Fielding Stats: Defensive Numbers Explained for Coaches

Fielding stats measure defensive performance — how reliably a player makes plays in the field. At the youth level, fielding stats are the least tracked and least understood category, partly because defense is harder to quantify than hitting or pitching, and partly because errors dominate youth baseball. A 10U shortstop with a .700 fielding percentage isn't bad — that's just what 10U shortstop looks like.

Fielding stats at the youth level are more about context than precision. Here's what to keep in mind:

Errors are part of development. A kid who makes 10 errors at shortstop over a season might be your best infielder — because they're the one getting to balls that other kids can't reach. More chances mean more errors. Fewer chances might mean less range, not fewer mistakes.

Fielding percentage varies wildly by position and age. A .950 fielding percentage is excellent at 14U shortstop. At 10U catcher, .850 might be fine. Age-specific benchmarks →

The eye test still matters. Fielding stats miss things like range, positioning, arm strength, and game awareness. A player who makes every routine play but can't move laterally will have a high fielding percentage and still be limited defensively.