How to Keep Score in Baseball: A Beginner Scorecard Guide
Keeping score is one of the oldest and best ways to watch a baseball game. It keeps you in every pitch and leaves you with a record of what happened. The notation looks like a secret code at first, but it comes down to a handful of numbers and symbols.
The position numbers
Every defensive 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, 9 right field. A groundout from short to first is "6-3" because the ball went from the shortstop (6) to the first baseman (3).
Recording outs and hits
Use the diamond in each box to track a runner around the bases. Common marks: K for a strikeout (backward K for called strike three), 1B 2B 3B HR for hits, BB for a walk, F for a flyout, and the position numbers for who handled the ball. Fill in the diamond as the runner advances and circle it when they score.
Reading it back
Once the game is over you can replay the whole thing from the card: who reached, how, and how each run scored. That is the payoff, and it is why fans have kept score by hand for over a century.
Baseball Scorebook
Keep score play-by-play on your phone with a traditional scorecard, and save every game.
Learn more about Baseball ScorebookFrequently asked questions
What does 6-4-3 mean?
A double play that went shortstop (6) to second baseman (4) to first baseman (3).
Why is a strikeout a K?
K is the traditional symbol for a strikeout. A backward K usually means the batter struck out looking, on a called third strike.
Do I need a paper scorebook?
You can use paper, but a digital scorecard keeps every game saved and out of the rain.