A fundamental statistic in baseball, it quantifies a batter’s success at achieving a hit during official at-bats. It is determined by dividing the total number of hits by the total number of at-bats. For example, a player with 50 hits in 200 at-bats possesses a .250 value.
This metric provides a quick and easily understood snapshot of a players offensive prowess. Historically, it has been a key indicator of a hitters value and is often used in comparing players across different eras. High values frequently correlate with increased run production, contributing significantly to a team’s overall performance. It provides insights on a player’s ability to consistently reach base.