What Is Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) In Baseball?

Double the Trouble: Understanding Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) and Its Impact on Baseball Performance
Written by Mark Bailey
Last updated on

In baseball, “Ground Into Double Play” (GIDP) occurs when a batter hits a ground ball that results in two outs, typically involving the batter-runner and a base runner. It’s a situation both pitchers and infielders strive for but one that batters aim to avoid.

KEY
POINTS
  • Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) is a statistic used in baseball to measure a hitter’s ability to avoid hitting into a double play. A double play occurs when two outs are recorded on the same play, typically from a ball hit on the ground.
  • The recording of GIDP is the responsibility of the official scorer, who must accurately assign it to the appropriate player.
  • GIDP is an important statistic that measures a batter’s ability to avoid making outs that are detrimental to offensive performance.
  • GIDPs can have a significant negative impact on team offensive performance, reducing their ability to score runs and win games.
  • Hank Aaron is the all-time leader in GIDP with 328 during his career, and Jim Rice holds the record for most GIDPs in a single season with 36.

What is ground into double play (GIDP)?

A Ground Into Double Play, commonly referred to as a GIDP, is a statistic used in baseball to measure a hitter’s ability to avoid hitting into a double play. A double play occurs when the defense gets two outs from one play, typically from a ball hit on the ground. When a player hits a ground ball, the fielding team has the opportunity to throw the ball to second base and then to first base, resulting in two outs. This scenario is known as a double play, and when a hitter is responsible for hitting into this type of play, it is recorded as a GIDP.

There are several circumstances in which a GIDP can occur. For example, if there are runners on first and second base, a batter might hit a ground ball to the infield. The defense could field the ball and then throw it to second base, where the fielder would step on the bag to get the runner out. The fielder would then throw the ball to first base, where the batter would be out as well, resulting in a double play. 

Another scenario is when there is a runner on first base, and a batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop or second baseman, who then throws to second base to get the force out on the runner. The second baseman or shortstop would then throw to first base to complete the double play by getting the batter out.

The mechanics of a double play in baseball are intricate and require a high level of skill and coordination from the defense. To execute a double play, the defense needs to be in the right position, with the second baseman and shortstop covering second base and the first baseman playing close to the bag. The pitcher also plays a crucial role in setting up the double play, with their pitch selection and location helping to induce a ground ball. Once the ball is hit on the ground, the defense needs to execute the play with precision, with the second baseman making a quick pivot and throwing to first base while the first baseman stretches to catch the ball and keep their foot on the bag. 

When executed correctly, a double play can be a work of art, with the defense moving as one to shut down the offensive team’s momentum.

How is a GIDP recorded?

The recording of a Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) is the responsibility of the official scorer, a neutral party who sits in the press box during the game and records all of the important events that occur on the field. When a batter hits into a double play, the official scorer is responsible for accurately recording the GIDP and assigning it to the appropriate player.

To record a GIDP, the official scorer must first determine that the batter hit the ball on the ground and that two outs were recorded on the same play. Once this has been established, the scorer assigns the GIDP to the batter who hit the ball. If there were any runners on base at the time, they are also credited with being retired on the play.

Why is GIDP an important statistic in baseball?

The Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) is a statistic that has become increasingly important in baseball over the years. It is considered a negative statistic for a hitter because it represents a lost opportunity for the offensive team to advance runners and potentially score runs. When a batter hits into a double play, not only is the batter out but so is the runner on base, effectively erasing any offensive momentum the team had. Because of this, the GIDP is viewed as a statistic that measures a batter’s ability to avoid making outs that are detrimental to the team’s offensive performance.

The impact of a GIDP on a team’s offensive performance can be significant. If a batter hits into a double play with runners on base, the team’s scoring opportunities are drastically reduced, and the opposing team gains a significant advantage. Additionally, if a team has several players who struggle with GIDP, it can have a negative impact on the team’s overall offensive performance, reducing their ability to score runs and win games.

There have been numerous examples throughout baseball history of players who have struggled with GIDP and its impact on their careers. One such player is Cal Ripken Jr., one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history. Ripken hit into 350 double plays during his career, a statistic that many attribute to his lack of speed and tendency to hit the ball on the ground. Despite this, Ripken is still considered one of the greatest players of all time, demonstrating that a high number of GIDPs does not necessarily mean that a player is not valuable to their team.

On the other hand, there are players like Jim Rice, a former outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, who hit into a high number of double plays and saw their offensive performance suffer as a result. Rice hit into 315 double plays during his career, a statistic that many believe hindered his ability to drive in runs and score runs for his team. Despite his high number of GIDPs, Rice was still a highly regarded player and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Indeed, the Ground Into Double Play is an important baseball statistic that measures a batter’s ability to avoid making outs that are detrimental to the team’s offensive performance. While a high number of GIDPs can be viewed as a negative for a hitter, it does not necessarily mean that they are not valuable to their team. However, it is clear that the impact of a GIDP on a team’s offensive performance can be significant, and it is important for coaches and players to pay close attention to this statistic in order to maximize their chances of success on the field.

GIDP records in baseball

The Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) is a statistic that has been tracked in baseball for over a century, and as a result, there are a number of players who have amassed significant totals over their careers. 

The all-time leader in GIDP is Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who hit into 328 double plays during his career. Another notable player is Albert Pujols, who currently ranks second all-time with 409 GIDPs, a testament to his longevity and consistency as a hitter. Rounding out the top three is former Detroit Tigers first baseman and five-time All-Star Eddie Murray, who hit into 350 double plays during his career.

There have also been several notorious GIDPs throughout baseball history that have significantly impacted the outcome of games and even entire seasons. One such example is Game 7 of the 1926 World Series, when Cardinals outfielder Chick Hafey hit into a triple play with the bases loaded, essentially ending the Cardinals’ chances of winning the game and the series. Another notable example is Game 4 of the 2018 American League Championship Series, when Houston Astros infielder Jose Altuve hit into a game-ending double play with the bases loaded, allowing the Boston Red Sox to take a 3-1 lead in the series and ultimately win the championship.

Over time, the record for most GIDP in a single season has changed as the game has evolved. In the early years of baseball, there were fewer opportunities for batters to hit into double plays, as the game was played differently and there were fewer advanced defensive strategies in place. However, as the game has evolved and defensive strategies have become more sophisticated, the number of GIDPs has increased. The record for most GIDP in a single season is currently held by Jim Rice, who hit into 36 double plays in 1984. This record has stood for nearly four decades, and it is unlikely to be broken anytime soon, as modern defensive strategies have made it more difficult for batters to hit into double plays at such a high rate.

FAQ

As one of the most significant statistics in baseball, the Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) is a topic of great interest to fans and analysts alike. Here are some frequently asked questions about GIDP and their answers:

How many outs result from a player grounding into a double play?

A player grounding into a double play results in two outs being recorded on the same play. This can be a significant momentum shift in a game, as the offensive team loses a potential scoring opportunity and the defense gains valuable outs.

Who has the most MLB record for grounding into double plays?

The all-time leader in GIDP in MLB history is Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who hit into 328 double plays during his career. Aaron was a legendary player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but his high number of GIDPs is a testament to the difficulty of avoiding making outs that are detrimental to the team’s offensive performance.

Conclusion

The Ground Into Double Play (GIDP) is a crucial statistic in baseball that measures a batter’s ability to avoid making outs that are detrimental to the team’s offensive performance. Understanding the GIDP is important for anyone interested in baseball, whether you are a coach, player, or fan. By paying attention to this statistic, coaches and players can work to improve their offensive performance and reduce the number of double plays that occur. For fans, understanding the GIDP can enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the sport, as you will be able to better evaluate player performance and understand the impact of defensive strategies on the game. 

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