Baseball is an American-made game dating to the 19th century. It is a simplistic game featuring little required equipment and simple rules. Because of its ease to learn, baseball has become one of the most popular young sports in the United States, being played from very young ages in various incarnations such as tee ball and slow-pitch baseball. Knowing the rules is key to being able to enjoy the game, whether you're playing it or watching as a spectator. Either way, if you want to learn the fundamental rules of baseball, you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Positions
Baseball teams are comprised a minimum of nine players. These nine players play offense and defense--each has an assigned position on the field and hits in a batting order. The batting order is determined prior to the game and is a rotation of all nine players. Each takes a turn and plays in order throughout the game. Defensive positions on the field include a pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop and three outfielders.
Field Rules
The in-bounds territory is determined by the infield bases. First, second and third base as well as home plate form a diamond on the field. First and third base are each 90 feet away from home plate--together the three form a 90-degree angle. Lines are painted down from home plate to both first base and third base and beyond, until they reach a fence. The fence goes around the outfield and forms the outer limit of the field. Anything outside the lines is foul territory, and everything within the lines is fair.
Scoring
Players take turns receiving pitches over the plate. They are allowed three swings at the ball, provided it travels over the plate and is hittable. If a player cannot hit the ball after three swings, or if the ball is hit and caught, they are out. If a player hits the ball, the ball lands on the ground and is then thrown to a baseman, who tags the runner, that runner is also out. Each team gets three outs to advance as many runners around the bases as possible. The objective is for a player to hit the ball and make their way around the bases, touching home plate and scoring a run. Each run counts as one score.
Innings
Baseball games are divided into innings. Depending on the league, between five and nine innings comprise a game. Each inning provides the opportunity for every team to play offense once--one team will play until they reach three outs, then the next team will try. The team with the most runs at the end of the pre-determined number of innings wins the game. If a game is tied at the end of the game, extra innings are played until one team is ahead after a full inning has been played.
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