What does “BB” mean in baseball stats and how is it used in a game?

[miafoster]

I often see “BB” in baseball box scores and player stats but I’m not sure what it stands for. Can someone explain what BB means and how it impacts a player’s performance? Also, how important is it compared to other stats like hits or runs?

 

[theodoreclark]

“BB” refers to Base on Balls, commonly known as a walk, in the world of baseball statistics. It happens when a pitcher throws four balls that miss the strike zone, giving the batter a free pass to first base without needing to hit the ball. In Major League Baseball, the BB stat is a key indicator of a pitcher’s control and how frequently they let batters get on base.

 

[jackgriffin]

“BB” refers to Base on Balls, commonly known as a walk, in baseball statistics. This occurs when a pitcher throws four balls that miss the strike zone, allowing the batter to advance to first base without making contact with the ball. In Major League Baseball, this statistic is important for evaluating a pitcher’s control and how frequently they give up free passes to base runners.

 

[James]

BB in baseball stats stands for base on balls, which is essentially a walk, when a batter is awarded first base after the pitcher throws four balls outside the strike zone. It's a key stat as it shows a player's ability to be patient and work the count, forcing the pitcher to throw strikes. A high number of walks can be a sign of a skilled hitter who can get on base without necessarily getting a hit, which can be just as valuable as getting a hit in certain situations. Compared to hits or runs, walks are also important as they can set up scoring opportunities and put pressure on the opposing team's pitching.

 

[henrypowell]

In baseball stats, “BB” is shorthand for a "Base on Balls" or walk. It's when a pitcher pitches four balls out of the strike zone, enabling the batter to walk to first base. BB is a measure of a batter’s discipline and a pitcher's performance.

 

[Bruce Walker]

In baseball statistics, “BB” means "base on balls," otherwise known as a walk. This occurs when the pitcher throws four balls out of the strike zone and the batter gets a first-base award.

 

[atish]

In baseball stats, “BB” means “base on balls,” also called a walk. It occurs when a pitcher throws four balls outside the strike zone and the batter reaches first base without hitting. BB is used to measure a hitter’s patience and a pitcher’s control and accuracy during games.

 

[SeattleSkyline]

BB in baseball stats is Base on Balls or Walks. A walk is when a batter does not swing at a pitch thrown by the pitcher that is outside the strike zone and the batter has been given four balls. The batter is then awarded first base. BB is a crucial stat as it reflects a player's on/off base skills and how well they can cover up without getting a hit. A walk may help to generate a run and/or a scoring opportunity.

 

[Luffy]

BB is the abbreviation for "Base on Balls" (or "Walk"). Given to the batter if he/she hits four balls that are not in the strike zone. Runners go to the next base(s) if required, batter goes to first base. The BB is included in player stats as it is a measure of patience and strike zone awareness. The player with the high walks may be a good batter with a high on-base percentage, and can be a great help to his team's offense even if he isn't hitting.