Double Play (DP) | Glossary | MLB.com (2024)

Double Play (DP)

Definition

A double play occurs when two offensive players are ruled out within the same play. It's often referred to as "a pitcher's best friend" because it's twice as helpful toward his cause as any given out.

Double plays can be made in any number of ways, but the most common form is on a ground ball with a runner on first. In this case, the defense typically throws the ball to second base to get the first out before throwing the ball to first base for the second out.

A double play can be recorded on a flyout if a fielder throws out a runner who strayed off his base or was trying to advance. Double plays also don't necessarily need to feature a force out at second. If the defense gets the out at first base, then tags another runner out on the bases, that counts as a double play as well.

Pitchers who record the highest number of double plays typically induce a high frequency of ground balls. And defenses that are adept at turning double plays generally have two very good middle infielders who are skilled at both starting the double play and at making a quick catch and throw from second base.

In A Call

"turned two," "doubled up," "twin killing," "pitcher's best friend"

Double Play (DP) | Glossary | MLB.com (2024)

FAQs

Double Play (DP) | Glossary | MLB.com? ›

A double play occurs when two offensive players are ruled out within the same play. It's often referred to as "a pitcher's best friend" because it's twice as helpful toward his cause as any given out.

Is a double play worth 2 outs? ›

In baseball and softball, a double play (denoted as DP in baseball statistics) is the act of making two outs during the same continuous play.

What is the slide rule for double plays? ›

When sliding into a base in an attempt to break up a double play, a runner has to make a "bona fide slide." Such is defined as the runner making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at ...

Is a double play 2 pitcher out? ›

Definition. A double play occurs when two offensive players are ruled out within the same play. It's often referred to as "a pitcher's best friend" because it's twice as helpful toward his cause as any given out.

How to win Powerball double play? ›

Black balls (Double Play): The first five numbers on your ticket can match with any of the first five numbers drawn in the Double Play drawing, in any order. Note that you can only win a Double Play prize if you purchased the Double Play option on your game ticket.

Do you have to touch second on a double play? ›

That means middle infielders must touch the second-base bag while in possession of the ball in order to ensure the out is made on a ground-ball double play.

What is the 7 slide rule? ›

Follow the “Seven-by-Seven rule”

a. Use no more than 7 words per line and no more than 7 lines per visual.

Does a runner have to get out of the way on a double play? ›

A runner is not required to slide when attempting to break up a double play. As long as the runner does not initiate contact with a fielder and impede him from making a play, there is no violation.

What does 4-6-3 mean in baseball? ›

4-6-3 double play

The second baseman (4) fields a batted ball and throws to the shortstop (6), who forces out a runner at second and then throws to the first baseman (3) to force out the batter.

Why is a double play called 4-6-3? ›

If the ball originated with the shortstop and was then thrown to the second baseman, the play is referred to as a “6-4-3 double play”, after the numbers assigned to the players in order of field position; if it is hit to the second baseman and then thrown to the shortstop, it is known as a 4-6-3 double play (6- ...

What is the most common double play? ›

The most common double play goes from short to second to first. This is so because most batters (62%, or 198 major leaguers who can be considered regulars) are right-handed and tend to hit to the left side.

What is the equation for a double play? ›

6 + 4 + 3 (SS + 2B + 1B) is the most common double play in baseball. The batter hits the ball to the shortstop who throws the ball to the second baseman (1 out) who throws the ball to the first baseman (2 outs) for a Double Play. Sometimes a play by play man will simply say “6…

What is 643 in baseball? ›

The batter hits a ground ball that is fielded by the shortstop (6). The shortstop throws to the second baseman (4) who steps on second base to force out the runner coming from first base. The second baseman then throws the ball to the first baseman (3) to get the batter/runner out at first.

Should you steal with 2 outs? ›

One of the most common times to steal occurs with two outs and the hitter behind in the count. In this case, the downside to stealing is minimized. If the runner is thrown out, the hitter gets a fresh count to start the next inning.

How much do you win on a double play? ›

Double Play is another chance to win! Double Play enters a player's Powerball numbers into a second drawing for only an extra $1. This opportunity provides the chance to win even more prizes, up to $10 MILLION! The Double Play drawing occurs immediately after the Powerball drawing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How is a double play scored? ›

This is recorded as a DP 6-4-3 where “DP” represents Double Play and the “6″ represents the shortstop catching the ground ball, while the”4″ represents the second baseman catching the ball, tagging the base before the runner gets there (recording the first out), and the “3″ represents the first baseman catching the ...

Who gets credit for a double play? ›

If there are two outs recorded on the same batted ball, a double play would be recorded by the official scorer, no matter what else happens in the play.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 5938

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.