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Position Numbers
Every defensive position in baseball has a number. These numbers are the building blocks of all scoring notation.
The nine positions
| # | Position | Where they play |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher (P) | Center of the diamond, on the mound |
| 2 | Catcher (C) | Behind home plate |
| 3 | First Baseman (1B) | Covers first base |
| 4 | Second Baseman (2B) | Between first and second base |
| 5 | Third Baseman (3B) | Covers third base |
| 6 | Shortstop (SS) | Between second and third base |
| 7 | Left Fielder (LF) | Outfield, left side |
| 8 | Center Fielder (CF) | Outfield, center |
| 9 | Right Fielder (RF) | Outfield, right side |
How to read fielder chains
Numbers connected by dashes trace the ball's path:
6-3= shortstop fielded the ball, threw to first baseman4-6-3= second baseman fielded, threw to shortstop (covering second), who threw to first5-4-3= third baseman fielded, threw to second baseman (covering second), who threw to first
The numbers always go in the order the ball was touched.
Designated hitter (DH)
The designated hitter bats in place of the pitcher but does not play defense. They appear in the lineup with position "DH". Under current MLB rules, the DH is standard in both leagues.