RBI

Run batted in or RBI is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of their at-bat results in a run being scored except in the case of an error. Common names for the term include "Ribby", "Rib-eye", and "Rib". The first team to track RBIs was the Buffalo Bisons.

Major League Baseball Rules

The official rulebook of Major League Baseball states:

(a) The official scorer shall credit the batter with a run batted in for every run that scores
(1) unaided by an error and as part of a play begun by the batter's safe hit (including the batter's home run), sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder's choice, unless Rule 10.04(b) applies;
(2) by reason of the batter becoming a runner with the bases full (because of a base on balls, an award of first base for being touched by a pitched ball or for interference or obstruction); or
(3) when, before two are out, an error is made on a play on which a runner from third base ordinarily would score.
(b) The official scorer shall not credit a run batted in
(1) when the batter grounds into a force double play or a reverse-force double play; or
(2) when a fielder is charged with an error because the fielder muffs a throw at first base that would have completed a force double play.
(c) The official scorer's judgment must determine whether a run batted in shall be credited for a run that scores when a fielder holds the ball or throws to a wrong base. Ordinarily, if the runner keeps going, the official scorer should credit a run batted in; if the runner stops and takes off again when the runner notices the misplay, the official scorer should credit the run as scored on a fielder's choice.

Criticisms and Controversy

The perceived significance of the RBI is displayed by the fact that it is one of the three categories that compose the triple crown. In addition, Career RBIs are often cited in debates over who should be elected to the Hall of Fame. However, critics, particularly within the field of sabermetrics, argue that RBIs do a better job of measuring the quality of the lineup than it does the player himself since it is the number of men on base that determines the amount of RBIs a player can have. RBIs are contingent on the amount and extent of opportunities given to the player.

RBI leaders in Major League Baseball

Career

Totals are current through games of 9/5/07. Active players in bold.

1. Hank Aaron - 2,297
2. Babe Ruth - 2,217
3. Cap Anson - 2,076
4. Barry Bonds - 1,996
5. Lou Gehrig - 1,995
6. Stan Musial - 1,951
7. Ty Cobb - 1,937
8. Jimmie Foxx - 1,922
9. Eddie Murray - 1,917
10. Willie Mays - 1,903

Season

1. Hack Wilson (1930) -191
2. Lou Gehrig (1931) - 184
3. Hank Greenberg (1937) - 183
4. Jimmie Foxx (1938) - 175
5. Lou Gehrig (1927) - 175

Game

12 - Jim Bottomley (September 24,1924), Mark Whiten (September 7,1993)
11 - Wilbert Robinson (June 10,1892), Tony Lazzeri (May 24,1936), Phil Weintraub (April 30,1944)
10 - by 12 major league players, most recently Garret Anderson ( August 21, 2007)

Inning

1. Fernando Tatis (April 23, 1999) - 8
2. Ed Cartwright (September 23, 1890) - 7

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball RBI Records
• List of Major League Baseball players with 1,000 RBI

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