RBI stands for runs batted in: the runs a hitter produces with his at-bat, whether by a hit, a sacrifice fly or a bases-loaded walk. It measures how well he cashes in chances to drive runners home.
How they’re counted
If you bat and your action scores a teammate, you get the RBI. A grand slam is worth four RBI at once. Topping 100 RBI in a season is the mark of a productive middle-of-the-order bat.
What it doesn’t measure
RBI depend a lot on having teammates on base: a great hitter on a weak team can fall short through no fault of his own. That’s why it’s paired with metrics that isolate individual merit.
FAQ
How many RBI is a lot?
Passing 100 in a season signals a high-production hitter.
How many RBI is a home run?
One to four, depending on the runners on base.
