The metric that quantifies a hitter’s success at the plate is determined by dividing the total number of hits by the total number of at-bats. For example, if a player has 50 hits in 150 at-bats, the calculation involves dividing 50 by 150, which yields a batting average of .333. This figure is typically expressed as a decimal rounded to the nearest thousandth.
This statistic serves as a fundamental indicator of a player’s offensive contribution to the team. It provides a quick and readily understandable way to assess a hitter’s ability to consistently get on base. Historically, it has been a primary statistic used by coaches, scouts, and fans to evaluate player performance and compare players across different eras.