Yup. 23 Ways. I Guess.

So, I got my new book 23 Ways to Get to First Base, the ESPN Uncyclopedia today. It's a fun book -- it has tons of random sports trivia and facts. A good reference for bar bets and showing off.

A few days ago, I took a stab at what I thought the 23 ways to first would be. I guess I did ok, however, my interpretation of "fielder's choice" was a little too broad. Even though number 2 is "fielder's choice", I would have scored numbers 3, 4, and 5 as fielder's choice too. I would also call number 15 an error.

I should have known to score walk and intentional walk separately. And I forgot about all the interference ones. Really, the only ones I truly didn't know were numbers 14, 21 and 22 (I can't imagine what an illegal pitch could be). And, honestly, number 23 is really lame.

So, here it is from page 83:

1. Hit
2. Fielder's choice (example: runner on second base, ball hit to shortstop, shortstop throws to third base for tag)
3. Forceout at another base
4. Preceeding runner put out allows bater to reach first base (example: in previous scenario, shortstop tags runner)
5. Sacrifice bunt fails to advance runner (fielder's choice on a bunt)
6. Hit by pitch
7. Error
8. Walk
9. Intentional walk
10. Pinch-runner
11. Dropped third strike
12. Catcher interference (catcher impedes batter)
13. Fair ball hits runner
14. Fair ball hits umpire
15. Sacrifice fly dropped
16. Obstruction of runner (example: second baseman obstructs baserunner on way to second on batted ball in play)
17. Fielder interference (example: pitcher obstructs batter on his way to first base)
18. Spectator interference (of the ball)
19. Fan obstruction (of batter)
20. Runner out on appeal (example: runner on first base, ball hit to right field, runner misses second on the way to third base and is called out on appeal; batter at first base is credited with an at-bat but not a hit)
21. Failure to deliver pitch within 20 seconds on three-ball count
22. Four illegal pitches
23. Game suspended with runner on first; if he's traded prior to the makeup game, another player may take his place.
    

It goes on to say: "For the record, just three -- hit, walk and hit by pitch -- officially extend a streak of reaching safely in consecutive games."

By the way, I'm currently reading Tim Kurkjian's book, "Is This a Great Game or What?" I'll let you know what I think when I'm done.