Run batted in (RBI) — baseball and softball statistic

How RBIs are recorded

An RBI is typically awarded when a batter's at bat results in a baserunner reaching home: for example, via a base hit, sacrifice fly, sacrifice bunt, bases-loaded walk, hit by pitch with the bases loaded, or a productive groundout that forces in a run. A batter who hits a home run earns an RBI for each runner who scores, including himself.

Common ways to earn an RBI

• Base hit that drives in one or more runners.
• Sacrifice fly or sacrifice bunt that allows a runner to score.
• Bases-loaded walk or hit by pitch.
• Groundout or fielder's choice that permits a run to score.

Exceptions and scorer judgment

RBIs are not awarded in every instance a run scores. If a run scores because of a defensive mistake, such as an error, or on a wild pitch or passed ball, the batter generally is not given an RBI. Official scorers have discretion in close cases and may award an RBI when a run would have scored absent a misplay.

Because an RBI depends on teammates reaching base and game context, it has limits as a standalone measure of individual value. It remains historically important—Major League Baseball has long tracked RBIs and career leaders are often cited as measures of prolific run production—but modern analysis often supplements RBIs with rate and context-neutral metrics. For further general background see run scoring rules and resources on situational hitting.