Baseball Positions by Number: What 6-4-3 Means and How Scoring Uses Them

If you have heard a broadcaster say "six-four-three double play" and wondered what the numbers mean, you are in the right place. Every fielding position in baseball has a number from 1 to 9. Scorers use those numbers as a kind of shorthand: instead of writing "the shortstop fielded the ball and threw to the second baseman, who threw to the first baseman," they write 6-4-3.

This page lists the numbers, explains how they are used in scoring, and walks through common plays so you can read a scoresheet without much effort. If you want to know what each position actually does, our guide to baseball positions covers the roles in detail.

The position numbers from 1 to 9

The numbering starts with the pitcher, moves around the infield and ends in the outfield.

A simple way to remember the order: 1 and 2 are the battery, 3 to 6 go around the infield from first base to the shortstop, and 7 to 9 are the outfielders from left to right as seen from home plate.

Some scoring systems also include a designated hitter, who may be written as DH and, in some scoring systems, given the number 10. Check your league's scoring guide, because practice varies.

How the numbers are written in a scorebook

A scorer writes the numbers in the order in which the fielders handled the ball, separated by dashes. The last number is the fielder who made the out.

• 6-3 is a ground ball to the shortstop, thrown to first base for the out.
• 4-3 is a ground ball to the second baseman, thrown to first.
• 5-3 is a ground ball to the third baseman, thrown to first.
• 3U or 3 unassisted is a ground ball fielded by the first baseman, who steps on the base.
• 8 or F8 is a fly ball caught by the center fielder. Many scorers add an F for fly or a P for pop-up.
• L6 is a line drive caught by the shortstop.
• K is a strikeout.

Letters before the numbers vary slightly by scorer. What matters is consistency, so everyone reading the scorebook understands it.

Double plays by number

A double play is two outs on one play. The numbers show which fielders were involved.

• 6-4-3. The shortstop fields the ball and throws to the second baseman covering second, who throws to first. The most common double play.
• 4-6-3. The second baseman fields it, throws to the shortstop covering second, who throws to first.
• 5-4-3. The third baseman throws to second and then to first.
• 3-6-3. The first baseman throws to the shortstop covering second, who throws back to the first baseman or the pitcher covering first.
• 1-6-3. The pitcher fields the ball, throws to the shortstop at second and then to first.
• 3-6-1. The first baseman fields it, throws to second, and the throw returns to the pitcher covering first.

These combinations feel natural once you picture the field. Our infield fly rule guide also shows how infield play changes when runners are on base.

Examples from an imaginary half-inning

Imagine the home team is in the field. Here is how a scorer might record the first few outs.

1. The first batter hits a grounder to short, and the shortstop throws him out at first. The scorer writes 6-3.
2. The next batter lifts a fly ball to left field. The left fielder catches it. The scorer writes F7.
3. The third batter strikes out looking. The scorer writes a backward K, a common way to show a called third strike.

Three outs end the half-inning, and the scorer draws a line under the last batter's box.

What the numbers say about positioning

The numbers also hint at where players are likely to field the ball.

• Right-handed batters often pull the ball toward third base and left field, so plays like 5-3 and F7 are common.
• Left-handed batters often pull the ball toward first base and right field, so 3U, 4-3 and F9 appear more often.
• Bunts often produce plays such as 1-3, 2-3 or 5-3, depending on where the ball lands.

These are tendencies, not rules. Players in every league hit the ball to all fields.

Using position numbers in youth baseball

Many coaches use numbers when they teach infield plays. Calling "6-4-3" in practice is a fast way to tell players what to practice. Parents who keep the scorebook for a youth team can start with the simple codes above and add details later, such as errors, walks and stolen bases.

When a child switches positions during a game, the scorer simply writes the new position's number next to the player's name. Check how your league records substitutions, since leagues have different formats.

Common mistakes when learning the numbers

1. Mixing up 4 and 6. The second baseman is 4 and the shortstop is 6, even though the shortstop plays on the left side of second base and the second baseman on the right. Keep the sequence 3, 4, 5, 6 around the infield starting at first.
2. Forgetting that the catcher is 2. The catcher is involved in strikeouts, pickoffs and plays at the plate.
3. Reading outfield numbers backwards. Left field is 7, center is 8, right is 9. Look from home plate toward the outfield.
4. Assuming every scorer uses the same letters. The numbers are common, but extra letters can differ.

Practice with a diagram

Draw a diamond on a sheet of paper and label each position with its number. Then write ten random plays, such as 5-4-3, 6-3, 9, 8-6, and picture each one. Within a few minutes you will start to read them at a glance.

FAQ

What are the baseball positions by number?

The pitcher is 1, the catcher 2, the first baseman 3, the second baseman 4, the third baseman 5, the shortstop 6, the left fielder 7, the center fielder 8 and the right fielder 9.

What does 6-4-3 mean in baseball?

It is a double play in which the shortstop fields the ball, throws to the second baseman for the first out, and the second baseman throws to the first baseman for the second out.

What is the number for the shortstop?

The shortstop is number 6.

Why do baseball positions have numbers?

The numbers give scorers a quick way to write down plays. Writing 5-3 takes much less space than writing the full description of a ground out from third base to first.

Does the designated hitter have a position number?

Practice varies. Some scoring systems use 10 or DH for the designated hitter, so check the guide your league uses.