In baseball, why are strikes called K's?

Answer 1

A pitcher receives credit for (and a batter is charged with) a strikeout on any third strike, but a batter is out only if either of the following is true:

1. the third strike is pitched and caught in flight by the catcher (including foul tips);
2. on any third strike, if a baserunner is on first and there are fewer than two outs;
3. the third strike is bunted foul and is not caught by a fielder

If the third strike is not caught and there are two outs, or fewer than two outs and no baserunner on first, the batter becomes a runner. Thus, it is possible for a batter to strike out, but still reach base safely if the catcher fails or is unable to catch the third strike cleanly and cannot tag out the batter or force him out at first base (in Japan this is called furinige（振り逃げ）, i.e. swing and escape). As a result, pitchers have occasionally been able to record four strikeouts in one half-inning.

In scoring, a swinging strikeout is recorded as a K, or a K-S. The use of "K" for a strikeout was invented by Henry Chadwick, a newspaper journalist who is widely credited as the originator of the box score and the baseball scorecard. Both the box score and scorecard persist largely unchanged to this day, as the game itself is largely unchanged except for the number of balls and strikes allowed to the pitcher and batter. The letter "S" was used to coin "sacrifice" so Mr. Chadwick decided to use "K", with "K" being the last letter in "struck." Mr. Chadwick also invented many other baseball scoring abbreviations, such as using numbers to designate player positions (progressing from the battery, pitcher [1] and catcher [2], through the infield, with the shortstop counted after the basemen, at number 6, to the right fielder [9]).[1]

That Mr. Chadwick first established the convention of using the "K" abbreviation is well-founded, with reliable and authentic primary materials surviving (see citation above). Those unaware of Mr. Chadwick's contributions have speculated that "K" was derived from the 19th century pitcher Matt Kilroy's last name. If not for the evidence supporting Mr. Chadwick's earlier use of "K", this speculation would be reasonable: Kilroy did much to raise the prominence of the strikeout, setting an all-time record of 513 strikeouts in 1886, only two years after overhand pitching was permitted. Kilroy's record, however, is forever confined to its era: the pitcher's mound during his record-setting season was only 50 feet from the batter; it was moved to its current distance of 60'6" in 1893. The modern record (1901-) is 383 strikeouts, held by Nolan Ryan, one better than Sandy Koufax's 382.

Although some people use "K" to record pitchers' strikeouts, "SO" is the official abbreviation used by Major League Baseball[2].

In addition, "K" is still commonly used by fans and enthusiasts for purposes other than official record-keeping. In one baseball ritual, fans at the ballpark who are seated in view of the batter (and the television cameras) attach a succession of small "K" signs to the nearest railing, one added for every strikeout notched by the home team's pitcher. As is traditional for those who keep a record of the game on paper, the "K" is placed backwards in cases where the batter strikes out looking. Virtually every televised display of a major league game in which a pitcher registers a high number of strikeouts (7 or 8) will include a shot of a fan's strikeout display, and if the pitcher continues to strike out batters, the display often will be shown following every strikeout. In the event that a known "strikeout pitcher" is on the mound, the strikeout display will be televised on from the beginning.

Answer 2

In scoring, a swinging strikeout is recorded as a K, or a K-S. A strikeout looking (where the batter does not swing at a pitch that the umpire then calls strike three) is sometimes scored with a backwards K. The use of "K" for a strikeout was invented by Henry Chadwick, a newspaper journalist who is widely credited as the originator of the box score and the baseball scorecard. Both the box score and scorecard persist largely unchanged to this day, as the game itself is largely unchanged except for the number of balls and strikes allowed to the pitcher and batter. The letter "S" was used to coin "sacrifice" so Mr. Chadwick decided to use "K", with "K" being the last letter in "struck." Mr. Chadwick also invented many other baseball scoring abbreviations, such as using numbers to designate player positions (progressing from the battery, pitcher [1] and catcher [2], through the infield, with the shortstop counted after the basemen, at number 6, to the right fielder [9]).

Answer 3

Strikeouts are K's on the scorecard because K is the last letter in struck (as in struck out), and the S was being used for sacrifices. In the early days of baseball, sacrifices were much more common than they are now, and strikeouts were much less common.

Answer 4

Great question. I have guesses yet it's the basic guess. It might have started in the 50s by some radio broadcaster. That's a guess.

Answer 5

Just like the KO in a boxing match.
The end, you are out.

Answer 6

that's a good question, i wish i knew. i think a strike should be an "X" like in bowling.

Answer 7

"S" means save, so "K" is deliberately put that way to avoid confusion. There is also forwards K and backwards K---struck out swinging, and struck out looking.

No room on scorecards to elaborate!

Answer 8

Also- in a less-friendly tone- "K" has also been referred to as a Kill.

Answer 9

Great question here. I always wondered this myself and didn't think to ask.

Answer 10

i think as in "KO"..."knockout"