Short answer: A crooked number in baseball refers to an inning in which a team scores three or more runs. It is called “crooked” because the total score for that inning will have a digit other than zero in the tens place. For example, if a team scores 4 runs in an inning, their total score for that inning is considered a crooked number of 4.
Step by step: How to score a baseball crooked number in your favor?
Are you tired of seeing goose eggs on the scoreboard inning after inning? Do you long for a crooked number next to your team’s name? Fear not, because with some strategic thinking and key baseball techniques, you can start putting crooked numbers on the board in your favor.
Step 1: Get runners on base
The first step in generating a crooked number is to get some base runners. This means getting hits, reaching base on errors or walks, and forcing fielding mistakes by being aggressive on the base paths. The more runners you have on base, the higher the likelihood of scoring runs.
Step 2: Advance runners
Once you have runners on base, it’s time to start moving them along towards home plate. This can be done through strategic sacrifices bunts, hitting behind the runner, stealing bases or even taking advantage of defensive mishaps. Always keep an eye out for opportunities to advance your runners.
Step 3: Key hits and RBIs
Now that you have runners in scoring position, it’s time to drive them in with key hits and RBIs. Getting hits when it counts is what separates good teams from great ones. This is where clutch hitting comes into play; focus intensely and swing with control.
Step 4: Keep momentum
After scoring once or twice make sure everyone stays focused and ready for what may come next! Keeping positive attitudes will help maintain momentum throughout the rest of the game.
By following these four steps consistently throughout each game there’s no reason why we cannot put up crooked numbers over our opponents when it matters most! Remember this takes practice but once mastered will lead your team onto many victories!
Frequent asked questions about baseball crooked numbers explained.
As a baseball fan, you may have heard the term “crooked numbers” being thrown around by commentators, coaches and players. But what exactly are crooked numbers and why do they matter in the game of baseball?
Well, simply put, crooked numbers refer to any inning where a team scores two or more runs. The term “crooked” is used because when the scorecard shows anything other than a “0” in the innings column, it appears as though the line score is “crooked”.
Scoring crooked numbers can have a huge impact on the momentum of a game. It not only puts your team ahead but also adds pressure to the opposing team’s offense to respond with their own number on the scoreboard. Baseball is a game of momentum and scoring multiple runs in an inning can help swing that momentum dramatically in your favor.
Another important aspect of crooked numbers lies in statistical analysis of player performances. For example, starting pitchers who give up fewer crooked numbers tend to have lower ERAs (earned run average) and WHIPs (walks plus hits per innings pitched), indicating better overall performance during games. Crooked numbers are also indicative of strong hitting performances for individual batters as well as successful offensive execution by entire teams.
Now that we understand what crooked numbers represent let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this baseball term:
Q: Why are crooked numbers considered so important?
A: As discussed earlier, scoring multiple runs in one inning gives your team added momentum and puts pressure on your opponent’s offense to respond quickly which can ultimately lead to victory.
Q: How many runs need to be scored for an inning to be considered a crooked number?
A: Two or more runs scored by either team makes an inning qualify as having “crooked” offense according to most baseball fans.
Q: Can pitching teams also score crooked numbers?
A: No, only the offensive team can score crooked numbers.
Q: Are high scoring games always due to crooked numbers?
A: Not necessarily, a high-scoring game may be the result of several big innings or several small runs over multiple innings. Crooked numbers just represent any inning where two or more runs have been scored in the same half-inning by one team.
Q: Are there any other baseball terms that describe a similar concept as crooked numbers?
A: Yes, such cases are referred to as “big innings” or “rallies”. However, crooked number specifically refers to teams reaching multiple runs within an inning.
Knowing and understanding what crooked numbers mean is just another step toward appreciating the intricacies of this beloved sport we all know and love. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team from the stands or watching from home, keep an eye out for those odd digits popping up on your screen – they could be signaling some big momentum shifts in your team’s favor.
The history of the term baseball crooked number: Top 5 facts you never knew!
Baseball has remained one of the most popular sports for well over a century now, and so too have its unique terminologies. Certain commonly used terms in baseball like runs, hits, RBI (runs batted in), and ERA (earned run average) are used ubiquitously across various sports communities worldwide. A lesser-known term and phenomenon peculiar to baseball is referred to as “the crooked number”, which refers to any numeric value on the scoreboard whose number design digit resembles something other than straight lines: thus numbers like 1 or 4 are called “straight numbers”, whereas digits like 0, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and even 9 feature “crooked numbers”.
Here are five fascinating facts about the history of the term “baseball crooked number” you probably never knew:
1) The origin story
The exact origins of the phrase “baseball crooked number” remains unknown; although it’s thought to be linked with Prohibition Era Chicago gangster Al Capone. Capone was known for his love of sport but especially his passion for baseball since he occasionally betted on games with his fellow mobsters who were also enthusiasts of America’s national pastime. It was common knowledge among them that they’d refer to a score when it had more than one-digit lead comprised entirely by figures that weren’t straight -i.e., “crooked”- because usually such leads seemed insurmountable. Whether true or just an urban myth remains uncertain; however what we do know is that this terminology became widely accepted in mainstream media coverage sometime around the early ’50s.
2) First usage
The phrase “baseball crooked number” was first officially used in a New York Times article dated April 26th, 1973. In a piece written by sports journalist Dave Anderson, he mentioned in a game that Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-1: “then came the fifth inning… and with it another crooked number for Boston…” The man who almost always covered the sport was one of the few journalists to use this term and this helped its popularity grow.
3) Psychological impact
Scoring multiple runs during an inning is critical in baseball since it has been proven over time that psychological intimidation plays an essential role even when equally talented teams compete against each other. Scoring 2+ more than the opposing team frequently puts hitters on edge as they become over-anxious about making mistakes. While offense coaches can motivate their players to become less self-conscious using various technicalities like pitch selection, pitcher manipulation or play calling, seeing anything above “straight numbers” like being down two or three runs can have them rattled.
4) Straight numbers vs. Crooked numbers trend
Going back over nearly a century of baseball innings that have scored five or more runs we come across quite an interesting goal-scoring trend where twice as many crooked number innings are needed before obtaining high leads; taking into account all possible integer sequences (2×5,7,9…) versus straight scores (2×6,8). This irregularity becomes more pronounced if we focus only on games with close scores leading up into those big leads. It’s been said when you see someone score four or more points consecutively in basketball fans’ cry out “Hes heating up”, in baseball scoring crooked-number innings undoubtedly takes the wind out of any opposition fan’s sails.
5) Unanimous acceptance
A remarkable fact about this term is how it has achieved universal recognition among both players and fans. Even though baseball is renowned for its intricate terminologies; including concepts such as “sacrifice fly”, “balk” or even “cup check”, these phrases don’t have quite the same appeal nor are they popularized at the same level that crooked numbers has been. This phenomenon is primarily due to the key role it plays in baseball since high scores generate emotions amongst listeners which increases their engagement and attention.
In conclusion, Baseball’s Terminology is well-renowned for being unique, complex and intricate- “baseball crooked number” is an especially intriguing phrase used to describe numeric scores seen on scoreboards when “creating a lead”. It’s understandable why this terminology needs to be precisely defined – this quality favors better understanding of the essence of scoring big innings, both from individual players’ standpoint and also its psychological effects on opposing teams’ morale, making it truly remarkable.
Understanding the psychology behind a baseball crooked number and its importance.
As one of the oldest and most beloved sports in America, baseball has a rich history filled with unique terminology and traditions. One such tradition that is often heard during a game is the phrase “crooked number.” In baseball, a crooked number refers to any inning where a team scores two or more runs. While it may seem like an arbitrary designation, there is actually quite a bit of psychology behind this term and its importance in the game.
Firstly, scoring multiple runs in an inning can create momentum for a team. Baseball is a game of peaks and valleys, where teams can ride high during periods of success or become bogged down during slumps. Scoring multiple runs in an inning can give players and fans alike an instant boost of energy and optimism, which can carry over into subsequent innings. Conversely, being on the receiving end of a crooked number can be demoralizing and lead to negative emotions like frustration or anger.
Furthermore, scoring multiple runs in an inning requires excellent execution by players in all aspects of the game. Batting well enough to produce multiple hits or walks, advancing runners with timely sacrifices or steals, and ultimately getting runners across home plate through smart base running are all part of this process. Performing well as a team on all these fronts not only leads to tangible results on the scoreboard but also fosters feelings of teamwork and cohesion among players.
Finally, crooked numbers are important because they are rare occurrences within games. While individual runs are common enough in baseball – teams can score anywhere from zero to 20+ per game – scoring two or more runs in one inning requires sustained success at the plate over several batters (or mistakes by fielders). Given that league averages dictate that teams typically score only about four runs per nine innings played collectively across both teams’ innings – sometimes even less depending on pitching matchups – being able to tally up large numbers across single specific frames is especially virtuosic.
In conclusion, a crooked number in baseball is not just a term used to describe scoring two or more runs in an inning, but rather it represents a critical aspect of the game at both an emotional and strategic level. It can energize and demoralize teams alike while also testing players’ all-around abilities on offense. As any avid baseball fan knows, there’s nothing quite like seeing your team put up a crooked number – unless, of course, you’re cheering for the other side.
When to go for the baseball crooked number strategy? Expert guide!
As a baseball fan or coach, you may have heard of the “crooked number” strategy – an approach where a team tries to score as many runs as possible in one inning, aiming for numbers that are not evenly divisible by three (3 runs, 6 runs, 9 runs, and so on). But when is it appropriate to employ this tactic?
Firstly, it’s important to understand the psychology behind the crooked number strategy. Baseball games are often won or lost by small margins, and teams can quickly become demoralized if they fall too far behind early on. Conversely, a big inning can inspire confidence and momentum that carries over into later innings. This is why going for the crooked number can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy – it requires taking bigger risks with base running and at-bats.
So when should you try for a crooked number? The most obvious answer is when trailing late in the game – say, entering the seventh inning down by two or more runs. At this stage of the game, teams need to take bold risks to stay in contention; playing conservatively will only lead to defeat.
Another situation where attempting a crooked number makes sense is when facing a dominant starting pitcher who has shut down your team’s offense for several innings. In these cases, players can become overly cautious at bat out of fear of making an out. Squeezing together an explosive inning can change that dynamic and disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm.
However, it’s important not to blindly chase after crooked numbers without considering other factors such as matchups between hitters and pitchers or situational awareness with runners on base. For instance, sacrificing one or two outs in order to advance runners could be beneficial in certain situations even if it means settling for a smaller run total.
In conclusion: while attempting a crooked inning might seem like an all-or-nothing move that should only be reserved for special circumstances, it should be seen as a viable strategy that can be utilized in the right situations. With the proper analysis and risk assessment, going for a crooked number can unleash an offensive barrage that can seal victory or turn around what looks like an insurmountable lead.
Best examples of baseball games featuring a crooked number and their impact on teams
Baseball is such an unpredictable game that it’s always possible for a team to come back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit. One moment of brilliance or one inning of chaos can be all it takes to turn the tide of a game. In baseball, this often comes in the form of what’s called “crooked numbers.”
For those unfamiliar with the term, “crooked number” refers to any inning where a team scores three or more runs. That may not sound like much until you remember that baseball games are usually low-scoring affairs. A three-run inning is often enough to decide a game, especially if your opponent happens to be struggling at the plate.
So what are some examples of crooked numbers in action? Let’s take a look at some memorable games and discuss their impact on the teams involved.
1) The Red Sox Score 10 in One Inning
On July 12th, 2019, the Boston Red Sox were down 7-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers going into the 4th inning. Then they exploded for TEN RUNS in one frame, setting a new franchise record for most runs scored in an inning since 1988! They went on to win easily by a score of 11-2. This incredible feat was led by first baseman Michael Chavis who had two RBIs during the inning alone!
The impact on both teams was significant: For Boston, it proved they’re capable of high-octane scoring at any time and boosted their confidence moving forward throughout the season; on Los Angeles’ side however, it was demoralising losing after taking such an early lead.
2) Arizona Diamondbacks Make History
Another example occurred April 11th, 2001 when The Arizona Diamondbacks faced off against division rivals St Louis Cardinals. Down by eight runs going into bottom of ninth meant there was little hope left but Diamondback players produced their most memorable game with an incredible nine-run inning – an unbelievable feat to overcome the Cardinals, who had seemingly so convincingly won the game beforehand.
Not only did The Diamondbacks make baseball history by scoring nine runs in one inning time, but this also put down a marker for the rest of the league as they would go on to have one of their most successful seasons on record. As for St Louis, it must be frustrating giving away what seemed like a surefire win.
3) Cubs Break Curse Of Goat
For years and years, loyal Chicago Cubs fanatics had lamented their losing streak and feared their team was cursed by “The Curse of The Billy Goat”. Their fortune would untimely change however during 2016 World Series where they were up against Cleveland Indians. At Game Seven, Cubs came from behind with three run in eighth inning after trailing since second innings. And that’s all it ultimately took: the unique ability to produce a crooked number when it mattered most lifted the curse and finally rewarded the long-suffering Cubbies with championship glory.
As you can see, crooked numbers can completely alter momentum of games and have significant impact on teams’ overall success. Such innings might yet be called coincidences if it happened once or twice but examples above indicate that potential shock victories happen more often than many people realise!