Well, I heard some folks talking ’bout them baseball position numbers the other day. Sounded like a whole lot of gibberish to me. But, you know, I got to thinkin’, maybe I should learn a thing or two ’bout it. So, I asked around, and I think I kinda got the hang of it now. It ain’t rocket science, that’s for sure.
Baseball Position Numbers
First off, them numbers, they ain’t just random. Each one stands for a different spot on that field. Like, number 1, that’s the pitcher. He’s the fella throwin’ the ball, tryin’ to get them batters out. Number 2, that’s the catcher. He’s crouched down behind the batter, catchin’ them pitches.

Then you got your infielders. Number 3, that’s the first baseman. He’s standin’ over by that first base bag, tryin’ to catch the ball when it’s hit to him. Number 4, that’s the second baseman. He’s kinda between first and second base. Number 5, that’s the third baseman. He’s way over by third base.
- 1 – Pitcher, he throws the ball.
- 2 – Catcher, catches the pitches.
- 3 – First baseman, stands by first.
- 4 – Second baseman, between first and second.
- 5 – Third baseman, by third base.
Then there is number 6 that is the shortstop, he stands between the second and third base. Number 7 is the left fielder, number 8 is the center fielder, number 9 is the right fielder. They are all running around in the outfield.
More About Them Numbers
Now, I heard ’em talkin’ ’bout somethin’ called a “6 4 3 double play”. What in the tarnation is that? Well, turns out, it’s just a way of sayin’ how the ball got passed around to get two players out. So, a 6 4 3 double play means the shortstop (that’s number 6, remember?) got the ball, threw it to the second baseman (number 4), who then threw it to the first baseman (number 3). See? Two outs, just like that.
They use these position numbers to keep track of what’s happenin’ on the field. It’s like a little code. Makes it easier for them to talk ’bout the game, I reckon. And for folks like me, once you learn the code, it ain’t so hard to follow along.
You know, baseball, it’s a funny old game. Lots of runnin’ around, hittin’ a little ball with a stick. But I guess there’s more to it than meets the eye. These baseball numbers, they’re part of it. They help tell the story of the game.
Why Bother with the Numbers?
Now why learn them baseball position numbers? For keeping score. It is like a secret language. Use numbers instead of names, easy peasy.

You see them write down 6-4-3, you know what happened. Shortstop to second to first, two outs. Handy, huh?
- Easier to keep score.
- Shorthand for plays.
- Everyone knows the code.
Baseball Position Numbers is Important!
So there you have it. Baseball position numbers are like a shortcut to know the game. Shortstop is 6, second base is 4, first base is 3. A 6-4-3 double play is a quick way to say shortstop to second to first base.
Knowing these baseball position numbers makes watching the game easier. You can follow what is happening without knowing all the players. Like a secret code that everyone in baseball uses.
And you know what else? It makes you feel kinda smart. Like you are in on a secret. You can understand the sports guys on TV when they start talking about a 4-6-3 double play. You will be nodding along, knowing exactly what that means.
So next time you are watching a baseball game, pay attention to those numbers. They are not just there for decoration. They are telling you the whole story of what is happening on the field.
You might even impress your grandkids with your new knowledge. They will think you are the smartest grandma or grandpa ever. And you will be, at least when it comes to baseball numbers. So, them baseball numbers, they ain’t so bad after all. They’re kinda like a secret language, and once you learn it, you’re in the club. You can follow the game, understand what’s goin’ on, and maybe even impress a few folks with your newfound knowledge. Not bad for an old gal like me, huh?
