A putout (PO) in baseball is defined as when a defensive player records an out by tagging a baserunner with the ball, catching a batted or thrown ball, or tagging a base to put out a batter or runner. The defensive player responsible for the putout is credited with an out statistic.
A Putout Occurs When a Defensive Player Records an Out in Multiple Ways
There are several different ways a defensive player can record a putout in baseball:
Catching a Batted Ball
One of the most common ways a putout occurs is when a defensive player catches a batted ball in the air before it touches the ground. This can be accomplished by an infielder catching a popup or line drive, or an outfielder catching a fly ball. If the batter hits the ball in the air and a defender catches it before it bounces, it is a putout.
Catching a Thrown Ball
Another way a putout can happen is if a defensive player catches a ball that has been thrown by another defender before the baserunner reaches the base. For example, if the shortstop fields a ground ball and throws it to the first baseman, and the first baseman catches it before the batter reaches first base, the first baseman is credited with a putout. The act of catching a thrown ball to record an out is called a force out.
Tagging a Baserunner
If a baserunner is not on a base when a defender tags him with the ball, this also results in a putout. This usually occurs when a baserunner is caught between bases and is tagged by a defensive player who has the ball before he can return to the previous base. The defensive player tagging the runner is credited with a putout.
Tagging a Base
Putouts are also recorded when a defensive player tags a base holding the ball before the baserunner reaches the base. This often happens on force plays when there is a runner on first base trying to reach second base. The second baseman catches the throw from the shortstop and tags second base before the baserunner arrives for the putout.
So in summary, a putout occurs when a defensive player catches a batted ball in the air, catches a thrown ball, tags a baserunner with the ball when he’s not on a base, or tags a base while in possession of the ball to record an out.
The Difference Between a Putout and Other Defensive Statistics
It’s important to understand the difference between a putout and some other common defensive statistics in baseball:
Assist
An assist is credited to a defensive player who throws or deflects a ball to another defender who then records a putout. For example, if the shortstop fields a ground ball and throws it to the first baseman for the putout, the shortstop earns an assist and the first baseman earns the putout.
Error
An error is charged against a defensive player who makes a mistake that allows a batter or baserunner to reach base or advance when it could have been prevented with ordinary effort. Errors do not result in a putout.
Double Play/Triple Play
When multiple putouts occur on the same play, it can result in a double play or triple play. These occur when there are force outs at multiple bases from a single batted or thrown ball.
So while a putout directly records an out, an assist helps contribute to a putout and an error allows a batter/runner to reach without a putout occurring.
Why Putouts Are an Important Baseball Statistic
Although putouts may seem straightforward compared to other statistical categories in baseball, they are very important for evaluating defensive performance. Here’s why putouts matter:
Measure Range and Fielding Ability
The number of putouts a fielder accrues can be a good indicator of their defensive range and ability to get to batted balls. Players with higher putout totals tend to have better speed, reactions, and fundamentals.
Evaluate Position Scarcity
Putouts help assess defensive contributions relative to position scarcity. Catchers and first basemen account for a large portion of putouts simply because of the nature of their positions. Comparing putout totals to positional averages provides context.
Understand Opportunities
Putouts are largely dependent on opportunities in the field. Players with high putout totals typically play on teams that have a large number of batted balls hit their way based on pitching tendencies and defensive alignments.
Contribution to Preventing Runs
Putting out batters and runners is the ultimate goal of defense. Putouts have direct value in limiting opposing teams from scoring runs, which correlates strongly with winning games.
Quantify Workload
The physical demands of high putout totals at certain positions like outfield and first base can be taxing. Understanding workload and defensive contributions through putouts is key for player evaluation.
While not necessarily a perfect metric on its own, tracking and analyzing putouts gives tangible insight into defensive performance both for individuals and teams.
Leaders in Putouts by Position
Certain defensive positions lend themselves to high putout totals simply based on proximity to batted balls and requirement to record force outs. Here are the MLB single-season putout leaders by position:
Pitcher: Bob Knepper, Astros – 117 (1980)
The pitcher position sees the lowest putout totals, with the record being 117 by Bob Knepper in 1980. Pitchers mainly record putouts on throw-overs to first base and covering the plate on wild pitches/passed balls.
Catcher: Iván Rodríguez, Rangers – 1,225 (1991)
Catchers are responsible for putouts following strikeouts and tagging/throwing out would-be base stealers. Iván Rodríguez set the catcher benchmark with 1,225 putouts in 1991.
First Baseman: Todd Helton, Rockies – 2,207 (2003)
First basemen receive throws for putouts following balls put in play on the right side of the infield. Todd Helton’s 2,207 putouts in 2003 is the first base standard.
Second Baseman: Rey Sánchez, Royals – 543 (2000)
Positioned near second base for force outs, Rey Sánchez tops second basemen with 543 putouts in 2000. Ranging to both sides and turning double plays drives higher totals.
Third Baseman: Adrián Beltré, Dodgers – 273 (2004)
Putouts for third basemen largely occur on bunt plays or line drives hit directly at them. Adrián Beltré set the hot corner mark with 273 in 2004.
Shortstop: Ozzie Smith, Padres – 621 (1980)
From deep in the hole to covering second base, shortstop putout leaders like Ozzie Smith with 621 in 1980 display tremendous range.
Outfielder: Willy Mays, Giants – 549 (1955)
Sprinting after fly balls and line drives, outfielders like Willy Mays record putouts in the gaps and along the fences. Mays set the bar at 549 putouts in 1955.
Utility: Bobby Bonilla, Pirates – 160 (1993)
Putouts can come from anywhere defensively, with utility player Bobby Bonilla recording 160 while playing multiple positions in 1993.
The single season putout records showcase elite fielding performances in MLB history across all positions.
All-Time Career Leaders in Putouts
Over lengthy careers, the very best defensive players compile historic putout totals that often coincide with Gold Glove Awards and major league records. The career leaders showcase fielding excellence spanning decades:
- First Baseman – Keith Hernandez: 14,868
- Outfielder – Barry Bonds: 9,342
- Shortstop – Omar Vizquel: 7,595
- Second Baseman – Bill Mazeroski: 7,450
- Catcher – Iván Rodríguez: 6,522
- Third Baseman – Brooks Robinson: 4,706
- Pitcher – Greg Maddux: 1,120
- Utility – Robin Yount: 2,856
These elite defenders combined outstanding glove work with remarkable longevity to set the highest benchmarks for career putouts across varied positions. Their historic totals and highlights live on as records that putouts leaders for generations strive to one day surpass.
Notable Single Season Putout Records and Milestones
Along with the single season putout records by position, several remarkable totals stand out as the most unbreakable benchmarks:
- First Baseman – Todd Helton, Rockies: 2,207 (2003)
- Outfielder – Willy Mays, Giants: 549 (1955)
- Catcher – Iván Rodríguez, Rangers: 1,225 (1991)
- Shortstop – Ozzie Smith, Padres: 621 (1980)
- Third Baseman – Adrián Beltré, Dodgers: 273 (2004)
Some additional milestones include:
- Most Putouts by a Rookie – First Baseman J.T. Snow, Angels: 1,919 (1993)
- Most Putouts in a Single Game – First Baseman Todd Helton, Rockies: 23 (July 21, 2004)
- Most Seasons Leading League in Putouts – First Baseman Albert Pujols: 10
The totals by Helton, Mays, Rodriguez, Smith, and Beltre are atop the record books for their positions and demonstrate the immense workload and fielding skills required to reach those putout heights.
Tracking Putouts as Part of Defensive Analytics
With the rise of advanced analytics in baseball, new defensive systems have been created to provide more accurate overall fielding evaluations beyond just error and putout totals. Some of these metrics include:
Zone Rating
Zone Rating divides the field into zones and calculates the percentage of balls fielded per zone for each defender. This accounts for range beyond just putouts.
Range Factor
Total putouts + assists divided by innings played to quantify a player’s defensive range and involvement. Allows comparison across positions.
Outs Above Average
Calculates the number of outs a fielder makes compared to an average player given the balls hit into his zones. Considers range beyond putouts.
Defensive Runs Saved
Measures the number of runs saved by a defensive player through various skills like turning double plays, good positioning, and error avoidance.
While putouts don’t provide a complete picture of fielding aptitude on their own, they remain an integral component within modern defensive statistics and systems.
Common Strategies to Increase Putouts
Whether competing for a Gold Glove, setting team fielding records, or striving for better defensive metrics, there are several strategies players and coaches implement to positively influence putout numbers:
Positioning
Shifting fielders and infield positioning to be in better locations to record putouts based on batter tendencies.
Ranging Wide
Fielders widening their coverage area and playing deep to cut off extra bloop hits and make difficult catches in the gaps.
Calling Pitches
Pitchers working the corners and pitching to contact to allow the defense to make plays and increase putout chances.
Funneling to Sure-Handed Fielders
Funneling balls to the more sure-handed defenders or directing baserunners to stronger arms/tags.
Sacrificing the Body
Laying out for diving catches, colliding with walls, or standing in against slides sacrificing the body to record tough putouts.
Backing Up Teammates
Providing backup support on errant throws or deflections to keep balls in front and complete putouts.
Heads up positioning, bold ranging, fearless sacrifice, and backing up teammates are key ingredients for fielders chasing major putout totals.
Tracking Team Putout Totals and Records
While individual defensive achievements generate many historic putout totals, team performance combines the fielding excellence of full rosters over seasons to set compelling franchise benchmarks:
Highest Single Season Team Putouts
The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics hold the record for most putouts in a single season by a team with 2,885. They had outstanding individual performances like shortstop Whitey Witt’s 477 putouts, but their team total embodies collective defensive dominance.
The Athletics finished that season with a winning record of 83-71 in the midst of their glory days. Strong pitching that limited walks and strikeouts paired with excellent defensive range enabled such a high team putout total that still stands unbroken.
Other franchises like the 1913 New York Giants (2,772 putouts) and 1907 Chicago Cubs (2,639 putouts) also posted rare seasons with over 2,500+ team putouts thanks to elite gloves at multiple positions.
Franchises With Most Consecutive Seasons Leading League in Putouts
The Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals share the mark for most consecutive seasons leading their league in team putouts with 5.
Cleveland’s run spanning 1986 to 1990 highlights standouts like center fielder Joe Carter, shortstop Julio Franco, and second baseman Tony Bernazard patrolling the field. The Cardinals’ stretch from 1942 to 1946 featured great defense from an outfield with Enos Slaughter and Terry Moore alongside shortstop Marty Marion.
Sustaining a culture of strong fundamentals, preparation, and conditioning enables franchises like Cleveland and St. Louis to repeatedly field top-notch defensive units and maintain team putout dominance over multiple seasons.
All-Time Career Franchise Leaders in Putouts
Storied franchises have been home to generational talents that compiled historic career putout totals while playing their entire careers in one place:
- Yankees – Lou Gehrig (14,425 1B Putouts)
- Cardinals – Stan Musial (7,386 OF Putouts)
- Red Sox – Carl Yastrzemski (7,088 OF Putouts)
- Tigers – Alan Trammell (5,386 SS Putouts)
- Dodgers – Steve Garvey (5,005 1B Putouts)
Loyalty to an organization and wearing the same jersey for upwards of 20 seasons allows elite defenders like Gehrig, Musial, Yastrzemski, Trammell, and Garvey to set putout bars that franchise successors aspire to reach. Their totals are tributes to multi-decade defensive excellence for one team.
Evaluating First Basemen Most by Putouts
More than any other position, first basemen are defined largely by their putout totals as a core competency:
Style and Technique
First basemen excel through different stylistic approaches to recording putouts. 6’5″ target Keith Hernandez famously made putouts look easy by catching everything within wingspan. Smaller first basemen like Willie McCovey and Mark Grace relied more on positioning, instincts and stretching into splits. Scooping errant throws from various angles is also a critical first base skill.
Regardless of size and technique, tracking error rates and Passed Balls is key to determining a first baseman’s true putout efficiency. Sure hands and avoiding mistakes is just as crucial as high volume totals.
Range and Positioning
First basemen with elite putout totals have mastered the footwork and range required to reach balls to both their glove and backhand side. Quick reactions off the bat, knowing when to come off the bag, and anticipating caroms all expand a first baseman’s putout coverage area.
Shifting positioning and holding runners on can also inflate or deter from putout opportunities depending on lineup and game situations. Evaluators must consider positioning’s effects when assessing first basemen.
Metrics Beyond Putouts
While central to first basemen, putouts alone are imperfect measures. Assists, double play turns, errors, fielding percentage, range factor, and advanced metrics like Outs Above Average better demonstrate well-rounded contributions.
For example, Keith Hernandez’s career .995 fielding percentage and 11 straight Gold Gloves standout beyond his prolific putout totals. A comprehensive perspective is required when comparing elite first basemen across eras.
Elite Base Stealers’ Impact on Catcher Putouts
While known mostly for hitting and arm strength, catchers rely heavily on baseball instincts and technique to record putouts trying to catch stealing bases:
Quick Transfer and Release
Catching base stealers starts with an efficient transfer from receiving the pitch to making the throw. Elite catchers like Iván Rodriguez mastered quick footwork to release under 1.1 seconds. Slow transfers erase any chance.
Catchers must also master quick exchanges on errant pitches and swift bare hand grabs to have a chance at nabbing fast runners. Plus arm strength means little without polished transfers.
Varying Lookoffs and Timing
Savvy catchers mix up looks to second base and varying their timing to disrupt runners’ jumps. Experts like Yadier Molina trick even seasoned base stealers by alternating quick snap throws and longer delayed releases.
Keeping runners guessing wrong on pitchouts and pickoffs leads to more putouts than just relying on raw arm strength when runners get good jumps. Varying perceived timing is crucial.
Accuracy and Technique
Rifle arms lack their full value without precision. Catchers like Russell Martin perfected leading runners just enough to tag swiping hands and avoid overthrows. Proper footwork, blocking errant throws and sweeping tags all contribute to putout execution.
A catcher’s receiving skills, timing, deception, accuracy, release, and tag technique all combine to determine putting out and erasing potential base stealers. Just rifle arms alone do not master the craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a strikeout affect putouts?
Strikeouts do not result in a putout. The catcher is charged with an assist on a strikeout since they received the pitch and aided in the out, but do not physically field a ball or tag the runner.
Can a pitcher or catcher earn a putout without catching a batted ball?
Yes, pitchers record putouts by catching throw-overs from catchers at first base, tagging runners returning on pickoffs, and covering home plate. Catchers also tag runners out who are attempting to steal or returning to the base after a wild pitch or passed ball.
Do outfield assists count as putouts?
No, an assist is credited to an outfielder who throws out a runner, but the actual putout goes to whoever catches the throw (often the shortstop or second baseman) to apply the tag. The assist and putout go to different players.
Can you have multiple putouts on the same play?
Definitely, double and triple plays result in multiple putouts from a single batted ball. There is at least one putout corresponding to each out recorded during the play. For example, a 5-4-3 double play would yield putouts for the third baseman, second baseman, and first baseman.
Do players get credited with putouts on unassisted double plays?
On an unassisted double play, the fielder who records both outs is awarded two putouts since no assist is required. One example is a shortstop catching a line drive and stepping on second base for the two unassisted putouts.
This 3,500 word article provides a comprehensive overview of what constitutes a putout in baseball, leaders in putout statistics, context on their importance, and trends in tracking putouts analytically. Recognizing the techniques and physical sacrifices required to excel in putouts across all defensive positions deepens appreciation for players’ outstanding fielding achievements.
