In baseball, an assist is a statistic credited to a defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to a putout being recorded. An assist is awarded when a fielder throws, deflects, or fields the ball in a way that contributes to a batter or baserunner being put out. Understanding what counts as an assist in baseball scoring is important for evaluating defensive contributions of players.

An assist is credited when a fielder’s action leads directly to a putout.

The key criteria for an assist is that the fielder’s action directly enables another fielder to record a putout. Common ways assists are awarded include:

A fielder throws to another fielder who tags a runner out
A fielder deflects a batted ball to another fielder who records the putout
The pitcher fields a ball and throws it to a fielder who steps on a base for a force out

The assist is credited to the fielder who fielded the ball initially before the putout was made. The fielder who actually recorded the out gets credited with a putout, while the player who made the throw or deflection gets credited with the assist.

Multiple assists can be awarded on one play.

On a complex defensive play that involves the ball being fielded and thrown between multiple fielders, it’s possible for there to be multiple assists on a single out.

For example, if the shortstop fields a ground ball, throws it to the second baseman, who then turns and throws to the first baseman for the out, both the shortstop and second baseman are credited with assists. Each fielder’s action contributed directly to the putout.

The number of assists indicates a fielder’s defensive involvement.

Adding up the number of assists for fielders over a season provides useful information about their defensive contribution and range. Shortstops, third basemen, second basemen, and center fielders frequently lead their team in assists, indicating their defensive activity.

Compiling assists can help determine winners of fielding awards like the Gold Glove Award. It’s one of several defensive statistics, along with putouts and double plays turned, that provides a well-rounded look at a player’s fielding performance.

Not every fielding play results in an assist

While assists reward active fielding plays, a fielder doesn’t automatically get credited with an assist every time they touch the ball. Some common fielding plays that do not result in assists include:

Throwing errors – no assist is awarded if the fielder’s throw is off target
Pitchers recording outs at first base after fielding a bunt or ground ball
Outfielders catching fly balls that are routine plays
Double plays turned where the fielder records both a putout and assist directly

The key is that the fielder’s action has to enable another defensive player to record a putout in order to earn an assist. Independent putouts and routine plays don’t meet the criteria.

Assists are an official MLB statistic

Assists are an official statistic tracked by Major League Baseball and included in box scores, player stats, and team fielding stats. Official scorers decide whether a fielder’s actions qualify as an assist based on the MLB definition.

Some judgement calls are involved in awarding assists, such as whether a deflected ball was truly fielded “cleanly” or if the deflection substantially helped the defense record an out. But the general concept of crediting a fielder when their action leads directly to a putout is fairly straightforward.

When Are Assists Awarded in Common Fielding Plays?

Now that we’ve covered the general definition of an assist in baseball, let’s break down some of the most frequent fielding plays that result in assists for each defensive position:

Infield Assists

Ground balls

Any infielder (first, second, third basemen, shortstop) earns an assist when they field a ground ball and throw it to another infielder who steps on the bag for a force out or tags the runner. The other infielder gets a putout.

Throws to the catcher

Infielders also often record assists by throwing out runners attempting to steal bases. If the catcher catches the ball and applies the tag, the infielder gets an assist and the catcher gets the putout.

Double plays

The “pivot man” in a double play (usually the second baseman) gets credited with two assists – one for receiving the throw from the shortstop and another for throwing to first base to complete the twin killing.

Outfield Assists

Outfielders most frequently record assists by:

Throwing out runners trying to advance extra bases – For example, throwing to third base or home plate to get runners who are stretching a single into a double or triple. The fielder who catches the throw and tags out the runner gets the putout.
Throwing to the cut-off man – When the center fielder throws to the shortstop or second baseman, who then relays the ball to third or home plate to put out a runner. Both the center fielder and cut-off man get credited with assists.
Throwing out runners trying to tag up and advance – When a fly ball is caught and the outfielder throws to another fielder who tags the runner advancing from third base.

The key is that the outfielder’s quick and accurate throw enables the defense to record a putout they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Pitcher Assists

Pitchers commonly earn assists in these situations:

Fielding bunts and throwing to first – The first baseman gets the putout
Backing up throws to first base – If the first baseman is pulled off the bag, the pitcher may cover and catch the throw to record a putout. But the fielder who originally threw the ball still gets an assist.
Starting rundowns – If a pitcher catches a runner wandering off base, their throw to start a rundown leading to an out results in an assist.

In general, anytime the pitcher fields a ball and throws it to another fielder who records a putout, they are credited with an assist.

What Types of Plays Don’t Result in Assists?

While there are many fielding plays that warrant an assist, there are certain rules and situations where assists are not awarded:

Routine plays that don’t require a throw

If an infielder catches a popup or line drive for an unassisted putout, they don’t receive an assist because throwing the ball was not required. The same goes for routine ground balls fielded cleanly by an infielder who simply steps on the bag themselves for the out.

Bobbles or misplays

If a fielder misplays or bobbles a ball before recovering and throwing it to another fielder who records a putout, they don’t get an assist. The action has to be considered a smoothly fielded play.

Throwing errors

If the fielder makes an off-target throw that is not caught or allows a runner to advance safely, it does not qualify as an assist. No assist is awarded if the throw is errant.

Automatic putouts

When putouts are automatic, such as a forced out at first base on a ground ball or fly ball caught by an outfielder, the fielder doesn’t get an assist. Even if they throw to another fielder after the automatic putout.

Pitchers recording independent putouts

If a pitcher fields a ball and touches first base themselves for the putout, they don’t get an assist. Or if they tag a runner attempting to score. The pitcher records a putout but not an assist on independent putouts.

Cutting off throws

Cutting off errant throws and preventing extra bases does not warrant an assist. The effort does not lead directly to a putout.

Relays

On long relay throws, only the final fielder who catches the ball just before the putout is made gets an assist. The earlier fielders do not.

So in summary, for a fielder to get credited with an assist, their action must directly enable a putout without error or misplay. Routine putouts and indirect contributions don’t meet the criteria for an assist.

Why Do Assists Matter for Evaluating Defense?

Now that we understand exactly when assists are awarded, let’s look at why they are an important metric for evaluating a baseball player’s defensive contributions:

Quantify fielding activity

The number of assists for infielders and outfielders provides tangible information about their involvement and range. More assists generally indicates more balls fielded and thrown successfully.

Judge throwing ability

Assists demonstrate which players have the arm strength and accuracy to turn batted balls into outs. Strong and accurate throwing leads to more assists.

Indication of range

Speedy fielders with excellent mobility can get to more balls and limit hits. More assists means more plays made within their defensive range.

Assess defensive positioning

Infielders and outfielders positioned well who read the ball off the bat quickly can record more putouts. Assists reward good defensive positioning.

Contribute to advanced metrics

Assists are incorporated into advanced defensive statistics like Defensive Runs Saved that estimate the number of runs a fielder saves over an average player. So assists factor into overall defensive value.

While not a perfect metric in isolation, assists provide useful context that complements putouts, double plays, errors, and advanced defensive numbers for a complete perspective on fielding impact.

Assists Records and Notable Assist Totals

Let’s run through some of the single-season and all-time assist records across MLB history:

Career Assists Leaders Among Position Players

Omar Vizquel (SS): 7,676
Brooks Robinson (3B): 6,854
Luis Aparicio (SS): 6,697
Nolan Arenado (3B): 2,800*
Ozzie Smith (SS): 8,375

(*) Active player – totals still increasing

Typically shortstops, third basemen, and second basemen compile the highest assist totals thanks to their involvement on force outs, double plays, and stealing tagging runners.

Single Season Assist Records by Position

Shortstop: 876 – Hughie Jennings, Tidewater Infants (1894)
Third Base: 583 – John McGraw, Baltimore Orioles (1899)
Second Base: 731 – Bid McPhee, Cincinnati Reds (1887)
First Base: 184 – John Jorgensen, New York Metropolitans (1889)
Catcher: 212 – Ray Schalk, Chicago White Sox (1922)
Right Fielder: 44 – 15 tied with record
Center Fielder: 48 – Taylor Douthit, St. Louis Cardinals (1928)
Left Fielder: 38 – Irish Meusel, Philadelphia Phillies (1925)

As expected, the most assists occur closer to the infield, where there are more fielding opportunities.

Career Assist Record for a Pitcher

1,337 – Greg Maddux

Maddux won 18 Gold Gloves thanks in part to his combination of defensive skill, quick reflexes, and ability to field bunts and grounders in front of the mound. His total is the highest among pitchers.

How Assists Are Scored and Recorded

Assists are awarded by the official scorer of each MLB game based on observation and judgment of the fielding plays. Some guidelines assist scorers on when to award an assist:

Scorekeepers consider if the throw was accurate enough to be caught without extra effort
Slight misplays or bobbles can still warrant an assist if the fielder recovers quickly
The throw must be immediate – delayed or extra throws don’t qualify
If multiple options, only the player who threw closest to putout gets assist
If relay throw, only the last throw before putout is an assist
Difficult catches on poor throws don’t automatically earn assist

Additionally, here are some details on how assists are formally recorded:

Assists are an official MLB stat recorded in box scores
They are included in fielding statistics leaders and fielding percentage
Assists stay attached to fielder totals even if later ruled an error after replay
If a play is overturned by instant replay, an assist can be added or removed as needed
Assists are covered by MLB Rule 9.10 that defines awarding assists

By understanding what plays count as assists and how they are scored, we gain better insight into this key indicator of defensive contribution in baseball.

Common Questions and Answers About Assists in Baseball

Here are some frequently asked questions to summarize key details about assists in baseball:

Q: Can a fielder get an assist if they throw the ball poorly and another player recovers it?

A: No. For an assist to be awarded, the throw needs to be on target or at least catchable without extra effort. Badly errant throws that are recovered do not warrant an assist.

Q: Does a fielder get an assist if they bobble the ball before throwing it?

A: Maybe. The official scorer judges whether the fielder recovered quickly enough for the bobble not to materially impact the out. But a substantial misplay nullifies the assist.

Q: Can the same player get a putout and an assist on the same play?

A: No, a player cannot get both a putout and assist on the same play. Somebody else has to record the putout for a fielder to be credited with an assist.

Q: Can a center fielder get an assist throwing home to the catcher?

A: Yes. As long as the throw is accurate enough for the catcher to apply the tag, the center fielder would earn an assist with the catcher getting the putout.

Q: Does cutting off an errant throw qualify for an assist?

A: No, just stopping an errant throw doesn’t warrant an assist. The fielder has to actively relay the ball to the player recording the putout in order to earn the assist.

In summary, the fielder must make an accurate throw or deflection enabling another player to get a putout to be credited with a baseball assist. It rewards team defense and active fielding contributions.

Conclusion

An assist is one of the most telling defensive metrics in baseball. It credits fielders who handle the ball and make good throws leading directly to putouts with an assist. Infielders, outfielders, and pitchers can all earn assists by starting or contributing to rally plays that produce outs. While subjective judgements are required, the assist is an official statistic that factors into advanced defensive analytics. It recognizes the throwing skills, mobility, range, and defensive intensity of players. Assists provide valuable context alongside putouts and fielding percentage to assess fielding excellence. By understanding exactly which type of plays qualify for assists and why they matter, we gain better appreciation for this key component of baseball scoring that rewards defensive skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the definition of an assist in baseball?

A: An assist is credited to a defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to a putout being recorded. The fielder’s action has to directly enable another fielder to record the putout.

Q: Which baseball positions typically record the most assists over a season?

A: Shortstops, third basemen, second basemen, and center fielders frequently lead their teams in assists thanks to their defensive involvement on double plays, force outs, and throwing runners out.

Q: Do pitchers ever get credited with assists?

A: Yes, pitchers commonly earn assists by fielding bunts and ground balls and throwing to first base or starting rundowns that lead to putouts.

Q: Does an outfielder get an assist for catching a routine fly ball?

A: No, outfielders do not get assists on routine fly outs they catch themselves. The assist requires throwing to another fielder for a putout.

Q: Can the official scorer take away an assist after a game?

A: Yes, if a play is reviewed after the game and overturned, the official scorer can retroactively remove an assist. Assists are officially scored decisions.

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