Baseball

Baseball is a bat-and-ball game played between two opposing teams, typically consisting of nine players each. The game takes place on a field with a diamond-shaped layout, comprising four bases: first base, second base, third base, and home plate. The objective of the game is for the offensive team, known as the batters, to score runs by hitting a pitched ball and then running around the bases to return to home plate. The defensive team, known as the fielders, aims to prevent runs by getting batters out through catches, strikes, or force plays. The game is divided into nine innings, with each team having a chance to bat and field in each inning. The team that scores the most runs by the end of the game wins. Baseball is particularly popular in countries like the United States, Japan, and several Latin American nations, and is often referred to as America’s pastime. The sport is characterized by its rich history, traditions, and statistics, and features various levels of play, including professional leagues, college baseball, and amateur leagues.