Baseball is a game played between two teams of nine players each. The game is divided into nine innings, each consisting of two halves.

In the top half of the inning, one team takes turns batting to score runs, while the opposing team fields and tries to prevent scoring.

Dear Lykkers, during the bottom half, the roles reverse. The team with the most runs at the end of nine innings is declared the winner.

The game is played on a diamond-shaped field, with the corners formed by home plate, first base, second base, and third base. The pitcher's mound is located in the center of the diamond, where the pitcher throws the ball to the batter. The area beyond the infield, bordered by the baselines, is called the outfield.

Gameplay Basics

Pitching and Batting

The pitcher throws the ball toward the batter, who tries to hit it with a bat. A batter scores by running around all the bases and returning to home plate without being put out. The fielding team tries to catch the ball or tag the batter before they reach a base.

Scoring and Outs

A batter scores a run by successfully circling all the bases and reaching home plate. If the batter misses three pitches (a strikeout), the ball is caught, or a fielder reaches the base first, the batter is out. A team’s turn to bat ends after three outs.

How to Play Baseball

Video by wikiHow

Baseball Stats: Decoding Player Performance

Jimmy Cannon once said, "Baseball isn't statistics. Baseball is DiMaggio rounding second." Yet, statistics are integral to understanding and comparing player performances.

Offensive Statistics

Batting Average (AVG): Hits per at-bat.

Runs (R): Times a player scores.

Home Runs (HR): Hits that allow a player to run all bases.

Stolen Bases (SB): Times a player advances without a hit.

Pitching Statistics

Earned Run Average (ERA): Runs allowed per nine innings.

Strikeouts (SO): Batters retired after three strikes.

Wins (W) and Losses (L): Games won or lost by the pitcher.

Baseball Glossary: Key Terms to Know

Balk - An illegal pitcher motion allowing runners to advance.

Bunt - A light hit tapped into the infield.

Double Play - A defensive action resulting in two outs.

Inning - A segment where both teams take turns batting and fielding.

Home Run - A hit that allows the batter to circle all bases in one play.

Baseball’s timeless appeal lies in its combination of strategy, skill, and unpredictability, making it a game cherished by millions worldwide.