Things You'll Need:
- Scorecard
- Pencil
-
Step 1
Begin by finding a score sheet. If you're at the stadium, you can most likely find a scorecard in the program. You may also be able to buy a scorecard separately at a merchandise kiosk. You can also print one out online (see Resources below).
-
Step 2
Learn the position numbers for players in the field. Keeping score is all about numbers. 1 is pitcher, 2 is catcher, 3 is first base, 4 is second base, 5 is third base, 6 is the shortstop, 7 is left field, 8 is center field and 9 is right field. These are the numbers you will use for defensive plays.
-
Step 3
Write each team's lineup in the spaces provided to the left of the inning boxes. Write the players' names in the order they are hitting in the lineup.
-
Step 4
Use abbreviations for offensive statistics. For example, 1B could be used for a single, HR for a home run and BB for a base on balls. This is necessary since the boxes found on your scorecard are rather tiny.
-
Step 5
Use the shape of a baseball diamond in the box in order to show the advancement of the runners on the base paths. Begin your diamond in the bottom center of the box, or "home plate," and draw your first line to the right of the box when a batter makes it to first base. When a runner advances, either by a stolen base or a base hit by a teammate, draw the corresponding line or lines until that runner makes it home or the inning comes to a conclusion.
-
Step 6
When an out is made, mark it in the direct center of the box. For ground ball outs, begin marking the play in the top left of the box. For example, if the shortstop picked up the ground ball, you would write “6” in the top left. Write the end of the play in the bottom right of the box: If the shortstop threw the ball to the first baseman to finish the play, you would write “3” in the bottom right portion of the box. When an out is made by a single player, simply write the lone number in the center of the box. You can also place an “F” for fly out and “P” for putout if you wish to do so.
-
Step 7
Remember to mark all substitutions. When a pinch hitter or new pitcher enters the game, write his name in the box below the name of the starting player in the left column of your scorecard. Also, write the inning that the player entered the game in parenthesis next to the incoming player's name.
-
Step 8
At the end of the game, remember to write down all of the important information. Place a “W” next to the winning pitcher and an “L” next to the losing pitcher. Also, keep track of hits, innings pitched and RBI.
