Single (baseball)

For other uses, see Single.

In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball (thus becoming a runner) and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out. As an exception, a batter-runner reaching first base safely is not credited with a single when an infielder attempts to put out another runner on the first play; this is one type of a fielder's choice. Also, a batter-runner reaching first base on a play due to an fielder's error trying to put him out at first base or another runner out (as a fielder's choice) is not credited with a single.

On a single hit to the outfield, any runners on second base or third base normally score, and sometimes the runner from first base is able to advance to third base. Depending on the location of the hit, a quick recovery by the outfielder can prevent such an advance or create a play on the advancing runner.

Hitters who focus on hitting singles rather than doubles or home runs are often called "contact hitters". Contact hitters who rely on positioning their hits well and having fast running speed to achieve singles are often called "slap hitters". Ty Cobb, Pete Rose, Tony Gwynn, and Ichiro Suzuki are examples of contact hitters; of these, Rose and Suzuki might be called slap hitters.

Symbol

There is no universally accepted symbol for a single. Most often, singles are not reported; rather, the total number of hits, doubles, triples, and home runs is reported; then, hits minus these "extra base hits" yields the number of singles.

Sometimes, 1B is used as the symbol for singles; however, this symbol is more commonly used for the first baseman or for first base itself. Another possible symbol is a horizontal line, -. The letter S is never used as a symbol for single, because it is the symbol for strike.

Singles leaders, Major League Baseball

Career

1. Pete Rose - 3215
2. Ty Cobb - 3053
3. Eddie Collins - 2643
4. Cap Anson - 2598
5. Willie Keeler - 2513
6. Honus Wagner - 2422
7. Rod Carew - 2404
8. Tris Speaker - 2383
9. Tony Gwynn - 2378
10. Paul Molitor - 2366

Season

1. Ichiro Suzuki (2004) - 225
2. Willie Keeler (1898) - 206
3. Lloyd Waner (1927) - 198
4. Willie Keeler (1897) - 193
5. Ichiro Suzuki (2001) - 192

See also

• Infield hit
• List of career leaders in singles, Baseball-Reference.com
• List of single-season leaders in singles, Baseball-Reference.com