If you have ever watched a baseball game on TV you have probably heard the announcer say something like that was a 6-4-3 double play. So, you might be wondering what do the baseball position numbers mean and how are they used?
Each defensive fielding position in baseball has been assigned an associated number that is used for scorekeeping purposes. This numbering system was developed to make it easier for scorekeepers to document each play. Instead of writing out, the shortstop (6) fielded the ball and threw it to second base (4) who then threw it to the first baseman (3) for the second out. A scorekeeper would record this as a 6-4-3 double play in the scorebook. The baseball position numbers make scorekeeping easier and more efficient.
Want to learn more? In this baseball positions guide you learn why each baseball position is assigned a number, what the numbers mean and the detailed breakdown of all the baseball positions.
Let’s get started
Baseball Position Numbers
In baseball there are nine players that are each assigned a fielding position. Each baseball position has an associated number that is used in scorekeeping by the official scorekeeper.
Here is each defensive baseball position and the number that is associated with their fielding position.
Baseball Positions by Number
- Pitcher (1)
- Catcher (2)
- First Baseman (3)
- Second Baseman (4)
- Third Baseman (5)
- Shortstop (6)
- Left Fielder (7)
- Center Fielder (8)
- Right Fielder (9)
The numbers that are associated with each defensive position are used frequently by announcers and most importantly by official baseball scorekeepers. (For more information on how scorekeeping works in baseball check out this article.)
How Baseball Position Numbers Are Used
In the sport of baseball, there are nine players on a team and each is assigned a particular fielding position when they play defense. Each of these positions has an associated number used by the official scorekeeper.
The baseball positional numbers were created to help scorekeepers score each play accurately and efficiently. For example, it’s much easier for a scorekeeper to document a double play by writing 6-4-3 instead of writing out the ball that was hit to the shortstop (6), he throws it to the second baseman (4) on second for the first out. After which he throws it to the first baseman (3) on first to complete the double play for the second out. A scorekeeper would record this in the scorebook as a 6-4-3 double play.
The baseball numbering system makes it really easy to write and announce and keep track of a play as it happens on the field.
Baseball Position Abbreviations
In addition to the baseball position numbering system each defensive position also has an abbreviated version that is often used on lineup cards and in scorekeeping.
Here is a list of baseball positions and what their abbreviation is.
- Pitcher (1) = P
- Catcher (2) = C
- First Baseman (3) = 1B
- Second Baseman (4) = 2B
- Third Baseman (5) = 3B
- Shortstop (6) = SS
- Left Fielder (7) = LF
- Center Fielder (8) = CF
- Right Fielder (9) = RF
Other Baseball Abbreviations
- Outfielder = OF
- Infielder = IF
- Starting Pitcher = SP
- Long Relief Pitcher = LRP
- Closer = CL or CP
The 9 Baseball Positions & The Skills Required for Each One
Now that we have a good idea of what the numbers of each position mean, let’s take a look at the nine different baseball positions and what skills are required for each one.
Pitcher (1): player that begins each play by pitching the ball to the batter. Throwing accuracy, speed and mastery of different pitches are required to be a good pitcher.
Catcher (2) player that is located behind home plate and catcher the ball thrown by the pitcher. A catcher needs to have a great arm to throw runners out. As well as the stamina to squat all game long as well as the ability to frame pitches and block wild pitchers from getting by to keep potential runners at their base.
First Baseman (3): Player located to the left of first base on the right side of the infield. They are typically power hitters that are larger in stature. Speed isn’t required for this position but great hand eye coordination is. A first baseman needs to be able to catch, scoop or dig up balls thrown to them by infielders receiving a ground ball as well as help pick off runners when the pitcher throws back to first base.
Second Baseman (4): Player located next to second base on the right side of the infield. They are typically smaller and faster players. Second baseman needs to be able to cover the whole right side of the infield, cover second and turn double plays. Fielding ground balls and being quick are important attributes of second basemen.
Third Baseman (5): Player located right next to third base. Third basemen are the furthest infielder to first making a strong arm a must for a third baseman. They need to be able to field ground balls well and are more than likely power hitters.
Shortstop (6): Player located to the left of second base and to the right of the third basemen. Shortstops are typically the best fielder in the infield. They need to be able to cover a lot of area and tend to get the most action in the infield. They tend to be fast, smaller players that can cover a lot of ground.
Left Fielder (7): Player located behind the third basemen in the outfield. Left fielders need to be fast and have a good arm. The need to be able to read the ball off the bat well and track down fly balls.
Center Fielder (8): Player located in between the right and left fielders. Center fielders are typically considered to be the best outfielder and they have more responsibility than the others based on their location in the field. They need to have a strong arm and bat and need to be able to cover ground while tracking down fly balls.
Right Fielder (9): Player that is located behind the first basemen in the outfield. Right fielders need to be able to read the ball well off the bat, track down fly balls and need to have a strong arm to throw runners out.
Hardest Baseball Position
All of the positions on a baseball team are important and each play a unique role. However there are some positions that have more responsibility and have a greater impact on the outcome of a baseball game. So, what is the hardest position in baseball to play?
The hardest position to play in baseball is the pitcher followed by the catcher and shortstop. Much like the quarterback in football the pitcher touches the ball on every play and has the greatest impact on the outcome. If your pitcher isn’t very good it doesn’t matter how good the other fields are, you’ll have a hard time winning games.
Here are my top five hardest baseball positions to play. (In order of difficulty)
- Pitcher
- Catcher
- Shortstop
- Center Fielder
- First basemen
Easiest Baseball Position
As we mentioned above all defensive positions in baseball are important, but there is no doubt there are some position that are easier or have less responsibility than others. The easiest baseball position in my opinion is the right fielder.
In little league baseball it’s pretty standard to see most teams put their worst field in right field in hopes to hide their weakness. Why is this the case? Well, it’s pretty simple: right fielders tend to see less balls hit their way. This is because most batters are right handed and will pull the ball to the left side of the field. With that being said, they are still an important player, they just have less responsibility than others like a catcher or pitcher.
Other Baseball Scorekeeping Abbreviations
As a score keeper or fan it is also important to know that there are additional scoring notations used on a baseball scorecard.
Here is a list of the most common notation and what each one means
| Notation | Event |
| 1B or ““ | Single (1B is also the abbreviation for the first baseman) |
| 2B or ““ | Double (2B is also the abbreviation for the second baseman) |
| 3B or ““ | Triple (3B is also the abbreviation for the third baseman) |
| colored-in diamond | Run Scored. Some scorers use a colored-in diamond to signify a home run, and a run scored is just a complete diamond |
| A | Assist |
| AB | At bat (i.e. a plate appearance, excluding walks) |
| AD or 2B(GR) | Automatic or ground-rule double |
| B | Bunt |
| BB or W | Base on Balls (Walk) |
| BK | Balk |
| BS | Blown Save |
| BV | Basepath Violation |
| CS | Caught Stealing |
| DH | Designated Hitter |
| DI | Defensive Indiference |
| DP | Double Play |
| E | Error |
| ER | Earned Run |
| ERA | Earned Run Average |
| F | Flyout |
| FC | Fielder’s Choice |
| FF | Foul Flyout |
| FO | Force Out |
| GWRBI | Game winning RBI |
| H | Hit or (for a pitcher) Hold |
| HBP, HP, or HB | Hit by Pitch or Hit Batter |
| HR or ““ | Home Run |
| I or CI or I2 | Defensive (or Catcher’s) Interference |
| IF | Infield Fly |
| IP | Innings Pitched |
| IS | Spectator Interference |
| IW or IBB | Intentional Walk (Intentional Base on Balls) |
| K | Strikeout |
| Kb | Strikeout on 3rd strike foul bunt |
| Kc or Reverse K | Strikeout Called (“Looking”) |
| Kd3 | Strikeout with Dropped 3rd Strike (the batter may try to advance to first) |
| Kl | Strikeout Looking |
| Ks | Strikeout Swinging |
| LD or L | Line Drive (Liner) |
| LOB | Left On Base |
| LP | Losing Pitcher |
| OBB | Out of Batter’s Box |
| OBS or OB | Obstruction |
| PB | Passed Ball |
| PH | Pinch Hitter |
| PO | Putout |
| R | Runs |
| RBI | Runs Batted In |
| S, SH or Sac | Sacrifice Hit (or bunt) |
| SB | Stolen Base |
| SF | Sacrifice Fly |
| SFC | Sacrifice Fielder’s Choice |
| SV | Save |
| T | Tag out |
| TP | Triple Play (very rare) |
| U | Unassisted Putout |
| WP | Wild Pitch |
It’s also important to note that not all scorekeepers will use all of these notations. For more information on baseball scorekeeping check out this article by baseball.fandom.com
Baseball Position Numbers FAQ
Why is shortstop 6 and not 5?
Shortstops were originally shallow outfielders. Which is why their numbering typically throws people off. This happened when baseball first started where the baseballs were a lot lighter and outfielders needed a cut-off man to help get the ball in. When heavier baseballs were implemented shortstops moved to the infield but their number (6) stuck with them.
Are Baseball & Softball Position Numbers the Same?
Yes, the numbering system used in baseball is the same one that is used in softball. However there are some minor differences. For example some softball leagues play with ten players instead of nine. The tenth player is just added as #10.
How Many Positions are There in Baseball?
In baseball teams will field nine different defensive positions while the opposing team is at bat. On offense the team will have nine batters hit in a predetermined order to attempt to score.
How Many Outfielder Positions are there in Baseball?
In baseball there are three outfielding positions: the left fielder, center fielder and right fielder. These three positions are commonly referred to as outfielder or OF for short.
Additional Baseball Resources