What Does 'B' Mean in Baseball? Clarifying the Term

By Sarah Miller · March 13, 2038

In baseball, ‘a’ and ‘b’ typically refer to baserunners on first and second base, respectively; however, ‘B’ alone is not an official statistic or term in standard scoring. This article clarifies common misinterpretations and explains related concepts such as batting order positions, base running, and scorekeeping abbreviations.

Understanding ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Baseball Context

The letters ‘A’ and ‘B’ are not standard notations in official baseball scoring or statistics. However, they may appear informally in coaching charts, player development systems, or practice drills to differentiate between teams, lineups, or skill levels (e.g., Team A vs. Team B). In scorekeeping, bases are marked numerically: 1B (first base), 2B (second base), 3B (third base), and HR (home run). The confusion often arises from misreading abbreviations like “2B” (double) as “B”.

Common Misinterpretations of ‘B’ in Baseball

Mistaking “2B” (a double) for simply “B”
Confusing developmental team labels (Team B) with statistical categories
Assuming “B” stands for a specific position or achievement
Interpreting batting order slots (e.g., “hitter B”) as formal designations

Base Running and Scorekeeping Abbreviations

Official baseball scorekeeping uses standardized abbreviations to record plays. These include hit types, defensive actions, and runner movements. Understanding these helps clarify why “B” isn't used independently.

Standard Hit Type Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning	Description	Example Usage
1B	Single	Hitter reaches first base safely	Player records a 1B in the 3rd inning
2B	Double	Hitter reaches second base safely	Line drive doubles scored two runs
3B	Triple	Hitter reaches third base safely	Rare 3B in the 7th inning extended lead
HR	Home Run	Hitter circles all bases on one play	Walk-off HR wins the game
BB	Base on Balls (Walk)	Hitter awarded first base after four balls	Leadoff BB sparks rally

Table data source:MLB.com Glossary, Baseball Almanac

The table shows that while “B” appears in combinations like 1B, 2B, 3B, and BB, it never stands alone as a statistic. The letter “B” consistently relates to “base” within these abbreviations, emphasizing location or advancement rather than a standalone metric.

Batting Order and Player Designations

Coaches sometimes label players or lineups using letters during practice or evaluation phases. For example:

Team A vs. Team B: Used in intrasquad scrimmages
Designated Hitter B: Informal way to track multiple DHs in training
Lineup Cards: May use A/B groupings for platoon strategies

These uses are organizational, not part of official rules or scoring. No MLB statistic tracks a “B” category for hitters or runners.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘B’ in Baseball

What does ‘B’ mean in baseball statistics?

The letter ‘B’ does not represent a standalone statistic in baseball. It appears in compound abbreviations like 2B (double), 3B (triple), or BB (base on balls), where it refers to “base” or “balls.” There is no official stat labeled simply “B.”

Is ‘B’ short for second base?

No, ‘B’ is not short for second base. The correct abbreviation is “2B,” which also means a double when referring to a hit. Using just “B” would be ambiguous and non-standard in scorekeeping.

Can ‘B’ refer to a player position?

No, defensive positions are numbered 1 through 9 (e.g., 1 = pitcher, 4 = second baseman). Letters like “A” or “B” may be used informally to distinguish practice squads but do not denote official fielding positions.

Why do some people say “hitter B” in baseball?

“Hitter B” is informal terminology used in coaching settings to identify a batter in a drill or simulation. It lacks official recognition but helps organize training sessions involving multiple batters or rotating lineups.

Does ‘B’ stand for anything in baseball scorekeeping?

Not by itself. The letter ‘B’ only has meaning within accepted abbreviations such as BB (walk), 1B (single), 2B (double), or 3B (triple). In each case, it derives from “base” or “balls” and is never used in isolation.