Scorekeeping

Scorekeeping is one of the most important volunteer roles in Little League. An accurate scorebook keeps the game running smoothly, helps coaches track player development, and creates a record of every play and achievement throughout the season.

Whether you are a first-time scorekeeper or looking for a refresher, the resources below will help you feel confident behind the book on game day.

Training Resources

Start Here

Scorekeeper Training Slides

Our complete NTLL scorekeeper training presentation. Covers the basics of the scorebook, how to record at-bats, fielding plays, baserunning, and more. This is the same slide deck used during our live training session.

View Training Slides

Start Here

Training Session Recording

Missed the live training or want to review? Watch the full recorded Zoom session at your own pace. The recording walks through the slides with live examples and Q&A from fellow NTLL parents.

Watch the Recording

Game Day Reference

Scorekeeper Cheat Sheet

A printable quick-reference guide with common scoring abbreviations, position numbers, and play notation. Print this out and keep it in your scorebook for easy access during games.

View Cheat Sheet

Additional Learning

YouTube Scorekeeping Tutorial

A helpful YouTube video that provides another perspective on baseball scorekeeping fundamentals. Great as a supplement to our NTLL training materials or as a standalone refresher.

Watch on YouTube

Game Day Checklist

Before You Head to the Field

Scorebook (provided by your team manager)

Pencil and eraser (pencil is preferred over pen)

Lineup card from your team's manager

Printed cheat sheet for quick reference

Clipboard or hard writing surface

Arrive 10-15 minutes before game time

Tips and Reminders

During the Game

Fill in both teams' lineups before the first pitch
You do not need to record every pitch -- just focus on the result of each at-bat
Mark baserunner advancement as it happens so you don't lose track
Use a new column for each batter's plate appearance
Circle the jersey number of a player who scores to make runs easy to tally
Don't panic if you miss a play -- ask the umpire or a coach for clarification

After the Game

Tally runs, hits, and errors for each inning
Confirm the final score with the opposing scorekeeper
Note any irregularities (protests, injuries, ejections)
Return the scorebook to your team manager
Managers: report the final score through the league system

Quick Reference

Position Numbers

Number	Position	Number	Position
`1`	Pitcher (P)	`6`	Shortstop (SS)
`2`	Catcher (C)	`7`	Left Field (LF)
`3`	First Base (1B)	`8`	Center Field (CF)
`4`	Second Base (2B)	`9`	Right Field (RF)
`5`	Third Base (3B)

Common Scoring Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning	Abbreviation	Meaning
`1B`	Single	`BB`	Base on Balls (Walk)
`2B`	Double	`K`	Strikeout (Swinging)
`3B`	Triple	`K`	Strikeout (Looking)
`HR`	Home Run	`E`	Error (followed by position #)
`SAC`	Sacrifice	`FC`	Fielder's Choice
`HBP`	Hit By Pitch	`DP`	Double Play
`SB`	Stolen Base	`WP`	Wild Pitch
`CS`	Caught Stealing	`PB`	Passed Ball

Example Play: A groundout to shortstop is written as 6-3 because the shortstop (6) fielded the ball and threw to first base (3) for the out. A fly ball caught by the center fielder is simply F8.

Website Manager

North Torrance Little League

Scorekeeper Training