What Does My Baseball Coach Mean by a Crooked Number

In MLB, a “crooked-numbered” inning means a team is scoring more than one run in a single inning, breaking the usual straight-line numbers pattern. For instance, the Phillies had a four-run and three-run inning this season in a game on April 15. Such high-scoring innings often define momentum in a 10-game trip where, despite 68 innings of zero runs, these impactful innings can give the team an edge.

Specific players, like Wigginton, with his powerful swing and consistent performance at bat, and Pence, quickly adjusting in the lineup, have produced solid results. Others, such as Nix in an early-season spin and Orr driving in three runs for the first time in his big league career, show how crucial each player’s role is.

In the recent rubber game of the series, Cole took the mound with the team looking forward to their flight home and a day off on April 10. This journey emphasizes how moments in the season, even isolated innings, shape a team’s confidence and set the tone for the games ahead.

Down On The Farm

In Lehigh Valley, the game against Buffalo ended 4–3 after 11 innings, with CF Scott Podsednik hitting a thrilling walk-off single. Over in Reading, the team had a solid 6–0 win over Richmond led by RHS Tyler Cloyd, now 3–0 this season, pitching 7 innings with 5 hits, 0 walks, and 5 strikeouts. 1B Darin Ruf contributed by homered (#2) and raised his average to .400.

At Clearwater, a perfect game was almost achieved with no hits through eight innings until a walk in the 7th. However, LF D’Arby Myers made an impact in the ninth, doubled, and later scored on CF Peter Lavin’s single for a 1–0 victory over Brevard County, marking the Threshers’ third straight win.

Lakewood triumphed 10–9 over Asheville, thanks to 3B Maikel Franco’s clutch 8th-inning triple, which drove in the winning run and sealed the game

Players of the Week (April 5–15)

Pitcher RH Brody Colvin from Clearwater delivered an impressive 0–0, 0.00 ERA in one start, pitching 6 innings with 2 hits, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts on Tuesday against Tampa. He managed just two 3-ball counts while averaging 93 mph. His pitching coach, Dave Lundquist, praised him in his post-game remarks as, “Best I’ve ever seen him pitch.” For the season, Colvin holds 0–1, 2.81 ERA over 3 starts. The 21-year-old was a 7th-round pick in 2009, signed by Mike Stauffer.

Player 1B Darin Ruf of Reading shone, hitting .429 over 5 games with an organization-high 7 runs and 9 hits, including 3 doubles (bringing him to a club-high 6 this season). Ruf hit safely in 4 of 5 games, highlighted by a 5-for-5 night. This right-handed batter is currently batting .393, second in the EL. The 25-year-old was a 20th-round selection from Creighton University and was signed by Dave Seifert.

Pitcher of the Week: Brody Colvin

Pitcher RH Brody Colvin from Clearwater delivered an outstanding performance with 0–0, 0.00 ERA in his one start, pitching 6 innings with 2 hits, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts on Tuesday against Tampa. He faced only two 3-ball counts and averaged 93 mph. His pitching coach, Dave Lundquist, praised him in his post-game remarks as, “Best I’ve ever seen him pitch.” For the season, Colvin stands at 0–1, 2.81 ERA over 3 starts. The 21-year-old was a 7th-round pick in 2009, signed by Mike Stauffer..

Strategies to Achieve Crooked Numbers

Teams employ various offensive strategies to achieve crooked numbers in their innings. An effective strategy includes aggressive baserunning and stealing, putting constant pressure on the opposing team’s defense. Utility players, often essential yet underrated, bring added versatility that enhances these tactics by filling different defensive roles and covering multiple positions when needed. Smart baserunning techniques, such as stealing bases and taking extra bases whenever possible, help create scoring opportunities and increase the chances of scoring multiple runs in an inning.

Another key focus is hitting for power, with an emphasis on extra-base hits like home runs, triples, and doubles. These powerful weapons quickly impact the scoreboard, especially with strong power hitters who can drive the ball deep, boosting the likelihood of achieving crooked numbers.

Capitalizing on the opponent’s mistakes also plays a vital role. Teams can gain more opportunities by taking advantage of defensive errors, walks, and hit-by-pitches. Being patient and making the most of miscues can significantly increase the chances of posting crooked numbers.

In addition, maintaining a consistent output throughout the game is crucial. A high level of focus and intensity in every inning helps maximize the team’s scoring potential. By stringing together quality at-bats and consistently putting runners on base, teams create sustained offensive threats that often lead to crooked numbers as a result.

The Psychological Effects of Crooked Numbers

The psychological effects of crooked numbers can have a significant impact on both the physical aspects of the game and the mental state of players and teams. For pitchers, giving up crooked numbers can be demoralizing, leading to self-doubt, a loss of confidence, and difficulty regaining momentum. The pressure to prevent further runs can sometimes cause mistakes, resulting in even more significant innings for the opposition.

Conversely, for the team scoring the crooked numbers, these moments can boost morale and energize the entire team, creating a positive atmosphere and a sense of dominance over the opposition. This newfound confidence often translates into improved performance across other areas, including pitching and defense.

Dealing with crooked numbers demands mental resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity. Teams that can overcome the psychological impact of giving up crooked numbers and respond with their own offensive outbursts often have a better chance of regaining control and securing victory in the game.

 

Famous Crooked Number Games and Records

In baseball history, certain memorable games have showcased crooked numbers in thrilling ways. One notable example is the famous “Ten Run Inning” between the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs in 1979, where the Phillies scored ten runs in the first inning, setting a record for the most runs in a single inning in National League history. This game exemplifies the impact and excitement that crooked numbers can bring to a contest.

Additionally, certain records highlight both the highest and lowest crooked numbers ever recorded in the sport. The Texas Rangers hold the highest single-inning record with 30 runs scored in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles in 2007. Conversely, the lowest crooked number came from a Boston Red Sox game against the St. Louis Browns in 1906, where a rare scoring rule resulted in -4 runs. These extremes showcase the potential for historic offensive explosions as well as peculiar outcomes in the game.

Before Electronic Scoreboards at Ballparks

Before electronic scoreboards became common in ballparks, the line score was tallied on a manually operated scoreboard. A scoreboard operator would literally “put up” a number in a slot on the board each time a team scored. With every run scored, the operator would change the number to keep an accurate running tally. When a team scored more than once in an inning, the Arabic numeral corresponding to the number of runs would shift from a straight line, hence the phrase “put up a crooked number” to indicate the team currently at bat had scored more than one run in the current inning.

Statistically, it has been demonstrated that the team that wins a game often scores more in a single inning than the opposition does in all nine innings combined, so teams frequently target putting up a crooked number rather than simply playing for one run at a time.

Conclusion

Crooked numbers hold a significant role in baseball, greatly influencing outcomes by scoring multiple runs in an inning. Understanding their impact is essential for fans and players alike, as recognizing the different types and strategies to achieve them can enhance offensive capabilities and create game-defining moments.

The psychological effects of crooked numbers should not be overlooked, as they can affect the dynamics of the game. For pitchers, preventing them requires mental toughness and composure, while for the team scoring crooked numbers, it boosts morale and confidence. Overcoming adversity and responding in a resilient manner are key to success.

Crooked numbers are etched in baseball history through famous games and records, marking exhilarating offensive explosions and sometimes peculiar scoring circumstances. These moments add excitement and unpredictability to the sport, highlighting the thrill of baseball at its finest.

F&Q

What is a crooked number in golf?

In golf, a crooked number generally refers to a double or triple bogey, a term used when a golfer like Smoltz, a big golfer, puts up a 7 on the board or more, which is considered a crooked score. This indicates giving up more strokes than intended, much like giving up more than a run or 2 in baseball.

What is the meaning obaseball of coach?

A baseball coach is someone who teaches batters how to bat better, working as a pitching coach or assistant to help improve players’ skills. The coach is in charge of pitchers and may serve as a coach, handler, or manager, focusing on training the athlete and team in various aspects of sports.

What does a baseball coach need?

Coaching baseball requires a deep understanding of the game, strong leadership, and a commitment to player development. A successful coach focuses on fundamentals, fostering team chemistry, and continuously learning to guide the team toward success.