Every position on a baseball or softball field has a number, and those numbers show up on scorecards, in defensive stats, and in tools like ours. Here is the quick reference, plus where to place developing players.
The numbering
- 1 — Pitcher (P)
- 2 — Catcher (C)
- 3 — First Base (1B)
- 4 — Second Base (2B)
- 5 — Third Base (3B)
- 6 — Shortstop (SS)
- 7 — Left Field (LF)
- 8 — Center Field (CF)
- 9 — Right Field (RF)
That is why a routine grounder to short and over to first is written “6-3.”
What each spot demands
The most demanding defensive positions are catcher, shortstop, and center field — they see the most action and require the most range or skill. First base, second base, and the corner outfield spots are generally more forgiving.
Where to place developing players
Second base and the corner outfield are the classic spots to give a developing player meaningful innings without exposing them. But rotate — parking a player in right field all season does not help them grow. Move them through several positions across the year.
Our lineup builders use these same positions and numbers, so you can set the field inning by inning and print a clean game sheet the scorekeeper will recognize.