What is baseball about?
Two teams of 9 players compete to score the most runs. A run is scored by touching all four bases and returning to home plate. Teams alternate between batting (offence) and fielding (defence).
The field — the diamond
A baseball field is fan-shaped. At its centre lies the diamond — a square with bases at the corners:
- Home plate — where the batter stands and where runs are scored.
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd base — the bases a runner must circle in order.
Inside the diamond sits the pitcher's mound, and beyond the diamond stretches the outfield.
The inning — the basic unit
A game has 9 innings (youth baseball usually plays 5–6). Each inning has two halves: the visitors bat first, then the home team. A half-inning ends after three outs.
How do you score?
- Hit — the batter strikes the ball into fair territory and runs to a base.
- Run — a runner circles all 4 bases and touches home plate.
- Home run — the ball sails over the fence — the batter and all base runners score.
What's next?
In the next episode we'll explain batting, strikes, and the ways a batter can be out. Come to practice — it all clicks on the field!
