No decision
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A no decision is one of either of two complicated sports statistics scenarios: one in baseball and softball, and the other in boxing and related combat sports.
Baseball and softball
A starting pitcher who leaves without earning either a win or a loss – that is, before either team gains or surrenders the ultimate lead – is said to have received a no decision pitching win–loss record, regardless of individual performance.
In Major League Baseball, the record for most no decisions by a starter in a single season (dating back to at least 1908) is held by Bert Blyleven, who had 20 in 1979.[1] Tommy John has the all-time record of 188 career no decisions.[2]
The starting staff of the 1918 Boston Red Sox picked up just 3 no decisions, the fewest of any MLB team dating back to at least 1908, while the fewest in a 162-game season is 16, by the 1980 Oakland Athletics.[3] The record for most no decisions by a group of starting pitchers is 66, set by the 1993 Cleveland Indians.[4]
Boxing and related combat sports
Although uncommon these days except in white-collar boxing, a no decision (ND), i.e. a tie or draw, occurs if both boxers are still standing at the bout's conclusion and there was no knockout. This may be by law, to discourage gambling; by rules to discourage injury of amateurs; or by prearrangement of the fighters, to protect titles from sudden upsets.
References
- ^ "Pitching Game Finder: From 1908 to 2018, Recorded no decision, as Starter, sorted by greatest number of games in a single season matching the selected criteria". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ "Pitching Game Finder: From 1908 to 2018, Recorded no decision, as Starter, sorted by greatest number of games in all seasons matching the selected criteria". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ "Pitching Game Finder: From 1908 to 2018, Recorded no decision, as Starter, sorted by smallest Performances matching selected criteria by a Team". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "Pitching Game Finder: From 1908 to 2018, Recorded no decision, as Starter, sorted by greatest Performances matching selected criteria by a Team". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 31, 2018.