Baseball is a team sport in which players compete to score points. A player scores a run when they touch all three bases and cross home plate. The objective of the fielding team is to stop this from happening by getting the batter or runners out. They can do this by catching a batted ball, throwing the ball to a base before the runner gets there or tagging the runner with the ball.
There are nine players on each team at any time, although a substitution may be made if an injury or tactical decision is required. The field is shaped like a diamond and is lined with four bases, with home plate at the center. There is also a ‘pitcher’s mound’, a rounded mass of dirt 60 feet 6 inches from home plate. The fielding teams are positioned on opposite sides of the diamond, with the pitcher’s mound in front of home plate.
Each team plays 162 games in the regular season, usually playing every other team within their division twice. There are also a few series against teams in the other league (called “interleague play”). The teams’ overall record determines division winners, playoff spots and seedings.
The batter tries to hit the ball from the pitcher, but the pitch must be within a certain area or it will be called a’strike’. The batter can get up to three strikes before they are dismissed from the game. If they miss the ball completely or the ball is caught before they reach a base, then they are “out”.
A batter can advance around all bases and cross home plate for a run, but only one runner is allowed on each base at a time. The runner must touch all bases before running back to home plate. They must also stay in contact with each base when they are not on it, or they will be ‘tagged out” (touching a player or the ball with either hand while running past a base).
There are several ways to learn about baseball: Watch it with a friend, family member or coworker. Having someone to discuss the game with can help you understand it better. Alternatively, listen to the radio! It’s the best way to get a feel for how the game is played. You can also download a podcast to expand your baseball knowledge on the go.
Once you’ve got a grasp on the basics, start learning how to play! It’s a great activity for families, as it helps develop hand-eye coordination and attention span. When you’re ready to practice your skills, have a friend or family member toss a ball to you, and focus on swinging smoothly and lightly at first. This will allow you to build your power slowly, and prevent injuries. Eventually, you’ll be able to make contact consistently and hit the ball hard. If you’re still having trouble hitting the ball, try practicing with a tennis ball to develop your hand-eye coordination and accuracy.