How to Keep Track of Outs on a Baseball Scorecard

Outs are the most common outcome of an at-bat in baseball. Various symbols represent the different types of outs on the scorecard. Everyone scores the game details in their own way. Mastering the basic method means other baseball fans can follow the action after the fact.

Things You'll Need

  • Scorecard
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Arrive at the stadium early. It's easier to fill in the lineups in advance. You will miss the action if you are writing names between pitches.

    • 2

      Think of each square like a matrix. Each box will show the outcome for the batter and inning. Enter the results in the correct box.

    • 3

      Know the number that corresponds to each defensive position. Here's the list:
      1, Pitcher; 2, Catcher; 3, First Baseman; 4, Second Baseman; 5, Third Baseman; 6, Shortstop; 7, Left Fielder; 8, Center Fielder; and 9, Right Fielder.

    • 4

      Enter F and the number of the defensive player that made the play for fly outs. For example, F8 means the center fielder caught the fly ball. An L means that a line drive was caught for an out. L6 means the shortstop caught the batted ball. FO means the defender caught the ball in foul ground. FO3 indicates that the first baseman caught the ball in foul territory.

    • 5

      Record ground ball outs. An unassisted out happens when the fielder grabs the ball and runs to the base himself. An example of scoring this is 5U, meaning the third baseman fielded a grounder and made the out. A force out is when the fielder scoops up the ball and his throw beats the runner to the bag. These are scored using the defensive numbers. For example, 6-3 means the shortstop fielded the ground ball and threw the runner out at first base.

    • 6

      Write a K in the batter box for a strikeout swinging. Enter a backward K for a strikeout looking.