most crucial aspect: scoring. In baseball, runs are scored when a player rounds all the bases and touches the home plate, and from a pitcher’s perspective, as long as the home plate is not reached, scoring can be prevented regardless of how many bases are allowed. Under these fundamental rules, there is no guarantee of scoring even if one hits single-base hits three times in each inning throughout the game.
From a mathematical perspective, since a hit refers to singles, doubles, triples, and home runs altogether, pointing out that these are all valued the same is problematic. If one considers a hit the same whether it’s a single or a home run, clearly there’s an issue. With this in mind, the batting average could be considered not just ‘a stat that need not be seen’ but ‘a stat that should not be seen’. From the perspective of a team, discerning the truth behind such records and accurately evaluating a batter is crucial.