Field Guide: Positions, Numbers & Lingo
Every position has a number, every gap has a name, and the scorebook has its own shorthand. Learn it here so dugout talk, scorebooks, and the parents in the stands all make sense.
The Field: Positions and Numbers
Every defensive position has a number used in scorekeeping and coach shorthand. The numbers are fixed: they never change with the lineup. Click any position on the field for what that player does and when kids typically learn the role.
The Holes and the Gaps
A hole is the gap between two infielders, named by their position numbers. The 3-4 hole is the space between the first baseman (3) and the second baseman (4). A ground ball hit "through the 3-4 hole" sneaks between them into right field. The 5-6 hole is the matching gap on the left side, between the third baseman (5) and the shortstop (6). When someone says a batter hit one "in the hole" with no numbers, they almost always mean the 5-6 hole, since it's the deepest, hardest play for a shortstop.
Two things people confuse with the 3-4 hole: the gaps (also called alleys) are the outfield spaces between fielders, left-center and right-center, not infield holes. And the "3-4 hitters" are the third and fourth batters in the lineup (the 4th being the cleanup hitter). That's batting-order talk, completely separate from position numbers. Context tells you which one someone means.
Scorebook Notation: Why the Numbers Exist
The position numbers exist so a whole play fits in a tiny scorebook square. Read number sequences left to right as the path of the ball: who fielded it, then who they threw it to.
| Notation | What happened |
|---|---|
| 6-3 | Routine groundout: shortstop fields it, throws to first base. |
| 5-3 | Groundout to third: third baseman throws across the diamond to first. |
| 6-4-3 | The classic double play: shortstop to second baseman (force at second) to first baseman. Its mirror is the 4-6-3. |
| 5-4-3 | "Around the horn" double play: third, to second, to first. |
| 3U | First baseman fields it and steps on the bag himself, unassisted. |
| F8 | Fly out to the center fielder. F7 left, F9 right. |
| L6 | Line drive caught by the shortstop. |
| K | Strikeout swinging. A backwards K (ꓘ) means the batter struck out looking, without swinging. |
| E5 | Error charged to the third baseman. |
| FC | Fielder's choice: the defense got an out, but chose a different runner, so the batter reaches base without a hit. |
| 1-2-3 DP | Pitcher fields it, throws home for the force, catcher fires to first. Rare and exciting. |
When to Teach What
Tee Ball & Coach Pitch
- Position names and where to stand
- Throw to first base after fielding
- Catcher wears the gear; pitcher stands on the mound
- Skip the numbers. They add nothing yet.
Machine Pitch through 10U
- Position numbers 1 through 9
- Force outs vs. tag plays
- Covering bases and backing up throws
- Reading a scorebook (this is where 6-4-3 starts to mean something)
11U to 12U
- Holes, gaps, and shading toward them
- Cutoffs and relays
- Infield in vs. back, guarding the line
- Situational awareness: outs, count, runner speed
13U and up
- Full defensive calls and shifts
- Pitch-by-pitch positioning
- First-and-third defenses, bunt coverages
- Pickoff plays and timing plays