How to keep score in softball

Why keep score

Keeping a scorebook is a useful volunteer job, and it is a nice way to learn the game. A scorebook records what happened on every at-bat, so you can see who got on base, who scored and how the defense played. Many youth leagues do not keep an official score at younger ages, but many teams still keep a book for fun or for the coach. Ask what your team expects. For the game itself, see softball rules for beginners.

What you need

• A scorebook or printed score sheet, which is usually a grid with a row for each batter and a column for each inning.
• A pencil and an eraser. Pencil makes it easy to fix mistakes.
• The batting order for your team, and ideally the other team's too.
• A place with a good view of the field, plus a willingness to ask for help.

Numbers for each position

Scorekeepers use numbers as shorthand for fielders. These numbers are the same in baseball and softball:

If you need a refresher on who plays where, read softball positions explained.

Common shorthand

K

Strikeout. Many scorers write a backward K when the batter is called out on strike three without swinging.

BB

Walk, or base on balls.

1B, 2B, 3B, HR

Single, double, triple and home run.

F7

A fly ball caught by the left fielder. The letter shows the type of out, and the number shows the fielder.

6-3

A ground ball fielded by the shortstop, who threw to first base for the out.

E

Error, followed by the position number, such as E5 for an error by the third baseman.

FC

Fielder's choice, when a fielder tries for an out on another runner instead of the batter.

HBP

Hit by pitch.

SB

Stolen base.

A simple at-bat walkthrough

1. Write the batter's result in that batter's box for the inning, such as 1B for a single or 6-3 for a groundout.
2. If the batter reaches base, track the runner. Draw the path from base to base, and mark the batter's run when the runner crosses home plate.
3. Count each out and circle it, or write the out number in the box, so you know when the inning ends.
4. After three outs, draw a line under your last batter and start the next inning with the next batter in the order.

Do not worry if you fall behind or miss a play. Ask a coach, or note what you saw and fix it after the game. Good scorers ask questions.

Simple stats from the book

• At-bats: turns at the plate, not counting walks, hit by pitches, sacrifices and certain other plays.
• Batting average: hits divided by at-bats.
• On-base percentage: roughly how often a batter reaches base by a hit, walk or hit by pitch. Official formulas vary slightly.
• Runs and RBI: runs scored, and runs batted in, which credits a batter whose play drives in a run.

Be careful with statistics at the youth level. Numbers can say a lot, but small samples can be misleading, and a child who is learning does not need to be defined by a number. Use stats to celebrate progress, not to rank children.

Official scorer decisions

Some plays require judgment, such as whether a misplay counts as an error or a hit. In organized leagues, the official scorer makes those calls according to that league's rules. If you keep the book for fun, apply your best judgment and be consistent. Ask your coach whether your league has a preference.

Want to know more about the language of the game? See softball terms for new parents, or visit the softball guides hub.

Frequently asked questions

What do the numbers in a scorebook mean?

Each fielding position has a number: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first base, 4 second base, 5 third base, 6 shortstop, 7 left field, 8 center field and 9 right field.

What does 6-3 mean in a scorebook?

The shortstop fielded the ball and threw to first base for the out.

How do you calculate batting average?

Divide a batter's hits by the batter's at-bats. Walks, hit by pitches and sacrifices do not count as at-bats.

Do youth leagues keep official score?

It varies. Some younger divisions do not keep a formal score at all, so ask your league or coach.