John B. Marek is a storyteller with dirt under his nails who weaves tales inspired by a lifetime immersed in nature. His insightful essays and award-winning fiction delve into the complexities of sustainable living, the heart of rural communities and the thrill of outdoor adventure. You can find more of his writing at johnbmarek.com.
I spent Easter afternoon at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis watching the Cannon Ballers play the Columbia Fireflies. It was a beautiful spring day, and even though the Ballers lost 4-3, I still had a great time. A few rows down, I noticed an older gentleman diligently keeping score of the game with a scorecard and a golf pencil. Back when I started attending baseball games in the 1970s, it was common to see fans scoring games this way, but it has become much rarer in recent years.
Baseball scorekeeping is a traditional skill that transforms the chaos of a game into a structured narrative. Once a fundamental part of the ballpark experience, this art form is slowly fading in the digital age, yet its charm and usefulness continue for those who practice it. Scorekeeping goes beyond merely recording runs and outs; it provides a way to engage fully with the game, preserve its history and connect with its rhythms.
Scorekeeping has its roots in the early days of baseball in the 19th century. Henry Chadwick, a journalist and baseball pioneer, is credited with developing the box score in 1859, which provided a concise summary of a game’s key statistics. Chadwick’s system established the foundation for modern scorekeeping by introducing notations for hits, runs and errors. His work enabled fans and analysts to systematically track player performance, transforming baseball into a game defined as much by numbers as by athleticism.
By the early 20th century, scorekeeping had become a popular ritual for fans. Armed with pencils and scorecards, spectators would record every pitch, hit and out, creating personal keepsakes of the games. This practice thrived in an era without video replays, radio broadcasts or extensive photography. Scorebooks were sold at ballparks, and fans prided themselves on their ability to “keep the book.” While radio, television and now apps like MLB At Bat provide instant stats, traditional scorekeeping is still an immersive way to experience baseball and better understand its nuances. Unlike faster-paced sports like basketball or hockey, baseball’s slower pace allows ample time to record each play.
While there is an “official” way to score a game, many modify it to meet their own preferences and interests. Generally, to record a hit, you would write the player’s name and indicate the type of hit using standard symbols, such as “1B” for a single, “2B” for a double, and so on, in the designated box on the scorecard. An out is marked with a “K” for a strikeout or an “O” for an out recorded in the field, and these are noted next to the batter’s name in the same box. Alternately, the sequence of fielders who made the out can be recorded based on a system in which each position is assigned a number, the pitcher being 1, the catcher 2, the first baseman 3, and so on. A groundout to the shortstop throwing to the first baseman would be recorded 6-3, for instance. When a run is scored, you simply place a mark in the score column, reflecting the player’s contribution to the team’s total runs. Scorers can also keep track of more esoteric things like pitch count or mound visits.
Scoring a game, whether for yourself or teaching your kids, opens up a world of engagement and learning that enhances the overall experience. It fosters a deeper understanding of the game’s dynamics, sharpens focus and encourages critical thinking. By scoring a game, you not only keep track of the action but also develop essential skills such as math and attention to detail. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding way to bond with friends or family, creating lasting memories. So give it a try – you might find that scoring adds a new layer of enjoyment to the game for everyone involved!