Baseball Position Numbers

The numbering follows the path a ball takes on the most common ground-ball putout: pitcher (1) delivers, catcher (2) receives, then the infield (3 to 6), then the outfield (7 to 9). Numbers do not match the left-to-right layout of the field, which is why shortstop is 6 instead of 5.

These numbers are identical from T-ball through MLB(opens in new tab). Once you know them, you can read any baseball scorecard at any level without a key.

Lineup cards, depth charts, and stat sheets use letter abbreviations alongside the numbers. Some forms use the number, some use the abbreviation, and many use both. The table below covers every variant you will see on a standard baseball form.

A few notes on the abbreviations. The infield positions add "B" for "base" (1B, 2B, 3B), shortstop uses "SS" because the position was named "short stop" before the abbreviation system existed, and outfielders use the first letter of their field (LF, CF, RF). You will see "DH" on lineup cards for the designated hitter, but DH is not a fielding position and does not appear on scorecards as a defensive number.

Scorecard notation uses position numbers to describe how each out happens. When the scorekeeper writes "6-3," the shortstop (6) fielded the ball and threw to first base (3). A "6-4-3" double play means shortstop to second baseman to first baseman. The notation is fast to write and unambiguous: anyone can reconstruct the play from the numbers alone.

"F" plus a number marks a fly ball caught by that fielder: F8 is a center-field catch, F9 is a right-field catch. "K" marks a strikeout (no fielding number needed). The full notation system covers every type of out and is standardized across Little League(opens in new tab), high school, college, and professional scorekeeping.

The answer depends on the level of play. In MLB, high school, and most college baseball, the designated hitter (DH) creates a 10th roster slot, but the DH does not field. In some youth leagues, a 10th defensive player (short fielder) takes the field. Both are common reasons people ask about "10 positions in baseball," but they describe different things.

The Designated Hitter (DH) in MLB and High School

The DH is a 10th hitter who bats in place of the pitcher but never plays defense. MLB(opens in new tab) adopted the universal DH rule in 2022, meaning both the American League and the National League now use it. NCAA baseball and most high school (NFHS) leagues also allow a DH. The DH gets no position number because numbers 1-9 are defensive only. On a lineup card, you write "DH" in the position column.

The Short Fielder in T-Ball and Coach Pitch

T-ball and coach-pitch leagues often play with a 10th defensive fielder, usually called the "short fielder" or "rover." This player stands in shallow center field, between the infield and outfield, where most batted balls land at that age. The short fielder is sometimes numbered "10," though the practice varies by league. Once players move to kid-pitch leagues, the roster drops to the standard nine.

Position numbering is consistent from T-ball through MLB for the nine standard positions. Where youth leagues differ is the 10th fielder rule and the use of a designated hitter. The table below shows the standard configuration at each level so you can fill out a lineup card or scorecard correctly for your age group.

Most rec leagues follow Little League regulations(opens in new tab) for player counts and pitching limits. For travel and select leagues, check the local rulebook because some tournaments allow a continuous batting order (every roster player hits) even when only nine field. If you need a fillable chart that tracks who plays where each inning, our baseball position chart includes a 12-row, 6-inning grid you can print or copy to a spreadsheet.