On-base percentage

On-base percentage (abbreviated OBP) is a baseball statistic designed to track the rate at which a hitter reaches base as a result of his own actions (as opposed to, for example, defensive lapses). Another way to interpret OBP is the percentage of a player's plate appearances that he does not make an out.

The formula for on-base percentage is

<math>OBP = \frac{H+BB+HBP}{AB+BB+HBP+SF}</math>

where

• H is Hits
• BB is Walks
• HBP is times hit by a pitch
• AB is At bats
• SF is Sacrifice Flies

Because there is a high correlation between OBP and runs scored, the use of on-base percentage in player evaluation has gained favor among baseball enthusiasts and front offices in recent years. It has proven to be a more reliable indicator of a player's offensive performance than batting average.

See also

• Slugging percentage
• On-base plus slugging
• Sabermetrics

Baseball Terms

Hits Bunt • Single • Double • Triple • Home Run • Fair Ball • Foul Ball • Ground Rule Double Fouls Quick Return Pitch • Balk • Infield Fly Events Double Header • Forfeited Game • Inning Achievements Baseball Hall of Fame • All-Star Game • World Series Positions Batter • Pitcher • Catcher • Designated hitter • Fielder • Infielder • Outfielder • Runner Equipment Baseball Outs Out • Double Play • Triple Play • Fielder's Choice • Fly Ball • Force Play • Ground Ball • Line Drive • Strikeout Places on the Field Alley • Base • Batter's Box • Dugout • Fair Territory • Foul Territory • Home Plate • Infield • Outfield Pitches Ball • Strike Achievable Events Assist • Run • Tag • Perfect game