Talk:Earned run average

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[edit] ERA Question

What happens if a pitcher has earned runs but no outs? Infinite ERA? -- Myria 05:57, 12 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Yes, I believe so, due to the fact that they can only divide innings as far as individual outs, so if a pitcher is taken off the field before he can even score an out it is an Infinity ERA as long as he has given up at least one run.User:67.86.88.191
Technically, yes, that pitcher has an infinite ERA; although in most statistical compilations, like the Baseball Encyclopedia, they would usually just show a dash for that person's ERA. There are in fact a few MLB pitchers who have had career ERAs of infinity! (Typically someone who pitched to only one batter and, needless to say, didn't do very well.) --Russ Blau (talk) 22:49, 14 September 2005 (UTC)


No, the resulting ERA would not be infinite. Dividing a positive number of earned runs by zero innings pitched would result in an undefined ERA. Division by zero is considered undefined when using standard rules of arithmetic. Bill dalto 21:53, 20 October 2005 (UTC)
This is correct, any web site that shows an infinite ERA, is mostly the result of software mishandling zero division errors.

[edit] Less than nine innings?

What about games that aren't nine innings? I know the league I care about (high school) plays seven innings. Drjayphd 06:46, 7 April 2006 (UTC)

Then the formula used would be ERA = 7 x (ER/IP) --Spiff666 12:59, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Single Season Leaders

I'm changing the season leading ERA to the live-ball ERA, which would mean that Bob Gibson has the season record with 1.12. I'm not sure why Mariano Rivera is even on there, considering Eric Gagne and John Smoltz both posted lower ERAs than Rivera as relievers.

[edit] Pitcher makes fielding error?

What happens if a pitcher makes a fielding error that allows a runner to reach base? Does that count against his ERA if that runner later scores? If anyone has a definitive answer to this question, then I think it should be added to the entry. --Spiff666 13:03, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

Well, here's an answer to my own question: An error made by the pitcher in fielding his position is counted the same as an error by any other player. (From MLB Rule 10.18(e)) I put this clarification in a new sentence, in the opening paragraph, along with the explanation that runners reaching base on errors do not count toward ERA if they later score. I think this basic information on what an earned run is should be stated high in the article, but I would understand if others disagree. --Spiff666 13:33, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Pitcher Errors

Runs count as earned if the player reaches base on a balk or a wild pitch. I'm not sure about a balk, but isn't a wild pitch considered an error on a pitcher? If so, then there would be earned runs that could be contributed to a pitcher even though he himself committed the error to allow the run on base. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.118.110.255 (talk) 00:21, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] All time table

Removed Bob Gibson , for some reason his single season record low ERA was at the top of a table intended for lowest ERA over a career.

[edit] ERA interpretations

I changed the paragraph into a table, as this makes it easier to read. If you don't agree, revert it. :) Josh 19:46, 14 April 2008 (UTC)