The original baseball numbers were based on the lineup. The starting players would be numbered 1-8, based on their spot in the order. The backup catcher would be number 9, and the pitchers would wear 10-14 (but not 13, as that is superstitious).
Each position conventionally has an associated number, for use in scorekeeping by the official scorer: 1 (pitcher), 2 (catcher), 3 (first baseman), 4 (second baseman), 5 (third baseman), 6 (shortstop), 7 (left fielder), 8 (center fielder), and 9 (right fielder).
A “K” is used to refer to a strikeout in baseball because the letter “S” was already used to score a sacrifice. So Henry Chadwick, the inventor of the box score, began using the letter “K” in the 1860s because it is the last letter of “struck”, which was the common term for a strikeout at the time.
As a whole, “6+4+3=2” is baseball slang for saying that a double play occurred. In this type of double play, the shortstop fields the ball, throws the ball to the second baseman for the first out, who then throws the ball to the first baseman for the second out.
Based on statistics and the position’s active involvement in the game, it’s believed that right field is the easiest baseball position to play. This is the case because of the number of balls hit to right field compared to other positions on the field.
This is one method of a double play where the first baseman (3) fields a ground ball, does not step on first base and throws to the shortstop (6) at second base for the force out. After the shortstop steps on the second base, he then returns the throw to the first baseman (3) to complete the double play at first base.
A 3-0 count occurs in an at bat between a pitcher and a batter during a game of baseball when the first three pitches are balls outside of the strike-zone.
This refers to when a team sends three batters to the plate in the inning and all three end up getting called out.
Lefties are ideal for first base because with their glove on their right hand, it makes it easy for them to turn to the base with their glove facing the field. Right-handed first basemen have to take a few extra steps to turn their bodies, which is a disadvantage for them compared to lefties.
A catcher and shortstop’s mobility is limited by being left-handed. While a right-handed thrower will naturally be in the position to get the ball where it needs to be, a left-handed thrower’s awkward range of motion and form adds precious milliseconds to a play in a game where every tiny thing counts.
The shortstop positions himself between the third baseman and the second-base bag. The shortstop is considered the captain of the infield and takes charge on balls hit in the air as well as communication among infielders.
Overrunning first base - When running to first base, a player can overrun first base and still be safe. They must not make an attempt to run to second. Once they make the attempt to run to second, they can be tagged upon returning to first base.
Other combinations start with 1 (pitcher), 3 (first baseman), or (5 third baseman), followed by 6-3 or 4-3 depending on which middle infielder is covering second base on the play. 3-6 (first baseman to shortstop) 3 (first baseman), unassisted. 9-6 (right fielder to shortstop)
Rarity. The cycle is about as uncommon as a no-hitter; it has been called “one of the rarest” and “most difficult feats” in baseball.
Triple plays are relatively rare, since a triple play requires at least two runners already on base, no outs, a batted ball hit in a way that allows it to be fielded cleanly so that three baserunners can be put out or unusual incompetence in baserunning, and quick action from the fielders to perform.
Turns out that throwing a no hitter is slightly rarer than hitting for cycle, at least since a Major League Baseball committee tightened its definition of a no hitter in 1991, knocking 50 of such feats off the record books.
Catchers typically throw the ball to third base after a strikeout to keep fielders in the game. This is called throwing “around the horn.” Although it may not seem like it, throwing the ball to third post strikeout is beneficial for a lot of the players involved.
Also called the 5-6 hole, the 5 hole in baseball refers to the area between the shortstop and the third baseman. On the other hand, the 4 hole that is also sometimes called the 3-4 hole is the open space that lies between the first baseman and the second baseman.