Baseball stats
What RBI means in baseball and when a hitter gets one
RBI means run batted in. A hitter earns one in most cases when the result of the plate appearance causes a run to score. Run-scoring hits, home runs, sacrifice flies, some outs, bases-loaded walks, and bases-loaded hit-by-pitches can produce RBIs. A run scored mainly because of an error or a grounded-into double play normally does not.
Sources and resources
- MLB runs-batted-in glossary — MLB's definition of an RBI and the common plays that do or do not earn one.
- MLB run glossary — MLB's explanation of the separate run scored statistic.
- MLB sacrifice-fly glossary — MLB's guide to the run-scoring flyout that credits the batter with an RBI.
- Official MLB scoring rules — MLB's official rulebook landing page, including Rule 9.04 for runs batted in.
What does RBI stand for in baseball?
RBI stands for run batted in. It is a counting stat credited to a batter whose plate appearance causes one or more runs to score under the official scoring rules.
The plural is RBIs. A hitter can collect more than one on a single play when several runners score.
When does a hitter get an RBI?
The most common RBI comes from a safe hit that scores a runner. A batter can also earn one through a home run, sacrifice fly, sacrifice bunt, infield out, fielder's choice, bases-loaded walk, bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, or certain other awards with the bases full.
The official scorer decides whether the batter's action caused the run under MLB Rule 9.04.
- Run-scoring single, double, or triple
- Home run
- Sacrifice fly or sacrifice bunt
- Some infield outs and fielder's choices
- Walk or hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded
How many RBIs is a home run worth?
A solo home run gives the batter one RBI for driving in themself. A two-run homer gives two, a three-run homer gives three, and a grand slam gives four.
The batter receives one RBI for every run that scores on the home run, including the batter's own run.
- Solo home run — 1 RBI
- Two-run home run — 2 RBIs
- Three-run home run — 3 RBIs
- Grand slam — 4 RBIs
Can a batter get an RBI on an out?
Yes. A sacrifice fly earns an RBI when a caught fly ball allows a runner to score. A sacrifice bunt, infield out, or fielder's choice can also earn one when the play drives home a run.
A batter does not receive an RBI when grounding into a force double play or reverse-force double play, even if a run scores during the play.
Does a bases-loaded walk count as an RBI?
Yes. If a walk forces the runner from third base home, the batter receives an RBI. The same applies when a batter is hit by a pitch or awarded first base for interference or obstruction with the bases loaded.
The batter does not need to hit the ball or record an at-bat for the forced-in run to count as an RBI.
Does a run scored on an error count as an RBI?
Usually not when the run scores because of the error. The official scorer can still credit an RBI before two outs if a runner from third ordinarily would have scored even with a clean play.
Scorer judgment also matters when a fielder holds the ball or throws to the wrong base. The box score's final RBI ruling is the official record.
What is the difference between an RBI and a run?
A run belongs to the player who crosses home plate. An RBI usually belongs to the batter whose plate appearance caused that run to score.
On a two-run home run, the runner ahead receives one run, and the batter receives one run plus two RBIs. On some plays, a run can score without any batter receiving an RBI.
Is RBI a complete measure of hitting?
No. RBI totals depend partly on how often teammates reach base ahead of the hitter and where the hitter bats in the lineup. Two equally skilled hitters can receive different numbers of RBI chances.
Use RBIs with rate stats such as OPS, plus playing time and lineup context, to understand a hitter's full season.
Track the RBI moments you saw in person
A completed box score preserves every RBI, run-scoring hit, and home run from the game. Those plays can become part of your own history of hitters witnessed live.
Log a completed game in Gamebook and it connects the official players and box score to your ballpark visit, seat, score, companions, photos, and memory.
Common questions
What does RBI stand for in baseball?
RBI stands for run batted in. It is credited to a batter whose plate appearance causes a run to score under the official scoring rules.
What is the plural of RBI?
The common plural is RBIs, meaning runs batted in.
How many RBIs is a solo home run?
A solo home run is worth one RBI because the batter drives in themself.
How many RBIs is a grand slam?
A grand slam is worth four RBIs: one for each of the three runners on base and one for the batter.
Can a batter get an RBI on an out?
Yes. Sacrifice flies, sacrifice bunts, and some other outs can earn an RBI when they score a run. A grounded-into double play does not.
Does a bases-loaded walk count as an RBI?
Yes. The walk forces a runner home, so the batter receives an RBI.
Does a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch count as an RBI?
Yes. The forced-in run gives the batter an RBI even though the batter did not hit the ball.
Does a run scored on an error count as an RBI?
Usually not when the error caused the run, though the scorer can credit an RBI before two outs if the runner from third ordinarily would have scored.
What is the difference between an RBI and a run?
A run is credited to the player who scores. An RBI usually goes to the batter whose plate appearance caused that run.
Can Gamebook track RBIs I have seen?
Yes. Log a completed game and Gamebook connects its official hitters, RBIs, and box score to your ballpark visit, score, seat, photos, companions, and memory.