Basic baseball scorekeeping

Baseball scorekeeping is an essential skill for any fan looking to deepen their understanding of the game.
Here's how to get started:

Welcome to Baseball Scorekeeping 101

This guide is designed to help new scorekeepers easily keep track of the game, whether you're at the park or watching on TV at home. Let's make every game memorable!

Position Numbers:

Understanding position numbers is key to scorekeeping. Note that these numbers are different from jersey numbers:

- Pitcher: 1

- Catcher: 2

- First Base: 3

- Second Base: 4

- Third Base: 5

- Shortstop: 6

- Left Fielder: 7

- Center Fielder: 8

- Right Fielder: 9

Basic Plays and Scoring

Introduction to Scoring

The scorecard

A scorecard helps you keep track of every player's actions during the game. Each box represents a player's turn at bat, and you'll use symbols and numbers to record what happens

The battingorder

Begin by noting the batting order. If you don't have access to this information before the game, pay close attention during the first few innings. Write down each player as they come up to bat until you have recorded all nine players. This might take a few innings to complete, but it's crucial for accurate scorekeeping.

Recording hits

Play 1: Smith's Single Smith gets a base hit. Draw a line from home plate to first base. Score the play as 1B.

Play 2: Johnson's Double (2B) Johnson hits a double. Draw a line from home to first, then to second. Smith advances to third, so draw a line from first to second, and then to third.

Play 3: Williams' Triple (3B) Williams hits a triple, driving in Smith and Johnson. Draw a line for Williams from home to first, second, and third. Draw lines from third to home for Smith and Johnson. Fill in the diamonds to show they scored. Play 4: Brown's Home Run (HR) Brown hits a home run, driving in Williams. Draw a line for Brown touching all the bases. Draw a line from third to home for Williams.Feel free to fill in the diamonds however you like. Here are four different methods as examples. By following these steps, you can accurately score the game and maintain a clear record of the plays.

Recording outs

Play 1: Jones' Pop-up Jones hits a pop-up caught by the catcher, scored as P2 with an out at the upper left corner.Play 2: Garcia's Fly Ball Garcia hits a fly ball to center field, scored as F8 with the second out.Play 3: Miller's Ground Ball Miller hits a ground ball to shortstop, who throws to first, scored 6-3. To mark the inning over, cross off the next hitter's box as he will lead off the next inning.Play 4: Davis' Strikeout Davis strikes out swinging, marked as a K. Would it have been a called strike the K would be backwards. You can mark the outs in the top left or circle them if you prefer.These steps will help you accurately score each play and keep track of the outs and innings.

Keep It Simple and Enjoy the Game

Using hits and outs as described will take you far. Give it a try and see how it changes your experience of the game. You'll likely develop your own methods and habits, which is perfectly fine. These are just the basics. When you're ready, we'll move on to the advanced section. Enjoy the journey!

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