Definitions

[Martin]

I'd like to get some thoughts on the proper jargon to use when describing a scenario. I've seen a couple of different methods. Because each method uses the same jargon, it is sometimes difficult to understand the scenario.

Example: Runners are on 1B and 3B. How do we refer to the runner on 1B? I have seen the runner referred to as R1 (meaning, "The Runner on 1B) and as R2 (meaning, "the second baserunner, who trails the runner on 3B whom we refer to as "R1").

Fielders are pretty straightforward - F1 = pitcher, F2 = catcher, etc...

I've seen the batter referred to by his spot in the order (B4 = cleanup hitter) and I've also seen the batter referred to as B/R (for Batter-Runner) after the ball is put in play.

I have my preferences, but I'm not sure what the "standard" is. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Bretman]

Many sanctioning bodies will list this nomenclature somewhere in either their Rule Book or Case Book. ASA and NFHS use R1 to designate the runner most advanced toward home, then R2 and R3 to signify the trailing runners. Or, another way to think of it, is the runners are numbered in the order that they acheived their bases. R1 is always the lead runner, then work backwards from there.

Most baseball organizations, including OBR and MLB, use R1, R2 and R3 to designate runners on first, second and third, respectively. High school/NFHS baseball breaks with that form and uses the "softball style" designations, with R1 being the lead runner.

Personally, I prefer the OBR designations- R1 on first, R2 on second, etc. It just seems to make more sense to me- and requires less typing when describing a play by the written word! But I try to follow whichever desgnations apply to whichever brand of ball I'm talking about.

When in Rome...

[wadeintothem]

baseball guys go 1B 2B 3B designating the runner as where they are standing..

Softball.. not wanting to be anything like *gasp* baseball decided to complicate it.. so in all scenarios you will see from any reputable softball source indicate as: R1 lead runner then R2 R3 last runner

To write runners @ 1B & 2B in baseball simply write: R1 R2
To write the same in softball: R1@2B R2@1B

[Martin]

Thank you very much. I cut my teeth on OBR discussions, so that would explain my confusion.

I agree with Bret and Wade, the baseball technique is simpler and makes much more sense. But as Bret suggests, I'll do what the "Romans" do!

[MTR]

baseball guys go 1B 2B 3B designating the runner as where they are standing..

Softball.. not wanting to be anything like *gasp* baseball decided to complicate it.. so in all scenarios you will see from any reputable softball source indicate as: R1 lead runner then R2 R3 last runner

To write runners @ 1B & 2B in baseball simply write: R1 R2
To write the same in softball: R1@2B R2@1B

Or just say there are runners on 1st and 2nd base. The softball folks will know which is which. And this method can be used following through a subsequent play where baseball's version cannot

And since I decided to jump in, where is the sense in 3 coming before 2 and 2 before 1?