Quality at Bat Metrics

Transforming game performance through quality metrics. In softball (and baseball), a quality at-bat (QAB) is a metric used to evaluate a player’s performance at the plate beyond traditional stats like hits or batting average. It measures productive plate appearances that contribute to team success, even if they don’t result in a hit. A QAB typically includes:

• Reaching base: Via hit, walk, or hit-by-pitch.

• Advancing runners: Moving teammates into scoring position (e.g., via sacrifice bunt, fly, or groundout).

• Forcing pitcher effort: Working a high pitch count (e.g., 6+ pitches) to tire the pitcher or gain insight into their strategy.

• Hard contact: Hitting the ball with authority, even if it results in an out (e.g., line drive caught by a fielder).

• Scoring situations: Driving in a run or setting up a scoring opportunity.

QAB tracker uses a unique sliding scale that factors in multiple results of an AB and averages those metrics. The QAB Tracker can be measured by an AB, a game, a weekend series, and season. We emphasize being in the green, as that means we are contributing to overall team success.