As this shortened baseball season winds down, it’s easy to reflect on how crazy it’s been.
Just like it started, it will end. Sixty games played, some COVID-19 shutdowns, and still disappointment.
It’s like having a big inning cut short by a 4-6-3 double play.
For those who aren’t baseball aficionados, you may wonder “what in the hell is a 4-6-3 double play?”
It’s simple, really.
It’s a double play where a ball is hit to the second baseman, who flips to the shortstop for the first out, and then a throw to first for the second out.
It’s usually a good rally killer. Two for the price of one, you may say. This is where one of the interesting nuances of baseball comes into play.
Casual fans understand positions: first, second and third basemen, a pitcher and catcher, shortstop, and three outfielders – left, center and right. There’s often also a designated hitter.
The fielders, though, also have a number associated with them. While some other sports might sometimes have a number associated with their position (for example, a 2-guard in basketball), the numbers aren’t as known or noted as much as in baseball.
See below for a chart with the numbers and positions.
Traditionally, the numbers are used for scorekeeping. It makes it easier to keep score by using numbers, rather than positions. The positions also have shortened abbreviations, as noted in the above chart.
This is just another nuance of the game.
Scorekeeping, as I’ve written about before, is quite the personal thing. People can change the way they do it or how they keep track of things, but the numbers for positions is something quite consistent for people keeping score.
Hence, the 4-6-3 double play. Numbers are scored. It still doesn’t take away that it’s a full rally killer!
Can of Corn Challenge 8: 4-6-3
The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!
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