Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, typically consisting of nine players each. The game is played on a diamond-shaped field with four bases arranged in a square. The objective is to score runs by hitting a ball thrown by the pitcher and running around the bases back to home plate. A team takes turns playing offense (batting) and defense (fielding).
The game consists of a set number of innings, usually nine, during which each team has a chance to bat and field. The offense attempts to score runs while the defense aims to prevent them by getting batters out through various means, such as striking out, catching batted balls in the air, or tagging players as they run the bases.
Baseball is known for its unique terminology, such as “home run,” “strikeout,” and “inning,” and it has a rich history, especially in the United States, where it is often referred to as “America’s pastime.” It is governed by a combination of formal rules, known as the “official rules of baseball,” and unwritten codes regarding player conduct and sportsmanship. The game is celebrated for its strategic elements, individual player matchups, and the skill required in both batting and fielding.