Keep score for baseball by understanding basic offensive and defensive plays, using a scorebook, and tracking key statistics like hits, outs, and runs. This guide breaks down essential baseball scoring for beginners.
Baseball can feel like a secret language when you’re just starting. You see people scribbling in scorebooks, their eyes glued to the field, and it looks complicated. But what if I told you keeping score is actually quite simple once you know the basics? It’s a fantastic way to connect with the game, appreciate the strategy, and even improve your own understanding of baseball. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, so you can confidently track every pitch and play.
The Fun of Scoring: Why Bother?
Scoring a baseball game isn’t just about recording who did what. It’s about capturing the story of the game. When you keep score, you’re not just watching; you’re actively participating. You’ll start to notice patterns, understand player strengths and weaknesses, and appreciate the nuances of baseball strategy. For players, coaches, and even passionate fans, a scorebook is a treasure trove of information. It helps you track progress, identify areas for improvement, and relive memorable moments. Plus, mastering scoring makes you a more valuable part of any team or league, whether you’re a player, a manager, or a helpful parent.
Getting Your Scorebook Ready
Before the first pitch, you need to get your scorekeeping tools ready. The most important item is a baseball scorebook. You can buy these at most sporting goods stores or even find printable versions online. If you’re just trying it out, a blank notebook and a pen or pencil will do in a pinch, but a dedicated scorebook makes things much easier.
Here’s what you’ll typically find in a scorebook and what you’ll need to fill out:
- Game Information: At the top of the page, you’ll usually have space to write the date, time, league, field, and teams playing.
- Rosters: You’ll need to list the players for both teams by number and name. It’s good practice to note their positions as well.
- Lineup Cards: Before the game, you’ll get lineups. Record the batting order for both teams.
- The Scoring Grid: This is the main part of the scorebook. It’s a series of boxes, usually nine for each team representing innings, and within those, smaller boxes for each batter.
Understanding the Scorecard Symbols: Your Baseball Rosetta Stone
The heart of baseball scoring lies in its symbols and abbreviations. They’re like a secret code that allows you to record complex plays quickly and efficiently. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it looks! Most scorebooks will have a key, but mastering these common ones will make you a pro in no time.
Here are some essential symbols and what they mean:
Offensive Symbols (What the Batter Does)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9: These numbers represent the fielder who recorded the out. For example, a “6” means the shortstop made the out.
K: Strikeout. This is a common one! It means the batter struck out.
K with a backward K: Strikeout swinging (usually called “a cold strikeout”).
KC: Strikeout called (batter didn’t swing at the third strike).
BB: Base on balls (a walk). The batter reached first base after four balls.
IBB: Intentional base on balls (intentional walk).
HBP: Hit by pitch. The batter is awarded first base.
E: Error. The fielder made a mistake that allowed the batter to reach base or advance. The number following E indicates the fielder’s number (e.g., E4 = error by the 2nd baseman).
ROE: Reached on Error.
FC: Fielder’s Choice. The batter put the ball in play, but the fielder chose to try and get another runner out.
S: Single (batter hit and reached first base safely).
D: Double (batter hit and reached second base safely).
T: Triple (batter hit and reached third base safely).
HR: Home Run.
HP: Hit by Pitch.
Defensive Symbols ( What the Fielders Do)
PO: Putout. When a fielder records an out by catching a batted ball or tagging a runner.
A: Assist. When a fielder touches the ball after it’s batted and before an out is made by another fielder.
DP: Double Play. Two outs on a single batted ball.
TP: Triple Play. Three outs on a single batted ball.
Base Running Symbols
SB: Stolen Base. A runner advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball, and the catcher doesn’t throw them out.
CS: Caught Stealing. A runner is put out attempting to steal a base.
B: Batter advances on a base hit.
WP: Wild Pitch.
PB: Passed Ball.
DI/DL: Defensive Indifference or Defensive Interference.
How to Score a Play: Step-by-Step
Let’s break down how to score some common plays. Remember, you’re recording what happens to the batter and then how runners advance.
1. The Batter Reaches Base Safely
Single (1B): The batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely. In the batter’s box for that at-bat, you’ll write “1B”. Then, in the boxes of any runners already on base, trace their path. For example, if a runner was on first, they advance to second. You’d draw a line from the “1B” box to the “1B” position for the runner on first, showing they moved to second.
Double (2B): Similar to a single, but the batter reaches second base. Write “2B”. Runners advance accordingly.
Triple (3B): The batter reaches third base. Write “3B”.
Home Run (HR): The batter hits the ball out of the park or circles the bases safely on an inside-the-park home run. Write “HR”.
Walk (BB): The pitcher throws four balls. Write “BB”. The batter goes to first.
Hit By Pitch (HBP): The batter is hit by a pitch. Write “HBP”. The batter goes to first.
Reached on Error (E or ROE): A fielder makes a mistake, allowing the batter to reach base safely. Write “E” followed by the fielder’s number (e.g., “E6” for a shortstop’s error). If it’s an error that allowed a runner to advance, you’d note that too.
2. The Batter is Out
Strikeout (K): The batter accumulates three strikes. Write “K” in the batter’s box.
Fielder’s Choice (FC): The batter hits the ball, and the defense chooses to try and get another runner out instead of the batter. You’ll write “FC” and then indicate which player made the out (e.g., “FC 64” means the shortstop’s throw to second base got the runner out).
Ground Out (1-3, 6-3, etc.): The batter hits a ground ball and is thrown out at first base. The numbers indicate the player who fielded the ball and the player who made the throw to first (e.g., “3-1” means the first baseman fielded and threw to the pitcher; “6-3” means the shortstop fielded and the first baseman caught the throw).
Fly Out (F): The batter hits a fly ball that is caught by an infielder or outfielder. You’ll write “F” and the number of the fielder who caught it (e.g., “F8” for a fly out to the center fielder).
Line Drive Out (L): Similar to a fly out, but the ball is hit sharply on a line. Often scored as “F” with the fielder’s number.
3. Runner Advancement
This is where the magic of the scorebook grid comes in. After you record what happens to the batter, you need to track where the runners go.
If a batter singles, and there was a runner on first, that runner moves from first to second. Inside the box for the runner on first, you’d draw a line showing their movement to the next base.
If a batter hits a home run with runners on first and second, all three runners (the ones on base and the batter) score. You’ll mark ‘HR’ for the batter and then indicate each previous runner advancing around the bases to home plate.
Table: Common Scoring Situations and How to Record Them
| Situation | Batter’s Box Action | Runner on First Advances to Second | Runner on Second Advances to Third | Runner on Third Scores |
| :—————————- | :—————— | :——————————- | :——————————— | :——————— |
| Single (1B) | 1B | B | B | B |
| Double (2B) | 2B | B | B | B |
| Triple (3B) | 3B | B | B | B |
| Home Run (HR) | HR | B | B | B |
| Walk (BB) | BB | B | B | B |
| Hit By Pitch (HBP) | HBP | B | B | B |
| Error allows batter to reach | E4 | B (if error allows runner adv) | B (if error allows runner adv) | B (if error allows runner adv) |
| Strikeout (K) | K | No advancement | No advancement | No advancement |
| Ground Out (6-3) | 6-3 | No advancement | No advancement | No advancement |
| Fly Out (F8) | F8 | No advancement | No advancement | Runner may tag up and advance/score if deep enough |
Note: “B” in the runner columns indicates the runner advanced legally. For tag ups, specific symbols might be used indicating “tagging up.”
Tracking Innings and Runs
Each box in your scorebook grid represents what happens to the batter during their plate appearance. The smaller boxes within the inning represent the base runners. When an inning ends (after three outs), you’ll sum up how many times runners reached home plate. This is the team’s score for that inning. You’ll then add this to the running total for the game.
Putting it All Together: A Sample Play
Let’s walk through a common scenario:
It’s the bottom of the 3rd inning. The home team has no outs. A runner is on first base.
1. Batter 1: Hits a ground ball to the shortstop. The shortstop fields it, steps on second base for the force out on the runner coming from first, and then throws to first base to get the batter out.
Your Scorebook: In the current batter’s box, you’d write “6-4-3” (shortstop to second baseman to first baseman). This is a double play! Two outs recorded.
2. Batter 2: Hits a line drive to right field for a single.
Your Scorebook: In this batter’s box, you’d write “1B”. Since there are now two outs and no runners on, the inning will continue.
3. Batter 3: Hits a double to left-center field.
Your Scorebook: In this batter’s box, you’d write “2B”. The runner who was on first (from Batter 2’s single) would advance to third base (you’d mark this with a “B” or a symbol showing movement).
4. Batter 4: Hits a sacrifice fly to deep center field. The runner on third tags up and scores.
Your Scorebook: In this batter’s box, you’d write “F8” (fly out to center fielder) and indicate it was a sacrifice fly (often with an additional symbol like “SF”). You’d also mark that the runner from third scored (usually with a circle or “B” indicating scoring). This is the third out of the inning.
This example shows how you record the batter’s outcome and then track runners’ movements and scores.
Advanced Scoring: What Else Can You Track?
Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can start tracking more detailed statistics.
Stolen Bases (SB) and Caught Stealing (CS): When a runner attempts to advance a base while the pitcher is delivering the ball.
Wild Pitches (WP) and Passed Balls (PB): When the catcher fails to handle a pitch cleanly, allowing runners to advance.
Balks: An illegal motion by the pitcher that allows all runners to advance one base.
Defensive Stats: You can also track assists (A) and putouts (PO) for fielders.
Errors (E): Note which fielder made an error and on what play.
These details add layers to your scoring and can be incredibly useful for analyzing player performance. A great resource for official statistics and scoring guidelines is Major League Baseball itself. You can often find their official scoring rules and interpretations on their website, which can be helpful as you become more advanced.
Why Accuracy Matters: The Role of Official Scorers
Official scorers, especially at professional levels, have a crucial role. They determine whether a batted ball is a hit or an error, which can significantly impact player statistics and legacy. They must be knowledgeable about the rules and able to make quick, accurate judgments. For a beginner, focus on accuracy and consistency. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or consult scoring guides. Websites like the official MLB glossary on MLB.com offer detailed definitions for official scoring.
Scoring Equipment: What You Need
While a simple scorebook and pen will get you started, a few items can enhance your experience:
A good quality scorebook: One that’s well-organized and easy to read.
Pens or pencils: Have a few. It’s a bummer when your pen dies mid-inning! Different colors can sometimes help differentiate plays or runners.
A clipboard: Makes writing on the go much easier.
A rulebook or quick reference guide: Especially helpful when you encounter unusual plays.
Binoculars (optional): Can help you see plays clearly from further away.
Common Scoring Pitfalls for Beginners
It’s easy to get tripped up when you’re new to scoring. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Forgetting to track runners: The most common mistake is focusing only on the batter and forgetting to mark how existing runners advance.
Confusing errors with hits: Be honest! If a fielder should have made the play, it’s an error, not a hit.
Not recording outs properly: Ensure every play results in an out or the batter reaching base. If it doesn’t, you’re missing something.
Falling behind: When plays happen quickly, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Try to fill in what you can immediately. If you miss something, politely ask the official scorer or a fellow scorekeeper after the play or inning.
Overcomplicating things: Start with the basics. You can add more detail as you gain confidence.
FAQ: Your Baseball Scoring Questions Answered
Q1: What is the most important part of keeping score?
A1: The most important part is accurately recording every batter’s plate appearance and how each runner on base advances or scores. Consistency is key!
Q2: How do I record a sacrifice fly?
A2: A sacrifice fly occurs when a batter hits a fly ball that allows a runner to score from third base after two outs have already been recorded. You typically score it as a fly out (e.g., F8 for center field) but may add a symbol or note that it was a sacrifice, as it doesn’t count as an official at-bat for the batter.
Q3: What’s the difference between a wild pitch and a passed ball?
A3: A wild pitch (WP) is a pitch thrown by the pitcher that is so errant the catcher cannot handle it. A passed ball (PB) is a pitch that the catcher should have handled with ordinary effort but failed to, allowing a runner to advance.
Q4: How do I handle a rain delay or a suspended game?
A4: For official scoring, games are typically considered official after a certain number of innings (usually 5, or 4.5 if the home team is leading). If a game is delayed or suspended, you’ll note the score and situation at the time of the delay. Play resumes from that point when the game is continued. For casual scoring, just make a note of the delay.
Q5: Do I need to score every single pitch?
A5: No, not necessarily. The basic scoring is about recording the outcome of the play. However, for detailed analysis or if you’re learning specific pitch types, some scorekeepers do note each pitch. For beginners, focusing