GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
Does every double play count as a batter grounding into a double play?
No. MLB defines a double play as two offensive players ruled out within one play; it can happen on a fly ball when a runner is doubled off. A GIDP is narrower: a player hits a ground ball that produces multiple outs on the bases. The event label and the batter statistic therefore do not cover every same situation.
For Baseball readers comparing batting and fielding statistics · Updated
Double play describes the outs
A double play occurs when two offensive players are ruled out during the same play. The familiar ground-ball force at second followed by a throw to first is one way to turn it.
It is not the only way. MLB also describes a double play on a flyout when a fielder catches the ball and then throws out a runner who strayed from a base or tried to advance.
GIDP names a ground-ball result
MLB defines a grounded-into-double-play result as a player hitting a ground ball that produces multiple outs on the bases. The common case is a force at second followed by another force that retires the batter-runner at first.
Because a flyout can also be part of a double play, the defensive event can occur without the batter grounding into one. Keep the broad play result separate from this narrower batting line.
Two fictional plays
Hypothetical ground-ball play: with a runner on first, the defense forces the runner at second and then the batter-runner at first. It is a double play and a GIDP. Hypothetical line-drive play: a fielder catches the ball and doubles a runner off a base; it is a double play, not a GIDP. Hypothetical strikeout play: the batter strikes out while a runner is caught stealing on the same play; the two outs make a double play, but not a GIDP because the batter did not hit a ground ball.
Related questions
Can a double play happen without a ground ball?
Yes. MLB says a flyout followed by a runner being thrown out can be a double play.
What makes the GIDP label narrower?
It specifies that the player hit a ground ball that resulted in multiple outs on the bases.