Guide
How to keep score in baseball: a beginner's guide
Keeping score looks intimidating until you learn two things: every fielder has a number, and every play has a short code. This guide covers the basics you need to score a youth baseball game on paper or in an app.
Step 1: Learn the position numbers
Scorekeepers write plays using the number of each defensive position.
| # | Position | # | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher | 6 | Shortstop |
| 2 | Catcher | 7 | Left field |
| 3 | First base | 8 | Center field |
| 4 | Second base | 9 | Right field |
| 5 | Third base | ||
A ground ball to shortstop thrown to first for the out is written 6-3: the ball went from the 6 to the 3.
Step 2: Learn the common symbols
| Result | Symbol | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single / double / triple / home run | 1B, 2B, 3B, HR | Often drawn by shading the path to that base. |
| Walk | BB | Intentional walk is IBB. |
| Hit by pitch | HBP | Batter takes first. |
| Strikeout swinging | K | |
| Strikeout looking | Ꝁ (backwards K) | Some scorers write K with a line or circle. |
| Groundout | 6-3, 4-3, 5-3… | List fielders in order they touched the ball. |
| Flyout | F8, F9… | F plus the fielder who caught it. |
| Line out / pop-up | L6, P4… | Some scorers use F for all of them. |
| Fielder's choice | FC | Fielder chooses to retire another runner. |
| Error | E6, E4… | E plus the fielder who made the error. |
| Double play | 6-4-3 DP | List every fielder in order. |
| Sacrifice bunt / fly | SH (or SAC), SF | Not an at-bat. |
| Stolen base / caught stealing | SB, CS | CS often with the throw, such as CS 2-6. |
| Wild pitch / passed ball / balk | WP, PB, BK | Runners advance on the play. |
Step 3: Follow a simple routine
- Before the game: write both lineups in batting order with positions and jersey numbers. Use pencil.
- Each plate appearance: record the result in the batter's box for that inning. Mark balls and strikes if you track pitches.
- Track the runners: draw how each runner advanced (by hit, walk, steal or on a teammate's out) and mark when they score.
- Count the outs: write a number 1, 2 or 3 in the box when an out is recorded, so you always know the count.
- Substitutions: note who replaced whom and when.
- End of each inning: total runs, hits, errors and runners left on base.
Track pitches too
In youth baseball the pitch count matters as much as the score. Keep a separate tally for each pitcher: a mark per pitch, grouped in fives, with the running total at the end of each inning. Leagues use pitch counts to set daily limits and required rest, so have a second person confirm the official count when you can. See our arm care guide for why this matters.
In BlackForge Sports: you can set up a game by name or say the matchup out loud, then score by tap or by voice. Box scores, the line score and each player's stats are built from the plays you enter, with no end-of-game math. Get early access →
Check your math
A classic scorebook check: for each team, plate appearances = runs + runners left on base + outs. If those do not add up, a play was recorded wrong, and the mismatch usually tells you which inning to re-check. Also confirm that hits and errors on the line score match your batters' rows.
Tips for scoring youth games
- Ask about local rules. Run limits per inning, time limits, dropped third strikes and courtesy runners differ by league.
- Don't chase perfection. If you miss a play, fill in the result from the next batter's situation and fix it between innings.
- Keep the official book. One person is the official scorer. Others can keep a backup.
- Review the box score together afterward. It is a great way to talk about the game with your player. See how to read a baseball box score.
Frequently asked questions
What do the numbers mean in a baseball scorebook?
They are position numbers: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first base, 4 second base, 5 third base, 6 shortstop, 7 left field, 8 center field, 9 right field. A play written 6-3 is a ground ball fielded by the shortstop and thrown to first base.
How do you score a strikeout looking?
Most scorers write a backwards K. A strikeout swinging is a regular K.
What is a fielder's choice?
A play where the fielder chooses to get out another runner instead of the batter, so the batter reaches base without being credited with a hit. It is scored FC.
Can I keep score on a phone instead of paper?
Yes. Apps handle the math, stats and box score for you. Paper still works well as a backup.