Introducing: Brand New MSL Stat Calculators!

15th Jul 2025 Dan Strayer

The Manchester Softball League is excited to announce a new feature designed to simplify the lives of captains, scorekeepers, and managers: the MSL Calculators Section. These innovative tools provide a suite of easy-to-use calculators that allow you to quickly and accurately determine key statistics, including batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.

BATTING AVERAGE

ON-BASE PCT. (OBP)

SLUGGING PCT. (SLG)

FAQs

Say Goodbye to Tedious Calculations

Traditionally, calculating these vital statistics has been a time-consuming and error-prone process. Scorekeepers would meticulously record every hit, walk, and out, then painstakingly perform complex calculations to arrive at the desired figures. This manual approach was not only time-consuming but also left ample room for human error.

The Calculators Page Revolutionises Stat Tracking

Our new Calculators Page eliminates the need for manual calculations. Simply input the following easily countable game data:

At Bats: The number of times a player legally bats, excluding walks, hit-by-pitches, and sacrifices.
Hits: The number of times a player successfully reaches base with a hit (single, double, triple, or home run).
Runs: The number of times a player scores a run.
Runs Batted In (RBIs): The number of runners who score as a direct result of the batter’s actions.
Walks: The number of times a player reaches base on a walk.
Sacrifice Hits: The number of times a player sacrifices their own chance at a hit to advance a runner.
Doubles: The number of two-base hits.
Triples: The number of three-base hits.
Home Runs: The number of four-base hits.

Once you’ve entered this data, simply click the “Calculate” button. The Calculators Page will instantly generate the following key statistics:

Batting Average (AVG):
- Formula: Hits / At Bats
On-Base Percentage (OBP):
- Formula: (Hits + Walks) / (At Bats + Walks + Sacrifice Hits)
Slugging Percentage (SLG):
- Formula: (Singles + (2 * Doubles) + (3 * Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)) / At Bats.

BATTING AVERAGE

ON-BASE PCT. (OBP)

SLUGGING PCT. (SLG)

FAQs

Benefits for Everyone

The Calculators Page offers numerous benefits for all members of the Manchester Softball League:

For Scorekeepers:

Effortless Calculations: Spend less time on tedious calculations and more time enjoying the game.
Reduced Errors: Minimise the risk of human error in manual calculations.
Increased Efficiency: Streamline the scorekeeping process and improve overall efficiency.

For Captains:

Informed Decision-Making: Gain valuable insights into player performance to make informed decisions regarding batting order and player substitutions.
Improved Player Development: Track player progress throughout the season and identify areas for improvement.
Enhanced Communication: Easily share player statistics with players and coaches to facilitate communication and improve team performance.

For Managers:

Data-Driven Analysis: Analyse player performance data to identify trends and make informed strategic decisions.
Improved Team Evaluation: Assess team strengths and weaknesses to identify areas for improvement.
Enhanced Player Recruitment: Evaluate potential new players based on their past performance statistics.

BATTING AVERAGE

ON-BASE PCT. (OBP)

SLUGGING PCT. (SLG)

FAQs

The Calculators Page is a valuable addition to the Manchester Softball League website, empowering all members with the tools they need to track player performance, make informed decisions, and enhance the overall softball experience.

We encourage all members to explore the Calculators Page and experience the benefits of this time-saving and accurate tool firsthand.

Some FAQs About These Statistics

What Does Batting Average Signify?

Batting average tallies how well a batter or a team succeeds in safely hitting pitches. It signifies bat control, and the ability of a hitter to swing at a pitch and find gaps in the defence when they swing at a pitch.

What Does On Base Percentage Signify?

On base percentage is quite similar to batting average, but it adds factor that allows you to see how well a player or a team does it all scenarios. It’s a good measure of one’s batting eye, and their ability to avoid swinging at pitches outside the strike zone.

What Does Slugging Percentage Signify?

Slugging percentage is a way to quantify how productive a batter is by tallying the number of bases they reach during an average at bat. As opposed to batting average (which rewards every kind of hit), slugging percentage rewards batters who accumulate lots of extra base hits (i.e. home runs, triples and doubles).

Slugging percentage ultimately signifies two things:

– The power a batter has;
– The likelihood of a batter to reach scoring position with one swing of the bat.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE:
Use slugging percentage to your advantage. You can use it as a way to determine which batters are most likely to reach second base at minimum during their at-bat, and thus put their team in a better position to score more runs. Or, use it to determine which batters are more likely to score runners ahead of them with a long hit. For instance, consider the two batters in Example #2 below. It might make sense to have Batter 2 hit close behind Batter 1. That’s because Batter 1 reaches first base consistently, and will need a big hitter to move around the bases and score.

EXAMPLE #2:
Batter 1 has accumulated eight singles and two outs in their last 10 at-bats. That’s 8 hits and 8 total bases in 10 at-bats.
Batter 2 has accumulated one home run, one triple, one double, one single and six outs in their last 10 at-bats. That’s 4 hits and 10 total bases in 10 at-bats.
– Batter 1 has a higher batting average (.800 > .300) in their last 10 at-bats. However…
– Batter 2 has a higher slugging percentage (.800 < 1.000).

Which Of These Statistics Matter Most?

There really is no right or wrong answer to whether Batting Average, OBP or SLG is the most important statistic. Opinions vary, and they often rely on things that you cannot control: how a defence is positioned for a given batter, for example, can mean the difference between a well-placed hit and an unlucky out. With OBP, Jill might see nothing but pitches that land outside the strike zone, whilst Bill might see nothing but pitches that land in the strikes.

Situations dictate statistics in slow-pitch. Above all, the ability to have a feel for how well your team and the individuals within the team are doing matters just as much as what the numbers say. They’re a guide, but by no means are they a “Be All, End All.”

Numbers That End 0.333 Don’t Really Compute For Me and My Team. Can We Figure Out How this Breaks Down as a Percent Figure?

In truth, batting averages (and later OBP and SLG) evolved from 19th Century baseball statisticians that were making it up as they went. Although they’ve definitely evolved, it’s hard to understand what it means in a real-world sense. So yes: we freely admit that 33% tells the story more effectively than 0.333.

So let’s make it simple. When you have a batting average of .333, simply move the decimal two places to the right. Now, you have a percent (%) figure.

EXAMPLE #3
Manny Chester had a .333 batting average. So, just move the decimal point to the right two places on that figure, and you’ll get the following:
– Manny has a batting % of 33.3% (or 33% if you’re not a fan of decimals)

What is a Sacrifice?

For statistical purposes, a sacrifice in MSL consists of a scenario when a batter comes to the plate with a teammate on third base and less than two outs. The batter hits a fly ball that is caught, and the runner tags up from third base and safely crosses home plate to score a run. In essence, the batter has sacrificed themselves in order for the team to score another run.

Please Note: This scenario only applies in the case of caught fly balls, not fielded ground balls that lead to an out at any base except for the runner scoring from third.

How Do Errors Figure into All of This?

First of all: you keep track of errors?!?! Applause for the dedication, but…wow.

In all seriousness, errors factor into batting average thusly: it’s an at-bat, but not a hit. So if you had four at-bats and reached base four times by error? You’d finish that game with a .000 batting average, or 0 for 4.

And for On-Base Percentage aficionados: yes, an error counts as a plate appearance, but not as a plate appearance in which the batter reaches a base. Using the same example, you’d have a .000 on-base percentage (and that remains the case even if you managed to score four runs). As Ray Kinsella said in Field of Dreams, we have created something totally illogical.

What is the Difference Between an At-Bat and a Plate Appearance?

Very good question: in a nutshell, both statistics signify a batting result for when a batter came to the plate. But certain results don’t count as an at-bat, whereas every result does count as a plate appearance.

Here are some quick definitions of what constitutes both an at-bat (AB) and plate appearance (PA):

– An at-bat consists of a batting result that ends in any of the following: a hit (be it a single, double, triple or home run), an error, or an out (excluding sacrifices).
– A plate appearance consists of all of the above, plus batting results that end in walks and outs (including sacrifices).

REMEMBER: ABs are very specific batting results. PAs are absolutely every possible batting result.

EXAMPLE #1:
Manny Chester of the Didsbury Berries came to bat six times in a game Tuesday against the Cheadle Beatles. Manny finished with two singles, a walk, a groundout to second base, a home run and a sacrifice fly to left centre field.

Manny’s final tally for Tuesday consisted of:
– 3 hits
– 1 walk
– 1 sacrifice
– 1 out
– 4 times on base (i.e. 3 hits and 1 walk)
– 6 total bases (i.e. 2 by way of a single and 4 by way of a home run)
– 4 at bats (i.e. 3 hits and 1 out)
– 6 plate appearances (i.e. 3 hits, 1 out, 1 walk, 1 sacrifice)

THEREFORE:
– His batting average for the game was .750 = 3 hits / 4 at-bats.
– His on-base pct for the game is .667 = 4 times on base / 6 plate appearances.
– His slugging pct for the game is 1.500 = 6 total bases / 4 at-bats.

Why Are These Statistics Important in Softball?

These statistics provide valuable insights into a player’s offensive performance. They help teams understand how effectively players are getting on base, hitting for power, and contributing to scoring runs.
Q: Do these statistics apply to both slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball?
A: Yes, the formulas and basic concepts apply to both. However, the typical values for a “good” batting average, OBP, or SLG might differ slightly between the two due to variations in game play (e.g., more home runs in certain slow-pitch leagues).

Batting Average (AVG)

Q: What is Batting Average (AVG)?
A: Batting Average is a fundamental statistic that measures how often a player gets a hit.2 It’s calculated by dividing the total number of hits by the total number of at-bats.3
Q: What is considered a “good” batting average?
A: A “good” batting average varies by league and competition level. Generally, anything around .300 or higher is considered excellent. In many recreational leagues, a batting average above .500 is common due to more forgiving pitching.
Q: Does batting average tell the whole story of a hitter’s effectiveness?
A: Not entirely. While it shows how often a player gets a hit, it doesn’t account for walks, hit-by-pitches, or the type of hit (single, double, etc.), which are crucial for scoring.4

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

Q: What is On-Base Percentage (OBP)?
A: On-Base Percentage is a more comprehensive statistic than batting average, as it measures how often a player reaches base by any means, not just hits. This includes hits, walks, and being hit by a pitch.
Q: How is OBP calculated?
A: OBP is calculated as: (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies/Bunts).
Q: Why is OBP often considered more important than Batting Average?
A: OBP is often seen as more important because a player can still contribute to scoring runs by getting on base, even without a hit. Walks and hit-by-pitches are just as effective at putting a runner on base.
Q: What’s a good OBP?
A: A strong OBP is typically .400 or higher.5 Elite players can have OBP significantly above this mark.

Slugging Percentage (SLG)

Q: What is Slugging Percentage (SLG)?
A: Slugging Percentage measures a hitter’s power by accounting for the total number of bases a player accumulates per at-bat.6 It gives more weight to extra-base hits.7
Q: How is Slugging Percentage calculated?
A: SLG is calculated as: (Total Bases) / (At Bats).8 Total Bases are calculated as: (Singles + (2 * Doubles) + (3 * Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)).9
Q: Why is slugging percentage important in slow-pitch softball?
A: In slow-pitch, hitting for power is often a key strategy to score runs.10 Slugging percentage highlights players who consistently hit doubles, triples, and home runs, which are crucial for driving in runners and clearing the bases.
Q: Can a player have a high batting average but a low slugging percentage?
A: Yes. A player who gets a lot of singles but few extra-base hits will have a decent batting average but a lower slugging percentage. Conversely, a player who hits fewer hits but many of them are for extra bases might have a lower batting average but a higher slugging percentage.

Combined Statistics

Q: Is there a statistic that combines OBP and SLG?
A: Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

Do These Statistics Apply to Both Slow-Pitch and Fast-Pitch Softball?

Yes, the formulas and basic concepts apply to both. However, the typical values for a “good” batting average, OBP, or SLG might differ slightly between the two due to variations in game play (e.g., more home runs in certain slow-pitch leagues).

Batting Average (AVG)

Q: What is considered a “good” batting average?
A: A “good” batting average varies by league and competition level. Generally, anything around .300 or higher is considered excellent at the highest levels of sports, particularly baseball. In recreational leagues and hitting-friendly sports such as slow-pitch softball, a batting average above .500 can be common.
Q: Does batting average tell the whole story of a hitter’s effectiveness?
A: Not entirely. While it shows how often a player gets a hit, it doesn’t account for walks, hit-by-pitches, or the type of hit (single, double, etc.), which are crucial for scoring.4

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

Q: What is On-Base Percentage (OBP)?
A: On-Base Percentage is a more comprehensive statistic than batting average, as it measures how often a player reaches base by any means, not just hits. This includes hits, walks, and being hit by a pitch.
Q: How is OBP calculated?
A: OBP is calculated as: (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies/Bunts).
Q: Why is OBP often considered more important than Batting Average?
A: OBP is often seen as more important because a player can still contribute to scoring runs by getting on base, even without a hit. Walks and hit-by-pitches are just as effective at putting a runner on base.
Q: What’s a good OBP?
A: A strong OBP is typically .400 or higher.5 Elite players can have OBP significantly above this mark.

Slugging Percentage (SLG)

Q: What is Slugging Percentage (SLG)?
A: Slugging Percentage measures a hitter’s power by accounting for the total number of bases a player accumulates per at-bat.6 It gives more weight to extra-base hits.7
Q: How is Slugging Percentage calculated?
A: SLG is calculated as: (Total Bases) / (At Bats).8 Total Bases are calculated as: (Singles + (2 * Doubles) + (3 * Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)).9
Q: Why is slugging percentage important in slow-pitch softball?
A: In slow-pitch, hitting for power is often a key strategy to score runs.10 Slugging percentage highlights players who consistently hit doubles, triples, and home runs, which are crucial for driving in runners and clearing the bases.
Q: Can a player have a high batting average but a low slugging percentage?
A: Yes. A player who gets a lot of singles but few extra-base hits will have a decent batting average but a lower slugging percentage. Conversely, a player who hits fewer hits but many of them are for extra bases might have a lower batting average but a higher slugging percentage.

Combined Statistics

Q: Is there a statistic that combines OBP and SLG?
A: Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

What is Considered a “Good” Batting Average?

A “good” batting average varies by league and competition level. Generally, anything around .300 or higher is considered excellent at the highest levels of sports, particularly baseball. In recreational leagues and hitting-friendly sports such as slow-pitch softball, a batting average above .500 can be common.

Does batting average tell the whole story of a hitter’s effectiveness?
A: Not entirely. While it shows how often a player gets a hit, it doesn’t account for walks, hit-by-pitches, or the type of hit (single, double, etc.), which are crucial for scoring.4

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

Q: What is On-Base Percentage (OBP)?
A: On-Base Percentage is a more comprehensive statistic than batting average, as it measures how often a player reaches base by any means, not just hits. This includes hits, walks, and being hit by a pitch.
Q: How is OBP calculated?
A: OBP is calculated as: (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies/Bunts).
Q: Why is OBP often considered more important than Batting Average?
A: OBP is often seen as more important because a player can still contribute to scoring runs by getting on base, even without a hit. Walks and hit-by-pitches are just as effective at putting a runner on base.
Q: What’s a good OBP?
A: A strong OBP is typically .400 or higher.5 Elite players can have OBP significantly above this mark.

Slugging Percentage (SLG)

Q: What is Slugging Percentage (SLG)?
A: Slugging Percentage measures a hitter’s power by accounting for the total number of bases a player accumulates per at-bat.6 It gives more weight to extra-base hits.7
Q: How is Slugging Percentage calculated?
A: SLG is calculated as: (Total Bases) / (At Bats).8 Total Bases are calculated as: (Singles + (2 * Doubles) + (3 * Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)).9
Q: Why is slugging percentage important in slow-pitch softball?
A: In slow-pitch, hitting for power is often a key strategy to score runs.10 Slugging percentage highlights players who consistently hit doubles, triples, and home runs, which are crucial for driving in runners and clearing the bases.
Q: Can a player have a high batting average but a low slugging percentage?
A: Yes. A player who gets a lot of singles but few extra-base hits will have a decent batting average but a lower slugging percentage. Conversely, a player who hits fewer hits but many of them are for extra bases might have a lower batting average but a higher slugging percentage.

Combined Statistics

Q: Is there a statistic that combines OBP and SLG?
A: Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

Does Batting Average Tell the Whole Story of a Hitter’s Effectiveness?

Not entirely. While it shows how often a player gets a hit, it doesn’t account for walks or the type of hit (single, double, etc.), which are crucial for scoring.

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

Q: What is On-Base Percentage (OBP)?
A: On-Base Percentage is a more comprehensive statistic than batting average, as it measures how often a player reaches base by any means, not just hits. This includes hits, walks, and being hit by a pitch.
Q: How is OBP calculated?
A: OBP is calculated as: (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies/Bunts).
Q: Why is OBP often considered more important than Batting Average?
A: OBP is often seen as more important because a player can still contribute to scoring runs by getting on base, even without a hit. Walks and hit-by-pitches are just as effective at putting a runner on base.
Q: What’s a good OBP?
A: A strong OBP is typically .400 or higher.5 Elite players can have OBP significantly above this mark.

Slugging Percentage (SLG)

Q: What is Slugging Percentage (SLG)?
A: Slugging Percentage measures a hitter’s power by accounting for the total number of bases a player accumulates per at-bat.6 It gives more weight to extra-base hits.7
Q: How is Slugging Percentage calculated?
A: SLG is calculated as: (Total Bases) / (At Bats).8 Total Bases are calculated as: (Singles + (2 * Doubles) + (3 * Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)).9
Q: Why is slugging percentage important in slow-pitch softball?
A: In slow-pitch, hitting for power is often a key strategy to score runs.10 Slugging percentage highlights players who consistently hit doubles, triples, and home runs, which are crucial for driving in runners and clearing the bases.
Q: Can a player have a high batting average but a low slugging percentage?
A: Yes. A player who gets a lot of singles but few extra-base hits will have a decent batting average but a lower slugging percentage. Conversely, a player who hits fewer hits but many of them are for extra bases might have a lower batting average but a higher slugging percentage.

Combined Statistics

Q: Is there a statistic that combines OBP and SLG?
A: Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

Is OBP Considered More Important Than Batting Average?

In some circles, yes. OBP is often seen as more important because a player can still contribute to scoring runs by getting on base, even without a hit. Walks can be just as effective (even more effective in the case of two-base walks) as hits.

Q: What’s a good OBP?
A: A strong OBP is typically .400 or higher.5 Elite players can have OBP significantly above this mark.

Slugging Percentage (SLG)

Q: What is Slugging Percentage (SLG)?
A: Slugging Percentage measures a hitter’s power by accounting for the total number of bases a player accumulates per at-bat.6 It gives more weight to extra-base hits.7
Q: How is Slugging Percentage calculated?
A: SLG is calculated as: (Total Bases) / (At Bats).8 Total Bases are calculated as: (Singles + (2 * Doubles) + (3 * Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)).9
Q: Why is slugging percentage important in slow-pitch softball?
A: In slow-pitch, hitting for power is often a key strategy to score runs.10 Slugging percentage highlights players who consistently hit doubles, triples, and home runs, which are crucial for driving in runners and clearing the bases.
Q: Can a player have a high batting average but a low slugging percentage?
A: Yes. A player who gets a lot of singles but few extra-base hits will have a decent batting average but a lower slugging percentage. Conversely, a player who hits fewer hits but many of them are for extra bases might have a lower batting average but a higher slugging percentage.

Combined Statistics

Q: Is there a statistic that combines OBP and SLG?
A: Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

Why is Slugging Percentage Important in Slow-Pitch Softball?

In slow-pitch, hitting for power is often a key strategy to score runs. Slugging percentage highlights players who consistently hit doubles, triples, and home runs, which are crucial for driving in runners and clearing the bases.

Q: Is there a statistic that combines OBP and SLG?
A: Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

Are There Other Key Percentage Statistics To Consider?

Yes, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a combined statistic that adds a player’s OBP and SLG together (OPS = OBP + SLG).11 It’s widely used to evaluate a player’s overall offensive production. A higher OPS generally indicates a more valuable hitter.

BATTING AVERAGE

ON-BASE PCT. (OBP)

SLUGGING PCT. (SLG)

FAQs

Author

Dan Strayer
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