Antelope Little League Scorekeeper Training Thank you for volunteering to be a scorekeeper! It s an essential role, not only for keeping track of the score but also for the safety of the players. Being a scorekeeper is also a great way to increase your knowledge of the game of baseball! The scorekeeper role is introduced in the AA division, and continues through AAA, Major, Junior, Senior, and Big League Divisions. This training will focus on the AA, AAA, and Major Divisions starting with the basic instructions common to all divisions so it is easy for a new scorekeeper to get started. It is also a good idea to read the Bylaws for your division, which are posted on the Antelope Little League website. The two primary responsibilities of Little League scorekeepers are: 1. Home Team: Score the game in the Official Scorebook for the division. 2. Visiting Team: Track both Home and Visitor pitch counts; check pitcher & catcher eligibility Each team has two scorekeepers because in addition to the above duties each team keeps their own scorebook. Therefore, all four scorekeepers present at each game are keeping score or handling the pitch count. Scorekeepers are automatically awarded the 10 volunteer hours for their player at the end of the season, with the expectation that they will handle scorekeeping at nearly all games. If you expect to be absent (or late) for more than a few games, you can either make alternative arrangements (like share duties with your spouse) or notify your team parent that you will not be able to take the scorekeeper position. In the event that you do need to miss a game, please find a temporary substitute as soon as possible prior to the game who is willing to fill in, and train them as needed. Note that the substitute will not receive volunteer hours. Example scorebook, pitch count log, and eligibility tracker form are included at the end of this packet. It is highly recommended to transfer team roster information into the team s scorebook at the beginning of the season (first & last names, uniform #, and league age) in case the manager does not provide all of this information on the game-time lineup card. League age determination has changed, current chart will be provided in pitch count binder and is also available on littleleague.org and antelopelittleleague.com websites. If you have any questions, problems or suggestions during the season, contact the Head Scorekeeper: Rebecca Ballesteros HeadScorekeeper@antelopelittleleague.com (916)849-8198 May 22, 2015 Page 1
Scorekeeper Duties (Home Team) Please arrive at least 15-30 minutes before game time, to make sure you have time to be ready to start the game on time. Pick up your division s scorekeeper bag from the storage container next to the snack bar. Get the team lineups from both managers, and use the first open page in the Official Scorebook to enter the names and uniform numbers of all players. Give the pitch counter, Pitch Count binder, lineup, and a pencil to the visiting team s scorekeeper. Setup the scorebook and score the game (see Scoring section below for more details) After the game, have the umpire sign the scorebook to confirm the score. If there is no umpire, have both managers sign instead (optional for AA). Retrieve the Pitch Count binder from Visiting Team scorekeeper Return the scorekeeper bag to the storage container unless there is another game immediately following and the new scorekeeper takes over the bag directly. For games at the Les Schwab field, see Electronic Scoreboard section below. Scorekeeper Duties (Visiting Team) Retrieve the Pitch Count binder from the Home team scorekeeper. At the beginning of the game and whenever a new pitcher takes the mound, look for pitcher s name on their team s Eligibility Tracking form. Check that the Eligible to pitch date is not in the future. Also check Pitch Count Log to see whether the player has played catcher in the game. A catcher who catches in 4 innings (even one live pitch in the 4 th inning) may not pitch. Notify the umpire immediately (or affected manager, if no umpire) if pitcher is ineligible. Enter pitcher information on a new line on their team s Pitch Count form. Reset pitch counter to zero for the pitcher s team. Whenever a catcher substitution is made, check Pitch Count Log to see whether player has already pitched. A pitcher who throws 41 or more pitches may not play the catcher position. Immediately notify the umpire of ineligible catcher before next batter starts. Otherwise, enter catcher information at bottom of Pitch Count Log. For each pitch thrown by a player (not a coach), click the pitch counter for their team, and cross off the next pitch on the pitch count form for the player. Circle the last pitch thrown in each inning. The pitch count recorder must provide the current pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or any umpire. However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed. The umpire must be informed when a pitcher has delivered his/her maximum limit of pitches for the game, after finishing the batter, and the umpire will inform the player s manager. However, if there is no umpire, the pitch count recorder may inform the manager directly. After the game, fill out the Pitcher Eligibility Tracking Form for each team. Both managers must sign this form for their own team as well as their opponent. Then return the Pitch Count binder, pitch counter, and pencil to Home team scorekeeper. May 22, 2015 Page 2
Pitch Count Regulations League Age Maximum Pitches per Day 7-8 50 9-10 75 11-12 85 13-16 95 Pitches Thrown Days of Rest Required 1-20 0 21-35 1 36-50 2 51-65 3 66+ 4 Finishing the At Bat Exception If the pitcher reaches their maximum pitch limit or days of rest threshold while facing a batter, they may continue to pitch until that batter has completed the at bat, or until the third out of the inning. The pitch count is not counted past the maximum for their age or Days of Rest threshold which was exceeded while facing their final batter. If the manager does not remove the pitcher after the at bat is complete, umpire (or manager in AA) must immediately be informed that the pitcher has reached their maximum pitch count before the next batter begins, per Little League Regulation VI (g) & Rule 4.19 (f). Example 1: Smith (league age 8) starts a new batter at 49 pitches; Smith throws 5 pitches to finish the batter, and is then replaced as pitcher. Smith is charged with 50 pitches and requires 2 days of rest. Example 2: Jones (league age 12) starts a new batter at 62 pitches; Jones throws 8 pitches to finish the batter. Jones is charged with 65 pitches and requires 3 days of rest. Counting Days of Rest Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday X X X X Days of rest do not include game days. For Example 1, if Smith pitched on Tuesday and requires 2 days of rest, they are eligible to pitch again on Friday. For Example 2, if Jones also pitched on Tuesday and requires 3 days of rest, they are eligible to pitch again on Saturday. Pitcher/Catcher Substitutions Any player who has played the position of catcher in 4 or more innings is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. A pitcher who delivers 41 or more live pitches may not play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. May 22, 2015 Page 3
Scoring Scorebook Setup Use the first empty page in the scorebook, such that both teams can be viewed at the same time with the book open. Fill in the date and team name fields for both teams, and also note which team is Home and Visitor. In addition, once the game starts note the start time (and end time) at the top. Positions POSITIONS 1 = Pitcher (P) 2 = Catcher (C) 3 = First Baseman (1B) 4 = Second Baseman (2B) 5 = Third Baseman (3B) 6 = Shortstop (SS) 7 = Left Fielder (LF) 8 = Center Fielder (CF) 9 = Right Fielder (RF) Lineups For AA & AAA all players will bat in the same order throughout the game. Major division and above have a 9 player batting rotation. Enter uniform number, name, and starting position number (see above) if known. The bottom half of the POS (position) column is the inning in which the position is begun. NO STARTER POS 40 M. Bumgarner 1/1 28 B. Posey 2/1 8 H. Pence 9/1 9 B. Belt 3/1 May 22, 2015 Page 4
Substitutions (minor divisions AA & AAA) Substitution tracking is an important part of scorekeeping, especially for pitcher and catcher positions. However, in the minor divisions, player changes tend to be frequent and informal and therefore difficult to track, so it is not mandatory. When a player changes fielding positions, note the new position and inning the change occurred in the POS column underneath the player s name. In the example below, M. Bumgarner changed from pitcher to shortstop in the 3 rd inning and B. Posey changed from catcher to left field in the 4 th inning and then changed to first base in the fifth inning. NO STARTER POS 40 M. Bumgarner 1/1 6/3 28 B. Posey 2/1 7/4 3/5 Substitutions (major division and above) Majors division and above lineups should include starting 9 players including position played if possible (some managers do not include this information), with substitutes below. Note only the top 9 positions will be used for scoring as the substitutes will only have plate appearances after they have entered the game in one of the 9 available positions. Umpire will notify scorekeeper of batting order of incoming player. Record incoming player in the specified batting location, directly underneath the outgoing batter. Write the inning the player entered the game underneath the position number. If a pitcher is replaced partway through an inning, note which batter the new pitcher will face first as well. In the example below, S. Romo replaced M. Bumgarner as pitcher in the 8 th inning, and will first face the third batter in the opponent s batting order. A. Susac replaced B. Posey as catcher in the 7 th inning. NO STARTER POS 40 M. Bumgarner 1/1 54 S. Romo Batter #3 1/8 28 B. Posey 2/1 34 A. Susac 2/7 8 H. Pence 9/1 9 B. Belt 3/1 Substitutes May 22, 2015 Page 5
34 A. Susac 54 S. Romo The Score Box To the right of the player information are 9 columns of score boxes. This is where batting results are recorded for each inning. May 22, 2015 Page 6
Basic Ways Batter Gets on Base Single Double Triple Home Run Walk (Base on Balls) Hit By Pitch (Hit Batter) May 22, 2015 Page 7
Basic Ways Batter Makes an Out Strike-Out (Swinging) Strike-Out (Called) Fly-Out (Caught by LF) Throw-Out SS to 1B Unassisted Out (1B) May 22, 2015 Page 8
Ways a Runner is Out Caught Stealing: P to 3B Force or Tag-Out: 1B to 2B Scoring Runs When a runner crosses home plate and scores a run, fill in the diamond so it is easy to count the number of runs scored in an inning: When is it NOT a run? If the third out of an inning is a force out of a runner advancing to any base then, even if another baserunner crosses home plate before that force out is made, the run does not count. If the third out is not a force out, but a tag out, then if another baserunner crosses home plate before the tag out is made, the run will count. Example 1: With a runner on third and two outs, batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman. The runner on third races home. The second baseman fields the ball and throws to the first baseman in time to get the batter on the force out at first for the third out of the inning. Even if the runner on third had touched home plate before the force out was made at first, the run would not count. Example 2: With a runner on third and two outs, batter hits a line drive down the third baseline into left field. The runner on third runs home and scores a run. Meanwhile, the batter safely reaches first, then tries to advance to second. The left fielder throws the ball to the second baseman and the runner is May 22, 2015 Page 9
tagged out at second. Since the runner stepped on home plate before the batter was tagged out, the run counts. Home Runs A Home Run pin is given to any AAA or Majors player who hits the ball over the fence at the Les Schwab field during a game. Note that in the park home runs do not receive a pin. Pins are kept in the scorekeeper s pencil box. For scoring over the fence home runs, please use HR; for in the park home runs, use 4B instead so the difference is clear. If there are no pins, please make a note on the scorebook or email the Head Scorekeeper so we can get one to the player later. At the End of the Half Inning For AAA division and below, the half inning is over after 3 outs, 5 runs, or all players have batted, whichever occurs first. Draw a line under last completed batter s score box, extended into the next inning so it is easy to find the first batter for the next inning. Draw a vertical line through all of the batters score boxes that did not hit in the inning (may be more than 1 line needed) At a minimum, count up and record Runs in the Inning Totals row near the bottom of the page. At the End of the Game Record Runs (R) in the Game Summary at bottom right of page. Also record Win/Loss and final score in an empty spot on each team s page. For example: WIN 3-2 on the winning team s page and LOSS 2-3 on the losing team s page. Have the umpire (or managers, if no umpire) sign the scorebook to confirm the score. May 22, 2015 Page 10
Advanced Topics (AAA & Above) Incomplete Plate Appearances: If the third out occurs while a player is at bat, but not due to the batter (usually due to a runner caught stealing), the player will be the first player up to bat in his/her team s next inning at bat. Other ways to get on or advance a base: Bunt (BT): If the player holds the bat still, and the bat is horizontal to the ground, then it is considered a bunt. Fielder s Choice (FC): runner advances due to defense choosing to put out the batter. An unchallenged stolen base is also scored as a fielder s choice. Error (E): When a runner advances due to failure of a defensive player to complete a routine play. It is up to the scorekeeper to determine whether or not an error has been made. Remember that little leaguers are not professionals; when in doubt, do not call an error. Only one base advance may be counted per error. Wild Pitch (WP): a ball thrown by the pitcher that the catcher cannot catch with ordinary effort, resulting in base advancement. The ball is still live. The pitcher is not charged with an error. Stolen Base (SB): when the runner goes to the next base without the benefit of being advanced by a batter. Note: the defense must make an effort to catch the runner in order for it to be a stolen base; otherwise it is considered a fielder s choice. Passed Ball (PB): a ball that the catcher failed to catch, but which they should have been able to catch with ordinary effort, resulting in base advancement. The ball is still live. The catcher is not charged with an error. Catcher s Interference (CI): When the umpire rules that a catcher physically interfered with the batter s opportunity to swing at a pitched ball. The batter is awarded first base, and runners advance only if forced. Catcher is charged with an error. Ground Rule Double (GRD): Two bases are awarded to all baserunners including the batterrunner as a result of the ball leaving play after being hit fairly and leaving the field under a condition of the ground rules in effect at the field where the game is being played. Other ways to get out: Infield Fly Rule (IFR): when the umpire calls an infield fly, the batter is out automatically. The ball is still live. Batter s Interference (BI): called by umpire if a member of the offensive team physically hinders the defensive team, including not attempting to avoid collision or running outside the three-foot running lane, amongst others. Penalty is the batter, or in some cases another baserunner, is out. Double Player (DP): a defensive play in which two players are put out. Each out is scored as usual, but note DP in the score box of the second player that was put out. May 22, 2015 Page 11
RBI s (Runs Batted In) An RBI credits a batter when the outcome of his or her at bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations: o Batter hits into a double play o Batter reaches first base through an error, unless there are less than two outs and the scorekeeper determines that the runner would have scored even if the error had not been made. Note that the batter is credited with an RBI even if he/she reaches first and advances a runner home due to a walk, hit by pitch, or catcher s interference. Here are some examples of how to note RBI s on the score box. In the first case, one runner was batted in so 1 RBI is recorded for the batter. In the second case, the batter hit one base runner and him/herself home for 2 RBI s. Frequently Confusing Issues Was it a DOUBLE (2B) or a SINGLE (1B) and an advance? o Was there a play on another baserunner? o Was there an error on the play before runner reached 2B? o Did the batter break stride around first? If ALL answers are NO, then it s a DOUBLE (2B) Was it a HIT or a FIELDER s CHOICE? (FC) o FC if there is an attempt on another runner o HIT if there is indecision on where to go and NO play is made Is the ERROR (E) on thrower or catcher? o Easy digs and all drops are on catcher, all others on thrower. May 22, 2015 Page 12
Electronic Scoreboard For games played on the Majors (Les Schwab) field, the scorekeepers are also in charge of the electronic scoreboard. Either scorekeeper may operate the electronic scoreboard. The scoreboard console is kept on top of the refrigerator in the storage container. The scoreboard console MUST be plugged in at the end of each game to recharge, or returned to the Board member on duty. The power switch to the scoreboard is located in the electrical box inside the scorekeeper s box. The combination will be given to scorekeepers at the beginning of the season. Please turn off switch and lock box at the end of the game. Operating Instructions: 1. Turn on scoreboard power switch in electrical box. 2. Turn on console using the on/off button 3. Press 1 to select Scoreboard 4. Press Select button to change Use Last Setup? No default selection to Yes, then press Enter 5. Scoreboard is ready to use o If Scoreboard shows a full count of balls, strikes, and outs instead of blanks, power off the console and scoreboard, wait 10 seconds, and follow steps 1-3 above, then: At step 4, Choose Use Last Setup? No, using Select button if necessary. Then press Enter. Console will show Enter Scoreboard IDs ENTER when done press 1 then Enter button (Because the scoreboard ID shown on the home score is 1) Press Enter button again If prompted, choose Baseball (1) Scoreboard is ready to use Game play Usage: Use +1 buttons to score runs Use ball, strike, and out buttons as appropriate Use Next Batter button to clear the balls/strikes for new batter To reset the scoreboard for a second game, press the Setup button twice Foul Ball Tickets For Majors and AAA division games, the home team scorekeeper is responsible for handing out snack bar tickets for foul balls that are returned. Tickets are kept in scorekeeper bag/pencil box. May 22, 2015 Page 13
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