Batting average = hits ÷ at-bats. The oldest and most widely known batting stat, it measures how often a batter gets a hit. A .300 average is excellent; .270 is above average; league average in MLB is now around .245--.252. Batting average excludes walks, hit-by-pitches and sacrifice flies — for those, see OBP. Critics argue BA treats all hits equally and ignores plate discipline, but it remains the most recognisable offensive number in the sport.
Key points
- .300+ = excellent, .270 = above average
- MLB league average ~.245--.252
- Excludes walks (see OBP for full picture)
- Treats all hits equally regardless of bases