Hit or fielders choice?

by Mike
(PA)

Mike asked: Bases loaded, batter hits a slow grounder towards 1st.

1st baseman fields ball, throws home for the force out but runner beats the throw.

All runners are safe. Hit or fielders choice?


Rick answered: Mike, thank you for your question.

A fielder's choice is the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter-runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner.


As you described the play, it would be a fielder's choice.


Yours in baseball,

Rick