The Basics of Baseball

The game of baseball incorporates several types of physical exertion, including throwing the ball and running in the outfield and around the bases. It requires a great deal of physical coordination and strategic thinking, and it is highly engaging and dynamic for players and spectators alike.

The goal of the defensive team is to record three outs in each half-inning, preventing the batting team from scoring runs. The batting team attempts to score runs by advancing around the four bases in order and touching home plate before being called out. The defensive team aims to prevent the runner from advancing to the next base by throwing the ball at the runner or making them touch the ground on their way back to the previous base (a force play).

FOUL BALL A batted ball that settles in foul territory between home and first or third base, or that bounds past either of those bases on or over foul territory. A FIELDER’S CHOICE A fielder handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner.

TOUCH A PLAYER OR UMBIL A part of a player’s body, the uniform or equipment worn by a player (except jewelry), or an umpire. A DROP AN INNING A drop in a game that occurs when the umpire signals a dead ball.

A LINE UP The order in which the batting team takes turns in batting, which is determined by the number of runners on each base.