Keeping score looks like a secret code, but the basics take about ten minutes to learn — and it turns watching your child's game into following it closely. Here's the beginner's version.
Every defensive position has a number. This is the backbone of scorekeeping:
So a ground ball to the shortstop who throws to first base is written 6–3. A fly out to center field is F8.
Most scorebooks have a little diamond in each batter's box. As the runner advances, you trace their path around it and fill it in when they score. That's really all there is to the core of it.
Grab our free printable game stat sheet — it has hitting, pitching and fielding all on one page. Print one per game and you're set. And once the shoebox of paper gets old, an app can keep the season totals for you automatically.
They're the defensive positions: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first base, 4 second base, 5 third base, 6 shortstop, 7 left field, 8 center field, 9 right field. Plays are recorded using these numbers, like 6–3 for shortstop-to-first.
No — a single printable stat sheet works fine to start. You can grab a free one and print one per game.