Glossary of baseball (0–9) facts for kids

Baseball has its own special language, full of unique terms and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the numbers and phrases you might hear during a game. From how players are numbered on the field to exciting plays like double plays, you'll learn what it all means. Get ready to speak like a true baseball fan!

Player Numbers and Calls

Baseball scorekeepers use numbers to quickly record what happens in a game. Each player position on the field has a number from 1 to 9. This helps them write down plays in a kind of shorthand.

Number 1: The Pitcher

• The pitcher is always number 1 in scorekeeping.
• When someone shouts "One!", it means the ball should be thrown to first base.
• In pitching, "number 1" is also a common nickname for a fastball, which is usually a pitcher's best and fastest pitch.

Number 2: The Catcher

• The catcher is number 2 in scorekeeping.
• If you hear "Two!", it means the ball should be thrown to second base.
• A "two-bagger" is another name for a double, which is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches second base.

Number 3: The First Baseman

• The first baseman is number 3 in scorekeeping.
• A shout of "Three!" means the ball should be thrown to third base.
• A "three-bagger" is another name for a triple, which is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches third base.

Number 4: The Second Baseman

• The second baseman is number 4 in scorekeeping.
• A shout of "Four!" means the ball should be thrown to home plate.
• A "four-bagger" is a home run, the most exciting hit in baseball!

Number 5: The Third Baseman

• The third baseman is number 5 in scorekeeping.

Number 6: The Shortstop

• The shortstop is number 6 in scorekeeping.

Number 7: The Left Fielder

• The left fielder is number 7 in scorekeeping.

Number 8: The Center Fielder

• The center fielder is number 8 in scorekeeping.

Number 9: The Right Fielder

• The right fielder is number 9 in scorekeeping.

Common Baseball Plays

1-2-3 Inning

• A "1-2-3 inning" is a perfect inning for the pitcher. It means the pitcher faces only three batters, and all three are gotten out without anyone reaching a base. It's often called "three up, three down."

Double Plays

A double play is when the defense gets two outs on the same play. The numbers tell you which players were involved and in what order.

1-2-3 Double Play

• The pitcher (1) fields the ball.
• They throw to the catcher (2), who tags out a runner trying to score from third base.
• The catcher then throws to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first base.

1-6-3 Double Play

• The pitcher (1) fields the ball.
• They throw to the shortstop (6), who gets a runner out at second base.
• The shortstop then throws to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first base.

3-2-3 Double Play

• The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
• They throw to the catcher (2), who gets a runner out trying to score from third.
• The catcher then throws back to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

3-6 Double Play

• The first baseman (3) fields the ball and steps on first base to get the batter out.
• They then throw to the shortstop (6), who tags out another runner.

3-6-1 Double Play

• The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
• They throw to the shortstop (6) to get a runner out at second base.
• The shortstop then throws to the pitcher (1), who has moved to cover first base, to get the batter out.

3-4-3 Double Play

• The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
• They throw to the second baseman (4) to get a runner out at second base.
• The second baseman then throws back to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

3-6-3 Double Play

• The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
• They throw to the shortstop (6) to get a runner out at second base.
• The shortstop then throws back to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

4-6-3 Double Play

• The second baseman (4) fields the ball.
• They throw to the shortstop (6), who gets a runner out at second base.
• The shortstop then throws to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

Outfielder Double Plays (7-2, 8-2, or 9-2)

• An outfielder (left fielder 7, center fielder 8, or right fielder 9) catches a fly ball.
• A runner on third base tries to score after the catch (this is called "tagging up").
• The outfielder throws the ball to the catcher (2), who tags out the runner trying to score.

Other Baseball Terms

5 Hole

• This term comes from hockey. In baseball, it usually refers to the space between a player's legs, especially the catcher's. If a ball goes "through the 5 hole," it means it went right between their legs.

5.5 Hole

• This is the space on the field between the third baseman (5) and the shortstop (6). It's a tough spot for fielders to cover, so a ball hit there often becomes a base hit.

5-Tool Player

• A "5-tool player" is a non-pitcher who is excellent at five key baseball skills:

* Hitting for a good batting average (getting lots of hits). * Hitting for power (hitting home runs). * Base running (being fast and smart on the bases). * Throwing (having a strong and accurate arm). * Fielding (playing defense well).

• Famous examples include Willie Mays and Ken Griffey, Jr..

12-6 Curveball

• This is a type of curveball pitch. It's called "12-6" because of how it moves. Imagine a clock face: the ball starts high (at 12 o'clock) and drops straight down (to 6 o'clock) as it approaches the batter.

30-30 Club

• This is a special group of players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. It shows a great mix of power and speed!

40-40 Club

• Even rarer than the 30-30 club, this is for players who hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season. It's a huge achievement!

90 Feet

• This is the distance between each base on a baseball field. So, when a runner advances one base, they "move up 90 feet."

9 to 0

• This is the official score for a game that is forfeited in Major League Baseball. A game can be forfeited if one team breaks the rules in a serious way, or if they refuse to continue playing.