The official scorer, not the umpire in the field, generally decides whether a batter reached base because of a hit or a fielding error. Umpires rule whether the runner is safe or out; the scorer records how that result should be classified in the baseball statistics.
What is the scorer judging?
Suppose a hard ground ball passes a fielder. If the scorer judges that an ordinary effort could have converted it into an out, an error may be charged. If the ball is judged too difficult to handle with ordinary effort, the batter may be credited with a hit. The scorer also makes judgments on wild pitches versus passed balls and other statistical classifications. Those decisions influence earned runs, batting averages and pitching records.
Can the decision be changed later?
Yes, within defined MLB procedures. MLB's official-scorer guidance says a scorer can change a judgment call for up to 24 hours after a game ends or is suspended. It also describes a player or team review request to baseball operations, generally within a specified 72-hour window. Those are statistical review procedures, not a replay challenge of whether the runner touched first base.
| Decision | Main authority |
|---|---|
| Safe or out | On-field umpiring crew (subject to applicable replay) |
| Hit or error | Official scorer |
| Game-clock or pitch-clock enforcement | Game officials under applicable rules |
| Record correction | Scoring and review procedures |
Why this is a real baseball job
Official scorers watch every plate appearance, monitor substitutions and keep a consistent record under baseball's scoring rules. Their work reaches official box scores, player records and historical databases. A scorer's judgment can be disputed, but it is not the same responsibility as umpiring a play.
