Baseball Positions & Numbers
The nine defensive positions, their scorebook numbers, and exactly what each player does. Tap a spot on the field to dig in — then build and print your own lineup.
Tap a position for its number, role and a scoring example.
The position numbers, 1 through 9
Every position has a fixed number used for scorekeeping. They follow how often each spot handled the ball in the early game rather than a neat left-to-right order — which is why the shortstop is 6, not 5.
| # | Position | Abbr. | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher | P | Battery |
| 2 | Catcher | C | Battery |
| 3 | First base | 1B | Infield |
| 4 | Second base | 2B | Infield |
| 5 | Third base | 3B | Infield |
| 6 | Shortstop | SS | Infield |
| 7 | Left field | LF | Outfield |
| 8 | Center field | CF | Outfield |
| 9 | Right field | RF | Outfield |
Build your lineup
Add your roster and drag each player onto a position. Your chart saves in this browser and prints cleanly on a single page for the dugout or the parents.
Drag your team onto the field
Add your players, then drag each name onto a position to build a fielding chart. It saves in your browser and prints on one page.
Bench
Add players to get started.
Reading a scorecard
Scorekeepers combine position numbers to record what happened on a play. A hyphen shows the ball moving from one fielder to the next.
| Notation | What it means |
|---|---|
| 6-3 | Grounder to the shortstop, thrown to first base for the out. |
| F8 | Fly out to the center fielder. |
| 4-6-3 | Double play: second baseman to shortstop to first baseman. |
| L5 | Line out to the third baseman. |
| 3U | First baseman fields it and steps on the bag unassisted. |
| K | Strikeout swinging (backward "K" is a called third strike). |
Key field measurements
Distances on a regulation field. Youth fields are smaller — base paths are often 60 or 70 feet — but the layout and numbering are identical.
| Measurement | Distance |
|---|---|
| Base paths (full-size field) | 90 ft |
| Pitching rubber to home | 60 ft 6 in |
| Home to second base | 127 ft 3⅜ in |
Frequently asked questions
Related tools
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Batting Average Calculator
Find a batting average from hits and at-bats.
Sources
Last reviewed September 15, 2026. Rules and manufacturer charts change — verify against current official sources each season.