Glossary
Backwards K
A backwards K is the scorekeeper's mark for a strikeout looking, where the batter takes a called third strike. A forward K marks a strikeout swinging.
Scorekeepers use K for a strikeout, and many write it backwards (ꓘ) when the umpire called strike three and the batter never swung. It is not in any rulebook. It is a scorebook habit, but almost every scorekeeper reads it the same way, so a coach looking at a book from another team can tell at a glance which hitters are taking strike three.
The pitcher gets the strikeout either way, and the batter is charged with an at-bat either way. Nothing in the stats separates them; the backwards K is for the coach, who wants to know whether a hitter is chasing or watching.
A dropped third strike is still a strikeout. If the catcher does not catch strike three cleanly and first base is open, or there are two outs, the batter may run. Thrown out at first, it is scored K 2-3. Safe, the pitcher still gets the strikeout and the scorer adds how the batter reached, such as K-WP or K-PB, or K-E2 on a bad throw.
The story most often told about the letter is that the early scorer Henry Chadwick used K, the last letter of "struck", because S already meant sacrifice. Whatever its origin, K is the mark every score sheet uses, and our score sheets' scoring key lists both versions.
Examples
- Batter takes strike three on the outside corner: backwards K.
- Batter swings through strike three: K.
- Strike three in the dirt, the catcher blocks it and throws to first: K 2-3.
- Strike three gets past the catcher and the batter reaches first: K-PB or K-WP, and the pitcher still gets the strikeout.
Put it on a card: Score sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a backwards K mean in baseball?
A strikeout looking: the batter took a called third strike without swinging. A forward K is a strikeout swinging.
Why is K used for a strikeout?
The usual story is that early scorer Henry Chadwick used K, the last letter of "struck", because S was already taken. Either way, K is now the standard mark.
Does a dropped third strike count as a strikeout?
Yes. The pitcher gets the strikeout even if the batter reaches first. The scorer marks how the batter got there, such as K-WP or K-PB.
How do you write a backwards K on a score sheet?
Draw a K facing left (ꓘ) in the batter's box. Some scorers write KL or Kc instead, for 'looking' or 'called'.
More in the glossary
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