...
# assume the @data is your array of arrayrefs.
# get the data sorted on field 2 (zero based)
@data = numeric_sorter(2, @data)

sub numeric_sorter {
    my ($field_num, @data) = @_;

    my @sorted_items = sort {$a->[$field_num] <=> $b->[$field_num]} @data;

    return @sorted_items;
}

##</code><code>##

@data = numeric_sorter(2, @data)

sub alpha_sorter {
    my ($field_name, @data) = @_;

    my @sorted_items = sort {$a->{$field_name} <=> $b->{$field_name}} @data;

    return @sorted_items;
}