total bases: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
NicheTechnical/Sports
Quick answer
What does “total bases” mean?
A baseball statistic measuring the sum of bases a batter gains from hits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A baseball statistic measuring the sum of bases a batter gains from hits.
The aggregate number of bases reached by a player or team as a result of hits in baseball, where a single equals one base, a double two, a triple three, and a home run four.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is a purely American English term specific to baseball. It is not used in British English, where cricket terms like 'runs' are analogous for a different sport.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes statistical analysis and player performance in baseball. In British English, it would likely be misunderstood or require explanation.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in American baseball reporting and analytics; zero frequency in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “total bases” in a Sentence
Player X had/recorded [number] total bases.To calculate/lead in total bases.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “total bases” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The statistician will total the bases for each player.
- We need to total bases for the month.
American English
- The system automatically totals bases from the play-by-play data.
- Let's total the bases for the All-Star team.
adjective
British English
- The total-bases leaderboard is updated daily.
- He studied the total-bases statistic closely.
American English
- She holds the total-bases record for the franchise.
- A total-bases comparison shows his improvement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in sports analytics, sabermetrics, and academic papers on baseball statistics.
Everyday
Rare outside of conversations among baseball fans, commentators, or fantasy league players.
Technical
Core term in baseball box scores, player stats, and advanced metrics like Slugging Percentage (SLG = Total Bases / At Bats).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “total bases”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “total bases”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “total bases”
- Using it as a singular noun ('total base').
- Confusing it with 'bases on balls' (walks).
- Trying to apply it to other sports.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Total bases counts bases gained from HITS only. Runs scored is a separate statistic counting how many times a player crosses home plate to score, which can happen via hits, walks, errors, etc.
Total Bases (TB) = (1 x Singles) + (2 x Doubles) + (3 x Triples) + (4 x Home Runs). It is also equal to At Bats multiplied by Slugging Percentage.
No. By definition, total bases only accrue from hits. Reaching base via a walk, error, hit-by-pitch, or fielder's choice does not add to total bases.
It is a fundamental component of Slugging Percentage (SLG), which measures a hitter's power. It provides a more complete picture of a hitter's production than batting average alone, as it values extra-base hits more heavily.
A baseball statistic measuring the sum of bases a batter gains from hits.
Total bases is usually technical/sports in register.
Total bases: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊtəl ˈbeɪsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊt̬əl ˈbeɪsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A total bases machine (a hitter who consistently gets extra-base hits).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a baseball diamond. Every hit lets the batter run to a BASE. TOTAL BASES is just adding up all those bases from all their hits.
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION IS WEALTH/CURRENCY (e.g., 'He accumulated a lot of total bases this season.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following hits contributes the MOST to a player's 'total bases' statistic?