Double Play question
 

I was flipping the channels the other day and seen a double play. What draws my curiousity was with the commentators. The play developed and the commentators said, "6, 3, double play." I've also heard some games where they said, "4, 3, double play." What the heck does the numbers signify? Why not just say, "Double Play?"

The numbers tell the reader what defensive fielders participated in the play. 6-3 means the shortstop (F6) completed the play with the first baseman (F3).

You have to know how field positions are numbered to understand the shorthand.

Gang, as a preamble, take it easy on Jason.

Numbers 1-9 are used for scoring. We umps tend to use them in describing sitches, preceded by "F."

P=1; C=2; 1B=3; 2B=4, 3B=5; SS=6; LF=7; CF=8; RF=9. A standard double play, orgininating at short would be scored 6-4-3.

In addition, most umps use R1-R3 to designate runners' bases at the time of the pitch, plus B for the batter and/or B-R for the batter-runner.

You'll see (on this board and elsewhere), things like "F9 makes catch and throws to F3 to double off R1."

Ace

Now, its time to wonder why the SS is F6 instead of F5..... ;)

my 2 cents ...
 

I've had that same thought.

I believe, originally, the SS was thought of as a rover-type.
Thus they "numbered" the bases, then SS (semi-OF), then OF.

If F4 is 2B and F6 is SS and F5 is 3B and BR is at the plate then Who's on first? :D

F3 of course. :)

haha U1? :p

I'm going to go with R1.:)

Classic
 

Who is on first.

http://www.holysmoke.org/wb/wb0320.htm

Abott and Costello's bit is an absolute classic, its great to see the recording of them doing it. who wouldn't love to to memorize the bit with someone and do it.

I've seen Bud wearing a St. Louis Wolves uniform. They did this routine for many years so there's likely to be other correct answers.

I did it in high school and later reprised the role in college. Use to have the whole thing memorized.

You're right about R1 on first Steve...unless it's fed where it can be R2, or R3 as well.

I had a 3-2-6 Double Play this year.

One out. Bases loaded. Low line drive to the 1ST baseman. It popped out of his glove and all runners froze. I was the BU and said NO! and made a safe signal.

He obviously did not drop it on purpose because he had no idea what to do with it. The smart play would have been to tag R1 (who had jumped BACK to 1st base when the ball hit the ground) and then tag first base.

Well, he threw home and then the catcher threw to SS to force R1 who was STILL standing on first base.

The coach came out to talk to me. He said something very confusing about the force being lifted after the force play at the plate. I tried not to laugh and said "Coach, if the batter ain't out and the runner on first is allowed to stay, we would have quite an interesting pickoff play on the next pitch. He stared at me for a second and cracked up laughing, patted me on the back and jogged back to the dugout.

VERY odd play.

Joe