How to Make a Pocket Roster

The pocket roster is a coaching tool used to track players and positions. The roster is used in multiple sports with baseball being the most common. Every baseball coach must maintain a roster and track changes and movements throughout the game. Each change is communicated to the official scorekeeper and umpire. The pocket roster ensures the starting lineup is intact and organized. The roster also prevents illegal substitutions through the presence of a visual record.

Things You'll Need

  • Pocket-size notepad
  • Pencil
  • Full-size roster
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Instructions

    • 1

      Maintain a complete roster with each player's number on a full-sized sheet of paper. Use the roster as a reference point for numbers as you build your pocket roster.

    • 2

      Use the pencil to create vertical columns on the pocket roster pages. Build one column for the batting position, player's number, name and field position.

    • 3

      Write the numbers 1 through 9 with a space between each for the batting order. The blank space is used to note substitutions during the game. Write each player's number, name and field position in the columns to build the batting order and starting lineup.

    • 4

      Write the name of the opponent and date at the top of each page to track individual games and maintain a rough record sheet. The scorebook maintained by the official scorekeeper serves as a complete record book but the pocket roster works well as a reference tool.

    • 5

      Write a new pocket roster page before each game begins. Doing this the day before a game works well as you may be aware of injuries, absences and other obstacles that may cause changes to the typical lineup.