BASEBALL

WHAT IS BASEBALL?

Baseball is a bat and-ball sport played

between two teams of nine players each. The
goal is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball
and running around four bases arranged in a
diamond shape. The defending team tries to
prevent runs by fielding the ball and getting
runners out.
 BASEBALL

The game is divided into innings, with each team taking

turns to bat and field. The pitcher throws the ball to the
batter, who tries to hit it and reach a base safely. Fielders
try to catch the ball, tag runners, or throw the ball to a
base to record outs. Baseball is hugely popular in
countries like the United States
History of Baseball
Baseball has a rich and storied
history dating back to the mid-
19th century. The game evolved
from various stick-and-ball games
played in Europe and North
America, eventually becoming the
national pastimeUnited
States.stime of the
• The first professional baseball league, the
National Association, formed in 1871, followed
by the more successful National League in 1876.
The American League was established in 1901,
and the two leagues merged in 1903 to form
Major League Baseball
• The game has seen many legendary players and
moments, including Babe Ruth's home run
record, Jackie Robinson breaking the color
barrier, and the iconic rivalry between the New
York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Today,
baseball remains a beloved sport with a
passionate fan base and a rich cultural legac.
• The first recorded baseball game occurred on
June 19, 1846, in Hoboken, New Jersey,
between the New York Nine and the
Knickerbockers, marking the debut of a
professional baseball team.
• In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became
the first professional baseball team. They were
the first team to play a full season of games
against other professional teams.
• The first World Series, played in 1903, featured
the Boston Americans against the Pittsburgh
Pirates, with the Americans winning 5-3, and
has been held annually since then.
• Jackie Robinson, the first African American to
play in the major leagues, faced racism and
discrimination, but his bravery and talent
helped break down racial barriers in baseball
and American society.
• In 1969, Major League Baseball expanded from
20 to 24 teams, introducing the Montreal
Expos, San Diego Padres, Seattle Pilots, and
Kansas City Royals.
• In 1998, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa broke
the single-season home run record of 61,
capturing the nation's attention and rekindling
interest in baseball.
• September 11, 2001, terrorist
attacks killed thousands,
suspending Major League
Baseball for a week. Players
wore American flag patches, and
the New York Yankees played a
crucial role in the city's recovery.
 How to play Baseball
• The pitcher pitches the baseball at a
certain level towards the batsman, over
the home plate. A clever pitcher pitches
a difficult ball to make it difficult for
the batsman to hit it far and score runs.
• The catcher takes his position behind
the home plate with heavy protective
gear and a special mitt. He crouches to
pick the ball up if the batsman misses it
and also fields if the ball lands close by.
• The first baseman, who should be
a good catcher, stands at the first
base and tries to get hold of the
ball before the batsman reaches
the first base and tags him.
• The second baseman tries to tag
the batsman by guarding the area
between the first and the second
base, and helps catch ground balls
before they roll into the outfield.
• The third baseman closely guards third base;
he is skilled in sending the balls back to the
first base across the diamond with a strong
throwing arm.
• Three players, called the out-fielders, guard
each of the left, right, and center sections of
the outfield. They catch balls that reach far
when the batsman hits hard to score more
runs.
• The umpire shouldn't favor any team and
should act unbiased. He watches the game
closely to announce runs scored in each play.
 Baseball has nine defensive positions, each with
specific responsibilities:
• 1. Pitcher (P) – Throws the ball to the batter, aiming for
strikes and preventing hits.
• 2. Catcher (C) – Positioned behind home plate, catches
pitches and directs the defense.
• 3. First baseman (1B) – Covers first base, fields ground
balls, and catches throws from other infielders.
• 4. Second baseman (2B) – Covers second base, fields
balls hit to the right side of the infield.
• 5. Third baseman (3B) – Guards third base, fields balls hit
down the left-field line.
• 6. Shortstop (SS) – Positioned between second
and third base, often fields ground balls and
assists in double plays.
• 7. Left fielder (LF)– Covers the outfield on the
left side, fields fly balls and backs up third base.
• 8. Center fielder (CF) – Covers the deepest
part of the outfield, has the most ground to cover.
• 9. Right fielder (RF) – Covers the outfield on
the right side, often has a strong arm for long
• Only offensive team members who bat
can get an out. Once a player is out, he or
she is removed from the batting rotation
and from play for the rest of the inning.
Once three players of the offensive team
are out, the defensive team gets a chance
to bat.
• A batsman can hit either a fair ball or a
foul ball. If the batsman advances to a
base without any errors, it is called a hit.
• When the batsman swings at the ball but
misses it, it is called a strike. Foul balls too
result in strike. Three strikes will make
the batsman out and is called a Strike
Out.
• Once a batsman is out, the next batsman
in the batting order gets the chance to bat.
• When a ball is pitched too far from the
hitting area to be hit by the batsman, it is
called a ball. After four balls, the batsman
gets a free advancement to first base. The
situation is also called base on balls or
• When the batsman hits the ball outside
the foul lines, it is a foul ball.
• When a foul ball is caught and turned
into fly out, the foul ball is counted as a
strike.
• Besides the batsmen, the runners too stay
at the bases to score runs. They try to
steal the bases by running even before
the batter hits the ball, this is called hit
and run.
 RULES OF BASEBALL
• Game Structure:

• A standard game consists of nine innings, with each team alternating between batting and
fielding.
• Scoring

• Runs are scored when a player successfully rounds all four bases and returns to home plate.

• Pitching Rules

• The pitcher must throw the ball within the strike zone. A *balk* is an illegal motion that can
result in a penalty.
• Batting Rules

• A batter gets *three strikes* before being called out. *Four balls* result in a walk to first
base.
• Fielding & Outs:

• The defensive team aims to get *three outs* per half-inning.

Outs can occur through strikeouts, catches, or tagging runners.
• Base Running:
• Runners must touch all bases in order. They can be tagged out if they
leave a base before the ball is hit or if they are caught between bases.
• Interference & Obstruction:
• Players must not interfere with fielders making a play, and fielders
cannot block a runner’s path without possession of the ball.
 In baseball, a *foul ball* occurs when a batted ball lands in
*foul territory*, which is outside the first and third base lines
• If a batter hits a foul ball, it counts as a *strike*, unless they already have two strikes.
• If a fielder catches a foul ball before it touches the ground, the batter is out

• Other violations in baseball include:

• Balk – When a pitcher makes an illegal motion before throwing the ball, allowing base runners to
advance.
• Interference – When a player illegally obstructs another player’s ability to make a play.

• Obstruction– When a fielder blocks a runner’s path without possession of the ball.

• Illegal pitch – When a pitcher throws a pitch in an improper manner, such as a quick pitch.

• Base running violations – Includes missing a base, running out of the baseline, or failing to tag up
on a fly ball.
 Equipments
and
Facilities of Baseball
 Equipment's of Baseball

Batting helmets protect batter's head

and pitcher's ear, with some having ear
protectors on one side and more
common with both sides for left and
right-handed batters.
 Baseball caps, popular
among players, serve as
a style statement and
shade eyes from the
sun.
• Catchers wear a helmet with
a face mask, similar to a
hockey goalkeeper mask, to
protect their head and face,
and may occasionally wear a
separate helmet and
facemask.
• Players, coaches, and
managers wear uniforms
consisting of shirts and
pants, each team having a
specific color and design.
• Baseball Cleats

These are baseball specific

shoes made of rubber or
metal that players wear for
better traction.
A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal
club used in the sport of baseball to hit the
ball after it is thrown by the pitcher. By
regulation it may be no more than 2.61 inches
(6.6 cm) in diameter at the thickest part and
no more than 42 inches (1.067 m) in length.[1]
Although historically bats approaching 3
pounds (1.4 kg) were swung,[2] today bats of 33
ounces (0.94 kg) are common, topping out at
34 to 36 ounces (0.96 to 1.02 kg).
• Ball

A regulation baseball is 9 to 9.25 inches

(229 to 235 mm) in circumference i.e.
2.86 to 2.94 inches (73 to 75 mm) in
diameter, with a weight of 5 to 5.25
ounces (0.142 to 0.149 kg). The leather
cover is commonly formed from two
saddle-shaped pieces stitched together,
typically with red-dyed thread.
• Catcher's mitt

Catchers wear leather

mitts with connected
finger pockets that are
much wider and better
padded than a normal
fielder's glove.
• First baseman's mitt

First basemen wear leather mitts

that are longer and wider than a
standard fielder's glove. They are
similar to catchers mitt as the
four fingers are connected;
additionally, it is rounded and
has more padding than a
standard fielder's glove.
• Batting gloves

Batsmen wear gloves on one

or both hands for additional
grip and to avoid shock when
they strike the ball.
The size of a
baseball field varies
depending on the
level of play.
 Major League Baseball (MLB)
Baseline length: 90 feet (27.4 meters)
Pitcher's mound to home plate: 60 feet
6 inches (18.4 meters) - Distance to
center field: At least 400 feet (122
meters)
Distance along foul lines: At least 320
feet (98 meters)
 Little League Baseball:
Baseline length: 60 feet (18.3
meters)
Pitcher's mound to home plate:
46 feet (14 meters) Distance to
center field: Around 200 feet
(61 meters)
BASEBALL
FACILITIES
 Baseball Diamond
The field where the
game is played,
consisting of bases, a
pitcher's mound, and an
outfield.
 Dugouts

Sheltered areas
for teams to sit
during the game.
 Batting Cages
Enclosed spaces for
players to practice
hitting.
Pitching Mounds
Raised areas where
pitchers throw the
ball.
 Bleachers or
Stadium Seating
Areas for
spectators to watch
the game.
 Scoreboard
Displays game
statistics and
scores.
 Locker Rooms
Spaces for players
to change and
store equipment.
Lighting for Night Game
Ensures visibility for
evening matches.
 Field Maintenance
Equipment
Includes rakes, tarps,
and other tools to
keep the field in good
condition.
Public Address System
Used for
announcements and
game commentary.
Facilitators
of
Baseball
• Coaches and Trainer- Guide players in skill
development, strategy, and physical
conditioning.
• Umpires and Officials– Ensure fair play and
enforce rules during games.
• Sports Organizations – Groups like Major
League Baseball (MLB) or Little League
Baseball that organize leagues and
tournaments.
• Community Programs – Initiatives that encourage youth
participation, such as Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities.
• Sponsors and Donors – Provide financial support for teams,
equipment, and facilities.
• Educators and Mentors – Help players develop leadership
and teamwork skills, sometimes through structured
programs
• Parents and Volunteers– Support young athletes by
managing logistics, transportation, and encouragement.
 Baseball hand signals are used by umpires, coaches, and players to
communicate decisions and strategies without speaking.

• Umpire Signals*

• Strike – The umpire raises their right hand and makes a forward punching
motion.
• Ball – The umpire extends their left hand to the side.

• Foul Ball – Both hands are raised, signaling that the ball is out of play.

• Fair Ball– The umpire points toward fair territory.

• Out– A clenched fist is raised and moved in a downward motion.

•
• *Coach & Player Signals*

• - Steal Sign – Coaches often touch their cap or swipe their arm to
signal a steal attempt.
• - Bunt Sign– A coach may tap their belt or chest to indicate a bunt
play.
• - Hit-and-Run – A combination of signals, often touching the wrist or
ear.
• - Take Sign– A coach may hold up their hand to tell the batter not to
swing.