Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, each consisting of nine players. It is widely popular in several countries, especially in the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Latin American countries. Here are key features of baseball:
- Teams: Each team takes turns playing offense and defense. The team in the field (defense) consists of a pitcher, catcher, four infielders (first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman), and three outfielders (left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder).
- Gameplay: The game is divided into innings, with each team having the opportunity to bat and field in each inning. The team at bat tries to score runs by hitting a pitched ball and running around four bases arranged in a diamond shape (first, second, third, and home plate).
- Pitching: The pitcher stands on a mound and throws the ball toward the batter. The batter, from the opposing team, tries to hit the pitched ball with a bat.
- Scoring: A run is scored when a player successfully reaches home plate after touching each of the bases in a counter-clockwise sequence. Runs are accumulated to determine the winner of the game.
- Outs: The defensive team tries to get the offensive players out by striking them out (getting three strikes before hitting the ball), catching a hit ball before it touches the ground, or tagging a baserunner with the ball.
- Innings and Game Duration: A standard baseball game consists of nine innings. If the score is tied after nine innings, extra innings are played until a winner is determined.
- Leagues and Tournaments: Baseball is organized into various leagues and tournaments at different levels, from youth leagues to professional leagues. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States.
- Equipment: Players use a baseball bat to hit the ball and wear gloves for fielding. The pitcher and catcher wear special equipment, including a mask and chest protector.
Baseball is known for its strategic elements, teamwork, and individual skill. It has a rich history and has become an integral part of the cultural fabric in many countries where the sport is popular.