How to Write a Summary of a Baseball Game

Chances are, you've read your fair share of baseball game summaries in newspapers or online. It looks easy enough, sure, but the fact remains that it there is a distinct method to writing a good one. That's not to say it's impossible and won't get easier over time, but there are several things to keep in mind as you sit down to write. Like a lot of forms of writing, there is a formula that will help you write an accurate and engaging summary of the baseball game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Organize all the information that you will need to write the summary. The box score, recorded quotes, media guide and game notes that you took should all be right in front of you. You don't want to get halfway through the summary only to learn that you need to track down the coach, find a missed recording of quotes or hunt down the bio of a player.

    • 2

      Write a lede that will grab the reader's attention and make him want to read more. Ideally, you shouldn't get too cute with your wording, as it is just a summary. A long, rambling soft lede that works well for a feature story isn't the best option here. For example, if the game is spectacularly won by the relief pitcher who's aging and past his prime, consider starting with something like this: "Klamath Falls reliever John Smith still has a trick or two up his sleeve." Basically, you should always include the score and at least one team name in the first two graphs of the opening. Then, get on with the basics of the game.

    • 3

      Summarize key events. Start by following your lede with the basic idea of the story: the game was won by this team, and this was the score. Then, start from the beginning of the game, and chronicle key events. Remember, you don't want to bore your reader with a blow by blow account of every single thing that happened in the game. Simply focus on significant moments throughout the innings.

    • 4

      Include quotes to support said key events. Go back and read a newspaper article for examples if you're stumped, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. As a rule, 3 to 6 quotes are good for a summary, depending on the requested length. The whole thing shouldn't be quotes, mind you, but they work great for enhancing and adding color to your summary.

    • 5

      Wrap up the story with what comes next for either the team you're covering or both teams. For example, if it's a playoff series, an adequate last sentence would be "The Tigers and the Cubs will resume the series at 6 p.m. Wednesday."