Baseball is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams, usually consisting of nine players each. The game is played on a diamond-shaped field with four bases: first base, second base, third base, and home plate. The objective of the game is for a team to score runs by hitting a pitched ball and running around the bases to return to home plate.
One team plays defense, attempting to prevent runs by fielding the ball, while the other team plays offense, trying to get hits and score runs. The game progresses over nine innings, with each team having the opportunity to bat and field in each inning. A run is scored when a player successfully touches each of the four bases in order and returns to home plate.
Baseball is known for its strategic elements, including pitching, batting, and base running. It has a rich history and tradition, often referred to as America’s pastime, and is played at various levels, from amateur to professional leagues, such as Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. The bat, ball, and diamond layout are fundamental characteristics that define the game.