What is a backwards k in baseball?

A backwards "K" in baseball refers to a form of notation used to represent a called strikeout. In baseball scoring, each type of play and its outcome has a specific symbol that is used to indicate it on a scorecard. These symbols are used by official scorers to keep track of the game's progress.

The traditional "K" is used to represent a strikeout when the batter swings and misses the pitch. However, a backwards "K" is used when the strikeout is called by the umpire without the batter swinging at the pitch. This notation is referred to as a "backward K" because it represents a strikeout looking, indicating that the batter did not offer at the pitch and was caught looking at a called third strike.

The backwards "K" notation helps keep track of the different types of strikeouts during the game. It provides a visual distinction between a strikeout where the batter swung and missed and one where they were called out without swinging, which can have different implications and strategies for the game.