Errors are a critical aspect of baseball scorekeeping and can often be one of the most confusing parts of the game. Understanding and accurately scoring errors is essential for maintaining an accurate record of the game. Let’s break down what an error is and how you can correctly document it in your scorebook.

What is an Error?

An error is a mistake by a fielder that allows a batter or baserunner to advance one or more bases when, in the judgment of the official scorer, the play should have been made with ordinary effort. Errors can occur in various situations, such as mishandling a ground ball, making a bad throw, or dropping a fly ball.

Types of Errors

Fielding Errors

   - These occur when a fielder mishandles a ball that should have been played cleanly. For example, if a shortstop bobbles a routine ground ball, allowing the batter to reach first base, this is a fielding error.

Throwing Errors

   - These happen when a fielder makes an inaccurate throw that prevents an out. An example would be an errant throw from the third baseman that pulls the first baseman off the bag.

Catching Errors

   - These occur when a fielder drops a catchable ball, such as a fly ball in the outfield or a throw to a base that should have resulted in an out.

How to Score an Error

Scoring an error involves a few steps:

Identify the Error

   - Determine which player made the error and what type of error it was (fielding, throwing, or catching).

Mark the Error

   - In your scorebook, mark the error by writing an "E" followed by the position number of the player who made the error. For example, if the shortstop (position 6) makes a fielding error, write "E6" next to the play in the batter’s box.

Adjust Base Advancement

   - Note how the error affected the advancement of baserunners. If the error allowed a runner to advance an extra base, make sure to document this in your scorebook.

Example

Situation:
The batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop, who bobbles it, allowing the batter to reach first base.

Scoring:
In the batter’s box for that play, write “E6” to indicate a fielding error by the shortstop.

If a runner was on first base and advanced to third because of the error, you would also note the advancement by drawing a line from first to third in the runner’s box and marking it with an "E6."

When Not to Score an Error

There are situations where a fielder’s mistake should not be scored as an error:

Fielder’s Choice: If the fielder chooses to throw to a different base and fails to make an out, it’s a fielder’s choice, not an error.

Tough Play:  If the play was difficult and would have required extraordinary effort to make, it should not be considered an error.

Wild Pitches and Passed Balls: Errors should not be scored on wild pitches or passed balls. These are recorded differently.

Practice and Patience

Understanding and scoring errors takes practice and patience. Watch games closely, and pay attention to how official scorers rule on various plays. Over time, you’ll develop a keen eye for identifying errors and accurately recording them in your scorebook.

Conclusion

Errors are an integral part of baseball and can significantly impact the outcome of a game. By mastering the art of scoring errors, you’ll enhance your scorekeeping skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the game. Keep practicing, stay observant, and enjoy the process of becoming a more proficient scorekeeper.

Happy scorekeeping!