What is a Double in Baseball?

Baseball is one of the most beloved sports in the world, and for good reason. With its mix of strategy, athleticism, and excitement, baseball has captured the hearts of fans for over a century. One of the most important concepts in baseball is the double, which can be a game-changer for players and teams alike. In this blog post, we'll explore what a double is in baseball, how it's scored, how many the average player hits per season, who is the career leader in doubles, and some cool facts about this important play.

Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or just getting into the sport, understanding doubles is crucial. Doubles can be the difference between winning and losing a game, and they can also have a major impact on a player's statistics. In this post, we'll break down everything you need to know about doubles in baseball, from the basics to the more advanced strategies.

So, if you're ready to learn about one of the most exciting plays in baseball, read on. We'll cover everything from the mechanics of hitting a double to the all-time career leaders in doubles. By the end of this post, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the importance of the double in baseball.

What is a double in baseball?

A double is a type of hit in baseball that occurs when a batter hits the ball into fair territory and reaches second base safely without the help of an error or fielder's choice. This means that the batter must hit the ball and run to second base before the ball is returned to the infield.

Doubles are an important part of baseball because they can help move runners around the bases and score runs. They can also be a sign of a batter's skill and power, as hitting a double requires a combination of good timing, technique, and strength.

There are different types of doubles in baseball, depending on how the ball is hit. A line drive double, for example, occurs when the batter hits the ball hard and on a line, causing it to travel quickly and bounce off the outfield wall or the ground before being fielded. A ground ball double, on the other hand, occurs when the ball is hit along the ground and takes a favorable bounce, allowing the batter to reach second base before the ball can be fielded. A fly ball double is when the ball is hit high into the air, and lands in between outfielders or bounces off the outfield wall, allowing the batter to reach second base.

Hitting a double can be a strategic move in baseball, especially if there are runners on base. By hitting a double, the batter can drive in runs and help their team score. Additionally, if there are already runners on base, hitting a double can help move them around the bases and put them in scoring position. This is why doubles are often considered one of the most exciting plays in baseball.

In terms of statistics, a double is recorded in the official scorebook with the abbreviation "2B". Doubles can also have a significant impact on a player's individual statistics, such as helping them have a good batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS. A player who hits a lot of doubles is often considered to be a skilled hitter, as it requires a combination of power and precision.

How is a double scored in baseball?

Scoring a double in baseball is a relatively straightforward process. When a batter hits the ball into fair territory and reaches second base safely without the help of an error or fielder's choice, they are credited with a double. The official scorekeeper records the double in the scorebook with the abbreviation "2B", and the batter's statistics are updated accordingly.

It's worth noting that there are certain situations in which a batter may be credited with a double even if they don't actually hit the ball into fair territory. For example, if a fielder interferes with the batter's ability to make a play on a fair ball, the batter may be awarded a double. Similarly, if a ball is hit into the outfield and becomes lodged in the outfield wall or scoreboard, the batter may be awarded a ground rule double.

Another important aspect of scoring a double in baseball is determining which base the batter is credited with reaching. Generally speaking, if the batter hits a double and advances to second base without any kind of error or interference, they will be credited with a "regular" double. However, there are other types of doubles that can be scored depending on the circumstances. For example, a "stand-up" double occurs when the batter hits the ball and reaches second base without having to slide. Similarly, a "sliding" double occurs when the batter hits the ball and slides into second base to beat the tag.

It's also worth noting that there are certain situations in which a batter may be credited with a double even if they don't actually reach second base. For example, if a runner on first base is forced to advance to second base on a hit by the batter, the batter may be credited with a "ground rule double". This occurs because the ball becomes lodged in the outfield wall or scoreboard, preventing the runner on first base from advancing any further.

How many doubles does the average player hit per season?

The number of doubles a player hits in a season can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the player's position, age, and overall skill level. In general, however, the average MLB player will hit around 25-30 doubles per season. This number can fluctuate from year to year based on a player's performance, injuries, and other factors, but it serves as a good benchmark for what fans can expect from a typical player.

It's worth noting that some players are known for hitting an especially high number of doubles. For example, former MLB infielder Todd Helton was known for his ability to hit doubles and finished his career with 592, which is the 17th highest total in MLB history. Other players who are known for their ability to hit doubles include Craig Biggio, Stan Musial, and Tris Speaker.

While hitting doubles is important for individual players, it can also be a key factor in a team's success. Doubles can help advance runners and create scoring opportunities, which can be especially valuable in tight games. Teams that excel at hitting doubles often have strong lineups that are able to consistently produce offense and put pressure on opposing pitchers.

Of course, there are many other factors that contribute to a player's overall success, and hitting doubles is just one of them. Nonetheless, doubles can be a valuable statistic for fans and analysts to track as they evaluate a player's performance and potential.

Who is the career leader in doubles in baseball?

The career leader in doubles in Major League Baseball is Tris Speaker, who played from 1907 to 1928. Speaker was a prolific hitter who was known for his ability to hit doubles and finished his career with an astounding 792 doubles, which is still the highest total in MLB history. Speaker played for several teams throughout his career, including the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and Washington Senators, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.

While Speaker is the all-time leader in doubles, there are several other players who have also amassed impressive totals. Among active players, Albert Pujols is currently in second place on the all-time doubles list with 669, and could potentially challenge Speaker's record if he continues to play at a high level for several more seasons. Other notable players in the top ten on the all-time doubles list include Pete Rose, Stan Musial, and Nap Lajoie.

It's worth noting that the all-time doubles leaderboard only includes players who played in Major League Baseball, and does not take into account players from other professional baseball leagues around the world. Nonetheless, the list provides a useful benchmark for fans and analysts to evaluate the best hitters in baseball history.

Cool facts about the double in baseball

The double is one of the most exciting plays in baseball, and there are several interesting facts and stories associated with this important offensive statistic. Here are just a few cool facts about doubles in baseball:

1. The first ever recorded double in professional baseball was hit by Levi Meyerle in 1876. Meyerle played for the New York Mutuals in the National Association, which was the first professional baseball league in the United States.

2. The most doubles hit in a single season by a player is 67, a record set by Earl Webb in 1931. Webb played for the Boston Red Sox and had a career year, hitting .333 with 67 doubles, 19 home runs, and 103 RBIs.

3. The most doubles hit in a single game by a player is four, a feat accomplished by several players throughout history. The most recent player to hit four doubles in a game is Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Ketel Marte, who accomplished the feat in 2019.

4. The most doubles hit in a single game by a team is 13, a record set by the Boston Red Sox in 1934. The Red Sox beat the St. Louis Browns 29-4 in that game, and hit a total of 37 hits, including 13 doubles.

5. In 2000, Seattle Mariners outfielder Edgar Martinez hit 52 doubles in a single season, becoming the first player in history to have at least 50 doubles and 20 home runs in the same season.

6. The term "double" was first used to describe a two-base hit in the 19th century, and likely originated from the game of cricket, where the term "double" was used to describe a hit that allowed the batsman to run to the opposite end of the pitch.

7. Doubles are a key component of "small ball" offense, which emphasizes the importance of advancing runners and manufacturing runs through smart base running and situational hitting. In contrast, "power ball" offense relies more heavily on home runs and extra base hits to score runs.

By understanding the history and significance of doubles in baseball, fans can better appreciate the importance of this exciting offensive statistic. From Levi Meyerle's historic first double to Earl Webb's record-breaking season, doubles have played an important role in shaping the game of baseball and the feats that players have accomplished on the field. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard baseball enthusiast, there's always something new and exciting to learn about the game of baseball and the players who make it great.

Conclusion

In conclusion, doubles are an essential part of baseball, and understanding their intricacies is crucial for players and fans alike. From the basics of hitting a double to the all-time career leaders in doubles, we've covered everything you need to know about this exciting play. We hope you've enjoyed learning about doubles in baseball and that you'll continue to explore the world of baseball on our blog.

If you're interested in learning more about baseball, be sure to check out our other posts. We cover everything from the history of baseball to the latest news and trends in the sport. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, our blog has something for everyone.

So, the next time you're watching a baseball game, keep an eye out for those doubles. You never know when a player will hit one that changes the course of the game. And now, thanks to this post, you'll be able to appreciate the skill and strategy behind every double in baseball.

Images Courtesy: Chris Chow  Josh Hemsley  Kirk Thornton