How to Keep Score in Baseball

Learning how to keep score in baseball will allow you to keep track of your favorite players and their game stats in a fun way. Every person has a different way of keeping score and you will eventually develop your own method that you are comfortable with. You will need a score book in order to keep score. Write the date and team names at the top of your score sheet and you are ready to begin. 

1. To keep score in baseball, give each position a number. For example, 1 is the pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 is 1st base, 4 is 2nd base, 5 is 3rd base, 6 is the shortstop, 7 is the left fielder and 8 is center field. This will make it easy for you to keep score.
2. Make an abbreviation list for hitters and fielders in baseball. K= strikeout, 1B= a single, 2B= a double, 3B= a triple, HR=home run, E=error, BB= walk, and so on.
3. Keep track of everyone involved in the play.  A double play fielded by the shortstop, thrown to the 2nd baseman, then to the 1st baseman, would be scored as 6-4-3.  An error by the 1st baseman would be scored as E-3. An error has to be officially called in order to be marked as an error on the score card.
4. Indicate hitters who make it on base. If a batter makes it on base, whether through a hit, walk, or being hit by a pitch, draw a single line to the base on the score card. If the batter makes it all the way home, draw a shaded line around the whole diamond on the score card.
5. Keep track of the pitches thrown. Mark an S for a strike, B for a Ball, and F for a foul. This will give an accurate pitch count for the baseball pitcher.
6. Keep track of the outs in an inning. Write the number 1 underneath the first player's name that is an out. For the last out in the inning, mark a slash in the box to indicate the end of the inning.