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Fielding percentage
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Baseball_statistics/jX18gq0B">baseball statistics</a>, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a <a href="/facts/Baseball_positions/HwgDJ4JC">defensive player</a> properly handles a batted or thrown ball. It is calculated by the sum of <a href="/facts/Putout/ElbPzqNc">putouts</a> and <a href="/facts/Assist_(baseball)/VRvJ1Pv9">assists</a>, divided by the number of <a href="/facts/Total_chances/sNDEUq6p">total chances</a> (putouts + assists + <a href="/facts/Error_(baseball)/YGrIxenw">errors</a>). </p><p>While a high fielding percentage is regarded as a sign of defensive skill, it is also possible for a player of lesser defensive skill to have a high fielding percentage, as it does not reflect or take into account a player's defensive <a href="/facts/Range_factor/2FXXXpWP">range</a>; a player who cannot get to a ball surrenders a <a href="/facts/Hit_(baseball)/STnUHCvq">hit</a> instead of having an opportunity to make an <a href="/facts/Out_(baseball)/D4qqoCI8">out</a> or an <a href="/facts/Error_(baseball)/YGrIxenw">error</a>. Conversely, a highly skilled fielder might have a comparatively low fielding percentage by virtue of reaching, and potentially missing, a greater number of balls. </p><p>In order to qualify for the league lead in fielding percentage, an <a href="/facts/Infielder/qKsm8SzA">infielder</a> or <a href="/facts/Outfielder/qWnTCHX3">outfielder</a> must appear at the specific position in at least two-thirds of his team's games (games in the outfield are not separated by position). A <a href="/facts/Catcher/adCLKQIj">catcher</a> must appear in at least half his team's games. A <a href="/facts/Pitcher/08gAFpa3">pitcher</a> must pitch at least one inning for each of his team's scheduled games (however, a pitcher with fewer innings may qualify if they have more total chances and a higher average). In order to qualify for major league career records for fielding average, a player must appear in 1,000 games at the position; pitchers must have at least 1,500 innings. </p><p>The MLB record for team fielding percentage is currently held by the <a href="/facts/2013_Baltimore_Orioles/4IY27PUh">2013 Baltimore Orioles</a>, with a .99104 fielding percentage. </p>