How a Baseball Scorecard Works

First, let's look at the terms involved when using a scorecard. Writing on a scorecard involves using a special type of shorthand. The players' positions, types of errors, plays and outcomes are all represented by numbers and letters. The numbers for the player positions on the field are as follows:

1 - Pitcher

2 - Catcher

3 - First Baseman

4 - Second Baseman

5 - Third Baseman

6 - Shortstop

7 - Left Fielder

8 - Center Fielder

9 - Right Fielder

These numbers indicate where the ball goes after it's hit. As for the plays, several letters and symbols are used. A single, double, or triple -- meaning a one-, two- or three-base hit -- is represented on a scorecard with an S, D or T. Some scorers also use one, two or three horizontal lines.

A homerun is written as HR, or four horizontal lines. The letter K stands for a strikeout, while F is a foul fly ball, BB is a walk, HP is for when the batter is hit by a pitch, SB is a stolen base, DP is a double play and E means an error [source: MLB.com].

Why are these numbers and symbols important? Because on your scorecard, you'll use them to represent how a play went. For example, if a player singled and then stole second base, your scorecard would indicate two horizontal lines and an SB for that batter.

Does it sound too complicated? Well, after plenty of practice, it really isn't difficult to memorize all of the symbols involved.

On the next page, we'll look at the scorecard itself and tell you exactly how to score the game on it.

Now that you know some of the basic terms and numbers used for filling in a scorecard, let's take a look at the card itself. You can download a basic scorecard off the Internet, buy them in books or even purchase them at the ballgame for a few dollars. You'll also need a card and a pencil -- it's best not to use a pen in case you need to correct yourself.

The cards usually have spaces for the name and date of the game, the roster of batters and pitchers (which you'll need to fill in for yourself) and a series of cells with diamonds representing the field -- one per inning. Within those boxes are two smaller rows of cells, where you mark the ball count and strikes [source: Swingley].

As the plays happen, mark them on your card. Let's say the left fielder is first up to bat in the first inning. He gets a single in his first at-bat, so you mark a single line on the first diamond next to his name, indicating he got to first base.

When another batter comes up, let's say he hits the ball and it's fielded by the shortstop, who throws the ball to first base and the batter is out. You'd mark 6-3 on your card -- caught by 6 (the shortstop), thrown to 3 (the first baseman).

The next batter strikes out completely. You'd mark a K on his square for that inning. Now, in our imaginary game, let's say we have one man on second base and one out. The next player comes up to bat -- let's imagine he hits a homerun. You'd mark an HR on your card. At the end of each inning, you'll total the hits and runs for that inning only. You'll add that all together at the game's end to get the final score [source: MLB.com].

Remember, all scorecards aren't necessarily going to be uniform in appearance. You can search for a design you like or you can simply depend on what you get at the ballpark. Many people have created their own custom scorecards and now there are even scorecard apps for the iPhone and Android handsets [source: Apptism.com]. The good news is that the basic use of numbers and symbols is fairly uniform throughout the sport.

Now that you're familiar with the fundamentals of keeping a baseball scorecard, with just a little practice, you can use this skill to get even more involved in baseball than you ever were before.

For more information about baseball, scorecards and other related topics, follow the links on the next page.