Symbols and Abbreviations

The first step in learning how to keep written records of baseball plays is to memorize the symbols and abbreviations associated with the game. Knowledge of these numbers and abbreviations are used for each play and I need to know them in order to keep up with the game.  Numbers are used to identify the various positions on the field and abbreviations are used to identify how the players get on base and earn outs.

In order for learn the scorekeeping positions and symbols, I created flashcards. I studied them over 3 days until I was able to get them 100% correct. I reviewed them throughout the day by myself and then would have someone quiz me at night. I wanted to make sure I got them all memorized to feel confident so that when the game was in play, I knew the correct way of documenting it.  

There were some that I knew right away, but there were a few I kept forgetting! Several of the symbols were obvious (HR = Home Run) but then there were some that were not (BB = walk). The area I struggled with the most was memorizing the positions because they didn’t match up. For example, third base is represented by a number 5, not a 3.   

About Me

Melissa Zapata

I am many things: a mother of two boys, a daughter, a wife, a teacher of 17 years and a baseball enthusiast. My love for baseball comes from my husband (who is a die hard Cubs fan) and my older son who plays for a local travel baseball team. The other son plays soccer, which I enjoy watching, but nothing is as exciting as baseball!

I have taught at a local high school for many, many years and have taught many, many subjects. This year I am co-teaching two digital literacy classes and then spend the rest of my time facilitating students who need extra support in general education classes. I love working with students.   

For the digital literacy class I co-teach, we are asking students to embark upon a passion project. We are giving students 7 weeks to explore something they want to learn and I have been inspired to complete a passion project along with them.

My driving question is: How do I learn to keep the books in baseball? I want to learn how to keep score and better understand statistics. I know my son is getting older and his playing time depends on his stats. My final product will be a blog and a completed scorecard in which I scored.