H% Formula - Please Help

[bigdawgey]

I was looking in the glossery today under H% (Hits allowed per balls in play). The formula posted is: (H - HR) / ((IP x 2.82) + H - K - HR).

Why would you multiply the innings by 2.82?

[LongDuckDong]

Well, you're trying to get the total number of outs as part of the BIP calculation. Since there's DPs and caught stealings, runners thrown out at bases, the number of balls in play resulting in outs is not IP*3, its something a little less. And 2.82 is a number that sabermetricians have used to calculate it.

[Ed@HQ]

FYI, in case it helps, there was a similar question and answer awhile back related to Opponents' Batting Average ...