Did you know that box scores in the 1860s looked quite different from what we see today?

Included here is an example of a vintage-style box score from the Scouts’ matches this past weekend. You’ll notice that only runs (R) and outs (O) are recorded.

This format was inspired by cricket scorekeeping, reflecting the influence of Henry Chadwick—often called the father of baseball statistics—who brought ideas from his cricket background into the game.

It’s fascinating to see how much baseball has evolved over time, while still holding onto elements of its early roots.

Here is a link to an interesting SABR article with more information about early scorekeeping:

From Recorder to Judge: The Evolution of the Scorer in the Nineteenth Century

Despair no longer patrons of our most noble game! We are back this very Sunday with four opportunities to view the base ball that you crave! Huzzah!!