If you have ever turned into a baseball game via radio or television, you might hear the announcer say, “oh, what a nice 1-6-3 double play” or “the yankees turn a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.” If you haven’t been around baseball much, you might wonder what they are referring to.
Well, they are referring to certain positions on the baseball field as each position has a number.
Which leads us to the key question.
How Are Baseball Positions Numbered?
Each position has a number:
- Pitcher – 1
- Catcher – 2
- 1st Base – 3
- 2nd Base – 4
- 3rd Base – 5
- Shortstop – 6
- Left Field – 7
- Center Field – 8
- Right Field – 9
How Are Baseball Positions Numbered: Examples
Example 1: 6-4-3 Double Play
This is typically a ground ball hit to the shortstop, who gets the first out at 2nd base to the 2nd baseman, who then throws to first base for the 2nd out. It went from the shortstop (6), to the 2nd basement (4), to the first basement (3). Resulting in a 6-4-3 double play.
Example 2: 1-6-3 Double Play
This is a ground ball hit to the pitcher (1), who throws the shortstop (6) who is covering 2nd base for the first out and then to the 1st baseman (3) for the 2nd out. Resulting in a 1-6-3 double play.
Example 3: A 5-3 Put Out
This is typically a ground ball hit to the 3rd baseman (5) who throws is across the field to the 1st baseman (3) resulting in an out.
Example 4: A 7-5 Put Out
This is typically a base hit to the left fielder (7), who throws a runner out trying to advance to 3rd base and is tagged out by the 3rd baseman (5). This results in an out.
Example 5: A 8-2 Put Out
This could be a base hit to the center fielder (8) who fields it and throws it all the way home to get a runner at home plate via the catcher (2). This results in an out, typically by a tag.
Why Are Baseball Positions Numbered?
They are used for simplicity within the scoring system. Games, for many years, have been scored in a scorebook, which has little room to write what took place. Every at bat is recorded as are runs and outs to keep track of score and to collect some minimal data on what took place in the game.
Now that we have reviewed the different types of plays, you can go through several in your head to help cement in the different positions and the numbers that the players carry. The numbering system is an easy way for scorekeepers to mark the plays in the scorebook for quick reference after the game.
Do Other Sports Use A Numbering System?
Basketball uses a number system for positions. These aren’t used as part of a scorebook, but more for quick reference to positions. Here is the numbering system in basketball:
- Point Guard – 1
- Shooting Guard – 2
- Small Forward – 3
- Power Forward – 4
- Center – 5
What Are Double and Triple Plays in Baseball?
In baseball, several outs can be made on one batted ball or within one play. When more than one out is recorded, for example 2 outs, it is called a double play. When 3 outs are recorded on one play, it is called a triple play.
What is a double play in baseball? (Complete Overview)
Triple plays are rather infrequent in the game of baseball and something special if you ever see one. The most common triple play is a 5-4-3. On this play a ground ball is hit close to the 3rd base, where the 3rd baseman (5) fields the ball and steps on the base for out 1 (play started with runners on 1st and 2nd), then throws it to the 2nd basement (4) covering 2nd base for out number 2, and then on to the 1st baseman (3) covering 1st base for the 3rd out in one play.
If you are lucky enough to see one at a major league game, it is something you might remember for a long time!
Some triple plays can be a series of crazy numbers where the ball is thrown and might involve up to 5-6 players. The most infrequent play in baseball is the unassisted triple play. How might that happen? If there are runners on 1st and 2nd base with no outs and there is a hit and run called by the manager. Let’s say a line drive is hit to the shortstop who catches the ball (out 1), steps on 2nd base (out 2) and tags the runner (out 3) who now just realizes the ball was caught. The shortstop was the only one to touch the ball and is credited with an unassisted triple play.
Final Thoughts: How Are Baseball Positions Numbered
Baseball is a fun game with a lot of little things like the numbered positions. Don’t stress about it, instead embrace the little details and learn as much about the game as possible. Many people love the game of baseball because it is slower pace and easy to understand and comprehend what is happening!