In baseball scorekeeping, fielding position number 1 is the pitcher.
The numbering system gives each defensive position a standard number so plays can be recorded quickly and compactly. The pitcher is 1, the catcher is 2, first baseman 3, second baseman 4, third baseman 5, shortstop 6, left fielder 7, center fielder 8, and right fielder 9. These are position numbers, not jersey numbers or batting-order slots.
The system appears in scoring shorthand such as “1-6-3,” which means the pitcher fields or receives the ball, throws to the shortstop, and then the shortstop throws to first base for a double play. It also appears in error notation: an error by the pitcher may be recorded as E1, while a shortstop’s error is E6.
A common mix-up is assuming position 1 means first base because of the wording “first.” In scorekeeping, first base is position 3; the sequence begins with the pitcher and catcher before moving around the infield.