Baseball is a popular team sport played in many countries throughout the world. It is a game for people of a wide range of age and physical ability, from young children to professional athletes. While some rules of the game may differ depending on competitive level of play, the basic rules and objective of the game are the same regardless of where it is played.
Logistics
The size of a baseball field will vary depending on the age of players and the level of play. Professional baseball fields have certain set dimensions. The bases are positioned in a diamond formation, each 90 feet away from the previous one. The pitching mound is placed 60 feet, 6 inches in front of home plate. The outfield wall is the one variable on the field. The distance from home plate to the wall varies from stadium to stadium and from field to field.
Players
Baseball is always played with nine players on each team. However, teams have reserve players who can substitute for another player at any time. Baseball teams have two types of players: pitchers and position players. There are eight field positions: catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, center field, left field and right field. Field players are responsible for playing defense and hitting. The pitcher's only job is to pitch to opposing players. In many leagues, pitchers do not bat.
Game Rules
Teams alternate between playing defense and batting. The away team always bats first. To begin play play, the pitcher will throw the ball to the catcher, positioned behind home plate. The opposing player stands on either side of the plate and attempts to hit the ball. If the ball is hit in play, the batter will then run to first base. The defensive team can get that player out one of two ways. If the ball is caught without hitting the ground, the player is out. Additionally, if the defensive team is able to throw the ball to the first baseman, standing on the base, before the batter gets there, the batter is out. If the batter reaches the base before the throw, he is safe.
Strike Zone
The umpire behind the plate is responsible for creating the strike zone. Generally, the invisible strike zone is deemed to be from a player's knees to his waist, and the width of the plate. When a pitch is thrown and the batter does not swing, the umpire decides whether the pitch is a "ball" or a "strike." Additionally, if a player swings and misses the ball, or hits the ball into foul territory, it is a strike. If a player gets three strikes, he is out on a "strikeout." If a pitcher throws four balls, it is called a walk, and the player goes to first base. A foul ball hit with two strikes does not result in a strikeout; the batter continues to bat unless the foul ball is caught by a fielder.
Scoring and Game Length
Offensive players attempt to go around the bases. If they are able to reach home plate, the team scores a run. Play continues until the defensive team gets three outs, at which point the team switch between offense to defense.
Most baseball games are nine innings. Youth games, however, may be shorter. After nine innings, the team with the most runs wins the game.
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