Guide
How to read a baseball scorebook in depth
A baseball scorebook records every play using position numbers and short symbols. Fielders are numbered 1 through 9, and each plate appearance gets a small box with a result such as K, 6-3 or 1B. Once you can read the symbols, the page tells the whole story of the game.
The layout of a scorebook page
A typical page has a row for each batter in the lineup and a column for each inning. Each cell (often with a small diamond drawn in it) holds the story of that batter's plate appearance in that inning. Along the side are totals for at-bats, runs, hits and runs batted in. If you are new to scorekeeping, start with how to keep score in baseball and then come back here for more depth.
The position numbers
Every fielder has a number, which is the basis of the shorthand.
| Number | Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher |
| 2 | Catcher |
| 3 | First baseman |
| 4 | Second baseman |
| 5 | Third baseman |
| 6 | Shortstop |
| 7 | Left fielder |
| 8 | Center fielder |
| 9 | Right fielder |
A ground ball to the shortstop who throws to first for the out is 6-3. A groundout where the first baseman steps on the bag unassisted is 3U, for "unassisted." A fly ball caught by the center fielder is F8, a line drive to the second baseman is L4 and a popup to the third baseman is P5. For a refresher on positions, see baseball positions explained.
Common result symbols
- K
- Strikeout swinging. A backward K (or a K with a slash) is generally used for a called third strike, though some scorers use K for both.
- BB
- A walk, also called a base on balls.
- HBP
- Hit by pitch. The batter goes to first base.
- 1B, 2B, 3B, HR
- Single, double, triple and home run. Many scorers also write the direction, such as a single to left.
- E and a number
- An error on that fielder. E6 is an error on the shortstop.
- FC
- Fielder's choice. The fielder chose to get another runner out, so the batter reaches base but is not credited with a hit.
- DP
- A double play, written with the fielders involved, such as 6-4-3.
- SAC and SF
- Sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly. Neither counts as an at-bat.
Tracking runners around the bases
Within each box, the diamond's four corners represent the bases. Scorers draw a line from one corner to the next as the runner advances, and write how it happened. A common way is to write a notation next to the base, such as SB for a stolen base, WP for a wild pitch, PB for a passed ball or the batter's number when a later hit moves the runner. When a runner scores, the diamond is filled in or marked with a dot, and the runs total is updated.
- Record the batter's result in their box.
- Mark where the batter ended up, such as first base on a single.
- Update the other runners' boxes if they advanced.
- Mark the out count in the box of each batter who was put out, often a circled 1, 2 or 3 for the first, second or third out of the inning.
- Draw a line under the last batter at the end of a half-inning, and start the next inning in a new column.
Tricky plays
- Dropped third strike: If a batter reaches first after a strikeout because the catcher didn't hold the ball, the scorer writes K with a note such as WP or PB. See the dropped third strike rule.
- Fielder's choice vs. hit: If a fielder tries to get a lead runner and no one is out at first, the scorer decides whether the batter would have been safe anyway. That is a judgment call and a place where scorers disagree.
- Error vs. hit: If a fielder should have made an ordinary play and didn't, it is an error. If it was a tough play, it is a hit. This is also a judgment call.
- Runs batted in: A batter gets an RBI when a run scores because of the batter's action, but typically not on an error or in a double play.
- Substitutions: Write the new player in below or beside the replaced player and note the inning. See DH and substitution rules.
A worked example
Suppose the leadoff batter grounds to short, who throws to first: write 6-3 in the box and circle a 1 for the first out. The second batter walks: write BB and carry the runner to first. The third batter singles to right, sending the runner to second: write 1B and mark second base for the runner. The cleanup hitter hits a fly ball to left: F7, with the second out. The next batter hits a single, scoring the runner from second: write 1B in the box, mark the RBI and fill in the runner's diamond. Now you can read the page: one run, three hits, one walk and two outs so far.
Totaling at the end
After the game, count each batter's at-bats, runs, hits, RBIs and walks. Add up the pitchers' innings, hits, runs, earned runs, walks and strikeouts. The two teams' totals should match the line score, so check that the runs add up and that each inning has exactly three outs. Our box score guide shows what the finished result looks like, and the stats formula guide shows how the numbers feed into the season.
Recording pitchers and pitch counts
Most scorebooks have a separate area for pitchers. Record each pitcher's innings, hits, runs, earned runs, walks and strikeouts as the game goes on, and note the inning when a new pitcher enters. Many scorers also mark balls and strikes with small dots or tally marks beside each batter's box so they can total pitches thrown, which helps if the league has pitch limits. See youth baseball pitch count rules for how leagues generally use those counts. Do not guess if you lose count, and ask the league's official counter if there is one.
Tips for new scorers
- Use a pencil and keep an eraser handy.
- Ask the coach for the lineup and the spelling of names before the game.
- Write small and legibly. Others may need to read it.
- Don't panic if you miss a play. Ask the umpire or coach quietly between innings.
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 →
Sources and further reading
- Scorekeeping (MLB Glossary) Major League Baseball
- What's the Score?: The Basics of Scorekeeping Little League
- Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition Major League Baseball
Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.
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 6-3 putout is shortstop to first baseman.
What does FC mean in scorekeeping?
Fielder's choice. The fielder got another runner out instead of the batter, so the batter is not credited with a hit.
Do sacrifice flies count as at-bats?
No. A sacrifice bunt or fly is not an at-bat for the batter, so it does not hurt their batting average.
How do you score a dropped third strike?
It is generally recorded as a strikeout, with a note on how the batter reached if the catcher could not hold the ball. See the dropped third strike guide for details.
What is the difference between a hit and an error?
A hit is a ball the fielder could not reasonably turn into an out, while an error is a misplay on a ball that should have been an out. The official scorer makes the call.