Scorekeepers Clinic Warm Springs Little League Monroe Bridges monroebridges@yahoo.com Chief Scorekeeper March 202
Agenda Your Role & Responsibility Before and After the Game Duties Line-Ups and Tracking Substitutions How to score Who to contact References
Your Duties It s all about the kids and the game Pitch Counter Protecting the arms of our young pitchers Scorekeeper What s required: Outs, Runs and Substitutions Outs -> is the inning over Runs -> who wins; is the inning over (Minors only) Substitutions -> ensuring all our kids get their mandatory play What s desired: an accurate record of the game Recording the sequence of events that take place in the game Aiding your manager in his/her assessment of player strengths and weaknesses Check in with your manager on how you are doing
You are a Game Official You work for the Umpires, not your child s Manager Once the game begins you may only converse with the other scorekeeper(s) and the Umpires Managers and Coachers must get Blue s permission to speak with you You may not coach or route from the booth (even your child) that can get you ejected.
Who Decides Scorekeepers have sole responsibility for decisions on hits, errors, passed balls, stolen bases, singles, doubles, runs-batted-in, etc. The Umpires decide if an out is made and if a run is scored You are recording these decisions so ask if you are unsure of what they decided The Umpires decides on the ball / strike count If both of you differ with the Plate Ump, tell him/her
In the booth... You work as a Team!!! After every batter, you Must agree on the Pitcher s Total Pitch count I ve got 5 pitches for a total of 37, correct? Must agree on Outs and Runs Discuss but you may disagree on hit versus error, single vs double, wild pitch vs passed ball, rbi credited, etc. This is where I d rather you be aligned with your manager The Home Team Scorekeeper is *Official* Home Team Scorekeeper has final say on pitch count. Home Team Scorekeeper signs the pitching affidavit. Home Team Scorebook is the official record
You need Pencils You score in Pencil League provides regular pencils You supply your own colored pencils Pen Pitching Affidavit recorded in Pen Eraser and Pencil Sharpener Supplied by League Pad of Paper to record a protest Supplied by League All League supplies in White Basket
Before the Game Begins From the clubhouse: Get your Scorebook and the Pitching Affidavits You need the current Affidavit(s) to determine eligibility of today s pitchers; and get the prior one to be safe. Always have a blank Affidavit in case you fill the current Affidavit recording today s game Get the White basket for your field It should have a pencil sharpener, pad of paper, rule book, and scoreboard controller Check Affidavits for pitcher eligibility
Before the Game Begins Continued Get the line-up from your manager Your manager may not have a line up until 0 mins before the game. Compare line-up with Previous game in Scorebook for Required Starters non-starters from previous game must start Mandatory play violations missed at-bats and innings played must be made up Resolve issues with managers before game Transcribe both teams line-ups to your scorebook Pass your team s line-up to your fellow scorekeeper
Before the Game Begins Finally The game doesn t begin (or continue) until you are ready: Hey Blue, We need a few more minutes Record the time of the first pitch in the scorebook. Very important in Minors
During the Game Each scorekeeper completes the pitching affidavit for his/her team but not the opposing team Both scorekeepers score both halves of the inning Set-up so you simply flip the book over between half-innings The back of the By-the-Numbers scorebook book has extra innings tear-outs In Majors and above, a batter may bat more than once a inning start next column
The Game Minors The first 5 innings end after 3 outs, once thru the lineup, or after 4-runs have been scored. The 6 th inning does not have a run limit. The last inning ends on the 3 rd out, once thru the line-up or once the home team takes the lead in the bottom half. The Chief Umpire calls the game 2 hours 30 mins after the first pitch. A new inning shall not start after 2 hours 5 mins. The Chief Umpire determines when the last inning has begun and suspends the run limit. The 0-run (aka, slaughter) rule is NOT used. Dropped 3 rd Strike is an Out. Scorekeepers record the time of the first pitch. 5.07 WSLL
The Game Majors 6 innings, where an inning ends on 3rd out. The 0-run (aka, slaughter) rule is used. Dropped 3 rd strike is in effect. 4.0
After the Game Ends Check Scorebook for mandatory play violations Mark missed at-bats and defensive outs in book #5 Spongebob Squarepants did not bat #2 Fred Flintstone played only 2 innings on defense Inform the manager and division player agent The scorebook does not need to be signed unless the game is protested or mandatory play violations occur. Complete both Pitching Affidavits. Home Scorekeeper signs both forms. Both Managers must sign both forms. Return scorebook, affidavit and basket to the clubhouse
Counting Pitches Agree on the pitch count after EVERY at bat. Inform the Plate Ump when the Pitcher exceeds the limit for his/her age Pitcher may finish the At-Bat; Inform Blue after the At-Bat Players ages and Age Limit table is in the back of your book Provide Pitch Count to a Coach when asked Expect them to check between innings The Plate Ump may want to control these requests Complete the Pitching Affidavit Update when a pitcher is removed (except Juniors) Determine Days and Games of Rest
Common Pitch Count Mistakes Count the Final Pitch of the At-Bat the Hit the 3 rd Strike the 4 th Ball the Pitch that hits the Batter Count the Pitch on a Stolen Base Work out a deal with your partner I ll watch the ump for the pitch; you watch the throw down and the call Ask the Plate Ump for the last pitch and the count Count Balks (Juniors and above)
The Pitching Affidavit
The Pitching Affidavit
Major Cardinals The Pitching Affidavit 4/24 5 Bridges 4/24 Smith, G 2 4/24 3 Patel 58 4/28 35 4/26 20 4/25 Cardinal s Apr 24 th Game starts with Cal on the mound George Smith relieves Cal after throwing 58 pitches While George warms-up determine Cal s Required Rest: Sanjay Patel relieves George Game ends with Patel on the mound
Positions Left Fielder 7 6 Short Stop Center Fielder 8 Right Fielder 9 4 Second Baseman Third Baseman 5 Pitcher First Baseman 3 Catcher 2
Recording Line-ups and Substitutions 5 Bridges, C 6 Cal Bridges wearing jersey #5 is batting st and playing Short Stop (position 6) 2 Patel, R 8 This is where Cal s At-Bat in the st Inning will be scored This is where Defensive Substitutions will be recorded for All Divisions 3 8 Hsiung, N 2 4 7 Rodriguez, J 3 This is where Substitutions will be recorded for Juniors and up
Substitution & Re-entry Minors & Majors: Continuous Batting Order Players may be freely substituted on defense Except for Pitcher and Catcher A player that is unable to bat due to illness, injury or departure from playing field is skipped without penalty. The player may re-enter the game in his/her original batting position. Managers should announce skips to avoid BOO confusion. A player that arrives late is added to the end of the lineup. Scorekeepers track all substitutions and assess mandatory play at game s end Scorekeepers never re-order the line-up. 4.04 WSLL
Substitutions: Minors & Majors Bridges 5 6 6 2 3 HR - 8 Record the defensive position for each inning. The above shows: Cal played SS in the st & 2 nd innings Sat out the 3 rd Pitched in the 4 th & 5 th innings Moved to CF for the 6 th.
Substitution & Re-entry Juniors and Above A Starter may be removed at any time. A Starter may re-enter anywhere in batting order, but only once and only after his substitute has completed At-Bat and 6 Defensive Outs. A Starter (S) that subs for another starter (S2) must complete At-Bat and 6 Defensive Outs AS A SUB before S2 may re-enter. S s At-Bat and Defensive Outs AS A STARTER count towards mandatory play, but do not effect S2 s re-entry. A Substitute may NOT re-enter, and hence... A Substitute may be removed only after meeting mandatory play requirements Scorekeepers track all substitutions and notify the Umpire immediately if an illegal substitution is being made. 3.03
Substitution & Re-entry Juniors and Above * At-Bat BATTING POSITION INNING 2 3 4 5 6 John* John Huan* Huan Huan Huan* 2 Cal* Cal Cal Cal* John John* 3 Rajiv* Rajiv Rajiv Rajiv* Rajiv Cal 4 Barry Samir* Samir Barry* Barry Barry Legal or Not: INNING POS DESCRIPTION LEGAL WHY 2 4 Samir for Barry Yes Starter may be removed at anytime 3 Huan for John Yes (ditto) 4 4 Barry for Samir No Samir has not met WSLL Mandatory Play. Barry may re-enter in the 5 th. 5 2 John for Cal Yes Starter may be removed at anytime 6 3 Cal for Rajiv No John has not completed AB + 6 Defensive Outs as Cal s sub (innings & 2 don t count).
Substitutions: Juniors and Above Record the player, the half-inning and the position. The example below shows: Cal played SS in the st & moved to 3 rd in the 2 nd. George Smith came in Top of 3 rd at CF. Cal returned to game in Bottom of 5 th to Pitch. Note position change or courtesy runner 2 5 Bridges 6 SB T2 5 FC Smith, G T3 8 K B 5 Bridges B5 2 5 8 Note Half-Inning for substitution Draw heavy vertical line when substitute appears
Other Substitution Rules A player may only appear as a pitcher once per day in Minors and Majors. Other rules for Juniors and up. A player that throws 4 or more pitches in a game may not catch for the remainder of the day Otherwise a player may be freely substituted in and out of the catcher position. A player that catches in any part of 4 innings of a game may not pitch for the remainder of the day. A player may catch 3 innings, then pitch 40 or less pitches, and then return to catcher for an unlimited number of innings. A player may catch 3 innings in game of a double header, catch 3 innings in game 2 and then pitch later in game 2 A player that catches 4 innings in game of a double header is ineligible to pitch in the remainder of game or in game 2. VI
Unannounced Substitution A substitution occurs if a player not currently in the line-up takes position on the pitcher s mound and throws a warm up pitch to the catcher a player in the game that does this becomes the pitcher takes a defensive position and play commences takes a position in the batter s box takes the place of a runner Scorekeepers notify the Umpire immediately if an illegal substitution is made (to avoid a protest). Otherwise keep quiet and record the substitution (to avoid mistakenly bringing attention to batting out-of-order). 3.08
Mandatory Play Minors and Majors Every Player on the line-up card (starters and substitutes) must Complete at-bat BOO at-bat doesn t count Play a minimum of 9 defensive outs Minors: a player that starts the inning gets credit for 3 defensive outs if inning shortened by run-rule; otherwise a player gets credit for the outs played. Start at least every other game s/he is in the line-up. If game is shortened for any reason, players that failed to meet mandatory play minimums must Start the next game Make up play deficit plus meet mandatory play WSLL
The By-the-Numbers Score Box B 2B 3B HR K L SF FC RBI OUT PC E U
The By-the-Numbers Score Box Single Double Triple Home Run Walk Hit by Pitch Sacrifice Fielder s Choice B 2B 3B HR Balls Strikes K SF FC # of Runs RBI Batted In OUT L Put out, Cumulative Pitch Count Advance around the bases, Scores a Run Pitching Change Start of Inning Sub PC E U, 2 or 3
Recording Pitches B 2B 3B HR SF K L K Previous Batter: Cumulative Pitches = 2 Outs = 9 PC E U Ball Foul Ball Strike Foul Ball Ball Foul Ball Strike 3 FC RBI OUT 2
B 2B 3B HR SF Recording a Ground Out Second Baseman fields the grounder, K L FC RBI OUT throws to First to get the Batter-Runner Out... and the Runner on Third Scores 9 4-3 2 PC E U
B 2B 3B HR SF Recording a Ground Out First baseman fields the grounder and steps on First to get the Batter-Runner Out Unassisted K L 3U FC RBI OUT 3 PC E U
Recording a Fly Out B 2B 3B HR SF Center Fielder catches a fly ball for the 3 rd Out 2 K L F8 32 FC RBI OUT 3 PC E U
B 2B 3B HR SF Recording a Double Batter drives the ball to left-center fence easily scoring the runner on third K L 44 FC RBI OUT PC E U
Fielder s Choice Short Stop chooses to throw to Second to get the lead runner 2 3 2 3 4 9 2 3 HR 6-4 2 3 HR FC No Hit A Fielder s Choice is Not a Hit For the Batter to get a Hit with Runners on base all forced runners must reach the next base safely and without benefit of an error. If the fielder attempts to put out an unforced runner, it s the scorekeepers decision if the batter reached st as a result of the fielder s choice. (see next slide)
Is it a Hit with Unforced Runner(s) On: a Grounder fielded by SS behind 3rd Base 3 rd baseman tags out runner on throw from SS; You decide if SS could have thrown out batter. 2 3 2 3 HR SB 2 3 6-5 6-5 2 3 HR SB 4 2 3 HR 2 2 OR 4 2 3 HR 6 B A throw to st would not have beaten the batter SS could have thrown out batter; thus no hit. 6 FC
Is it a Single or Double with Runner(s) On: a Line Drive to Left-Center and the Runner reaches 3B; No Throw to 3B; Double 2 3 2 3 HR SB Runner unable to safely vacate 2B; Single 2 3 8-5 2 3 HR SB 4 4 2 2 3 HR 2 2B 2 3 HR FC 6 6 B
Is it a Single or Double with Runner(s) On: a Line Drive to Left-Center and the Runner beats the throw to 3B; You decide if Batter reached 2B due to the throw to 3B. 2 3 2 3 HR SB 2 3 2 3 HR SB A throw to 2 nd would have held the batter at st The Outfielder s throw would not have beaten the batter to 2 nd 2 4 2 3 HR OR 2 4 2 3 HR FC 2B 6 B 6
Double Play Third baseman fields the grounder, throws to Second, who throws to first. 2 2 3 HR 5-4 2 33 DP 5-4-3 36 2 3 HR 2
Recording a Run-Batted-In (RBI) Batter drives the ball to right field scoring the runner on third 2 3 2 3 HR Jersey # of batter driving in the run (very optional) #9 4 Fill in Diamond to make it easy to count runs Credit the batter with an RBI 2 RBI 7 2 3 HR FC Record Batter s advance to 2 nd on the throw home that failed to prevent the Run
RBI Run Batted In An RBI is credited for each run that scores unaided by an error and as part of a play begun by the batter s safe hit, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder s choice unless the batter hits into a double play, or an attempted double play with an error on the catch when, before two are out, an error is made on a play on which a runner from third base ordinarily would score. if the runner breaks for home on the error then no RBI. as a result of a, HBP, interference or obstruction with bases loaded ORB
Recording a Sacrifice Fly Runner on 3 rd tags-up and scores after the Right Fielder catches Batter s fly ball There must a runner on 3 rd for a Sacrifice Fly 2 3 2 3 HR #9 4 2 2 3 HR Indicate Sacrifice so Batter s Average is not hurt RBI SF9 7
Recording a Sacrifice Bunt Batter bunts ball down third base line advancing the runner to second Indicate Sacrifice so Batter s Average is not hurt 2 3 2 4 5-3 7 2 3 HR FC 2 3 HR To score a Bunt as a Sacrifice, (a) there must be runners on base & (b) you believe the batter s intent was to be put out
Dropped 3 rd Strike (Majors & Above) Batter may attempt to reach st if either st base is unoccupied There are two outs Picher is credited with K Catcher retrieves WP but overthrows st and runner advances to 2nd 2 2 3 HR 3 E2 Catcher throws out Batter-Runner 2 2 3 HR 3 K 2-3 4 2 Catcher retrieves PB, but either the throw is late or no throw is made 2 2 3 HR 3 4 K,WP 4 K,PB
Passed Ball The official scorer shall charge a catcher with a passed ball when the catcher fails to hold or to control a pitch that should have been held or controlled with ordinary effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance. When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to reach first base, the official scorer shall score a strikeout and a passed ball. ORB
Wild Pitch A pitch that is so high, so wide or so low that the catcher does not stop and control the ball by ordinary effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance. A pitch that touches the ground or home plate before reaching the catcher and is not handled by the catcher, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance. When the third strike is a wild pitch, permitting the batter to reach first base, the official scorer shall score a strikeout and a wild pitch. ORB
Caught Stealing Catcher throws to Short Stop who tags out Runner attempting to steal 2nd John 3 2 4 2 3 HR CS 2-6 With 2 out, John Walks. Next Batter, Cal, swings at the st pitch. On the 2nd pitch to Cal, John attempts to steal 2 nd. 33 3 Catcher throws to SS, who tags John out for 3rd Out. 2 2 3 HR The 2 nd pitch was a ball. Cal The inning is over. Cal will lead-off the next inning. 35 The pitches to Cal count.
Notes for Juniors & Above You should differentiate between straight steals (SB) and advances resulting from passed balls (PB) or wild pitches (WP) Balks Count as a pitch so you need to make notation (BK) in the box. Advance the Runners; mark the advance with (BK).
Tracking a Runner 2 3 4 FC 2 3 HR SB Batter Reaches st on a dropped 3 rd Strike Steals 2 nd Base #5 K,PB Advances to 3 rd when 2 nd baseman chooses to throw out the batter at st Driven Home on a Single to Right by Jersey #5 45
End of the Inning After 3 Outs After Run Limit (Minors Only) CS 2-6 5 3 Count these pitches This is NOT a complete At-Bat & does NOT count towards Mandatory Play 6-3 8 2 K 2 27 RBI 3U 4 runs 2
Batting Around (Majors & Above) In Majors and above, a batter may bat more than once an inning 2 3 2 4 3 Huan 5 CS 2-6 3 B Rajiv 7 K Cal 2B K 3 Sue 4-3
Errors Three principle points:. Charged for physical, not mental, mistakes 2. It s only an error if Ordinary Effort would have prevented it 3. Ordinary Effort is different for Minors, Majors, etc. Scoring an error does not affect the game s outcome. So why score an error? To aid the managers assessments of the batter s and the fielder s strengths and weaknesses Get calibrated with your manager and review plays after the game
Errors A misplay fumbled fielding attempt, muffed catch, wild throw, or failed base tag by a fielder that permits the batter-runner to reach st base, permits a runner to advance one or more bases, prolongs the presence on the bases of a runner, or prolongs the time at bat of a batter, A muffed foul fly is an error regardless of whether the batter eventually reaches base safely unless, in your judgment, such fielder deliberately permits a foul fly to fall safe with a runner on third before two are out in order that the runner on third shall not score after the catch. The fielder does not have to touch the ball See references at end of presentation
Scoring an Error: the Shortstop cleanly fields a grounder but Short Stop s throw pulls st off the bag 2 3 2 3 HR FC Short Stop s throw pulls 2 nd off the bag 2 3 2 3 HR E6 4 4 2 3 HR 2 3 HR E6 6 6 FC
Error on Sacrifice Sac Hit (Bunt) or Fly Credit the hitter with a Sacrifice even if an error allows the batter to reach base safely. 2 3 2 3 HR FC Sac Fly Credit the hitter with a Sacrifice (and RBI) even if an error results in another runner being forced out. 4 43 2 3 HR E3
Error on Stolen Base Attempt SB, not an Error, if Catcher makes a wild throw to catch runner 2 3 E2 2 3 HR SB If Catcher s wild throw allows stealing runner to advance further or another runner to advance then E2. 4 2 3 HR If another fielder muffs a catch that should have resulted in a CS, then score CS & E.
Error on Double Play No error is charged if any fielder makes a wild throw attempting to get the 2 nd out of a double play An error is charged if the wild throw permits the runner to advance further An error is charged if a wild throw prevents the st out of what looks like a double play (& batter gets FC). Muffing a catch is an Error 2 3 2 3 4 43 47 2 3 HR 6-4 Batter reaches on wild throw 2 and 3 HR advances to second E4 FC
Batting out of Order SAY NOTHING!! You may be ejected for disclosing the situation Discretely indicate to your partner which batter is at bat This is the Improper Batter Record At-Bat in Improper Batter s score box Do not re-order line-up 6.07 Huan Rajiv Cal Sue 5 8 Proper Batter Improper Batter
Batting Out of Order Situation Penalty Next At-bat Scoring League Age 4 and Under Improper batter is at the plate At-bat does not count toward minimum play Proper batter comes to plate and assumes the count Improper batter has completed his/her at-bat and is either on base or in the dugout. No pitch thrown to next batter nor play attempted Proper batter is OUT; AND results of the improper batter s at-bat are NULLIFIED. Batter that follows proper batter comes to plate Pitch thrown to next batter OR a play is attempted No penalty; AND results of improper batter are LEGALIZED. Batter that follows the now legalized improper batter should be at-bat. SAY NOTHING and record at-bat in the improper batter s scorebox. Transfer balls and strikes to Proper Batter Proper batter gets no mandatory play credit by BOO / Rule 6.07 Erase all scoring in improper batter s box Transfer Pitch Count to Proper Batter. Proper batter OUT by BOO or Rule 6.07 ; Erase all scoring in improper batter s box; move runners back per Ump s instructions Note the batters skipped because of a BOO or Rule 6.07 Nothing to erase
Batting out of Order: Still At-Bat Huan 5 Rajiv 5 8 After the Appeal Cal 8 6-3 Proper Batter Assumes count. Improper Batter has - count when BOO discovered Sue BOO 22 Erase it all
Batting out of Order: At-bat Complete Huan 5 Rajiv 5 Results of Improper Batter Nullified Improper Batter drives in a run RBI 8 6-3 22 After the Appeal Cal Sue 8 BOO 22 Proper Batter Out; Pitch count perserved Next Batter
Protests A manager may protest a game for a rule violation (e.g., ineligible player) or a rule interpretation. Scorekeepers will note the exact situation on the field at the time of the protest. Record the line-ups of both teams: batting order, defensive positions. Record the score, the inning, the current batter, the number of outs, position of the runners. Get the managers to sign the scorebook if the game has been protested.
People Player Agents Chief: Mark Schmitz mark.d.schmitz@us.pwc.com Majors: Jon Cory jon.cory@sri.com Minors: Matt Scott lotsofscotts@earthlink.net Farm: George Tong tong.george@gmail.com Umpire-in-Chief: Clevis De Rego Chief Scorekeeper: Monroe Bridges monroebridges@yahoo.com
References MLB Rules ORB section 0 Official Scorer @ http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/o fficial_rules/0_the_official_scorer.pdf Wikipedia article on errors @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/error_(baseball)
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