Baseball is often referred to as America's pastime, a game played and watched by millions throughout the United States. During the 21st century, baseball has grown in worldwide popularity with many Latin countries as well as Japan and Mexico becoming more adept at the game. The official baseball rules provided by Major League Baseball ensure an entertaining game, while protecting the safety of the players.
Field
The pitcher's mound is located 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate. The bases are located in a diamond shape around the pitcher's mound. The distance between the bases is 90 feet. Foul lines extend in a straight line from first and third base to the outfield wall. The outfield wall differs by field and signified the end of the field. A ball that clears the outfield wall is declared a home run. A ball that hits the outfield wall and comes back into play is a live ball and play continues.
Personnel
A baseball team is allowed to field nine players in accordance with official baseball rules. A fielder must be located on all four bases with the pitcher on the pitcher's mound. No other fielders are allowed inside the diamond before the pitch is delivered. A team bats one through nine in a designated order. The batting order is not adjustable. A substitute takes the place of a player he replaces.
Pitching
A pitcher must begin his delivery with one foot on the pitching rubber. A pitcher must hold the ball in both hands and is permitted to take a step forward and back with the free foot. The standing foot must remain on the rubber until the ball is released. The pitcher must throw the ball in one continuous motion and is not allowed to fake the batter.
Strikes and Balls
A strike is called when a pitch reaches home plate and is judged by the umpire to have passed through the strike zone. The strike zone is from the knee to shoulder height of a batter, and extends as wide as a normal swing of the bat. A ball outside the strike zone is called a ball. A batter swinging and missing at any ball will result in a strike being called. Four balls will allow the batter to walk to first base.
Outs
Three strikes result in the batter being called out. A ball caught by a fielder is also given as on out. A batter is called out while running the bases is a fielder touches a base while holding the ball before the batter arrives.
Scoring
A run is scored when a batter rounds the bases and returns to home plate. A home run allows the batter and all runners on base to score a run. The baseball team that scores the most runs is declared the winner. A tied score after nine innings means extra innings are played until a winner is declared.
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