In baseball, a batter’s offensive contribution is measured in various ways, one of which quantifies the total number of bases gained from hits. A single counts as one base, a double counts as two, a triple counts as three, and a home run counts as four. For example, a player with three singles, a double, and a home run in a game accumulates nine total bases (3 x 1 + 1 x 2 + 1 x 4 = 9).
This metric offers a more nuanced view of offensive performance than simply counting hits. It distinguishes between hitters who compile many singles and those who consistently hit for extra bases, thus driving in runs more efficiently. While not as widely recognized as batting average or slugging percentage, this statistic offers valuable insight for evaluating player performance and has been used by statisticians for decades. Its historical roots can be traced back to early baseball analysis, providing a consistent method for comparing offensive production across different eras.
