My favorite game Baseball

Baseball is a game that is known by many other names like a ballgame, rounder, etc. Baseball is also considered as the modified form of other older English games like Stoolball and Rounders. This game is popular in many countries but is mostly followed by Japan, Canada, and the United States.

It is a game in which two teams compete with each other to win the game. The game is played with a stick and ball. The opposing team throws a ball to the batter and the batter will have to hit the ball and score runs. The winning team will be declared with the highest score at the end of the match.

The game of baseball originated in the mid-18th century. The game was inspired by various other stick and ball games. The modern version of baseball was developed in North America. However, baseball gained its popularity in the late 19th century and also became the national sport of the United States. Gradually the popularity of this game flourished in various countries like the Caribbean, Japan, Taiwan, North America, South Asia, etc.

Some references show the existence of baseball in the 1700s, in England where it was known by the name ‘Rounders’. In 1845, the first rules were formalized in the United States by Alexander Cartwright for a baseball club ‘Knickerbockers’. As per reports, in 1846, the first baseball game was played by the knickerbockers but officially the first recorded baseball game was played on 19 June 1846 in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The first professional league, the National Association of Professional Baseball Players was founded in 1871. However, in 1903 the first world series was held between the American League (AL) champion, Boston, and National League (NL) champion, Pittsburg.

There are two teams of 9 players each in this game. Like many other games, the main objective of baseball is to score more runs than the opposite team. The team with the highest score after all nine innings is declared the winner of the game. If the match is drawn after the 9th inning, then an extra-inning is provided to judge the scores.

The bowler who throws the ball is called a pitcher in this game. The pitcher has to throw the ball directly towards the batsman without any drops. The batsman will try to hit the ball with all the strength so that he will get more time to score runs by running all the bases. The batsman has to run from one base to the second similarly the runner on the second base will run to the third base and the runner from the third base will run to the home plate and will get a chance to bat. In due course of time if the baseman catches the ball, then the runner will be declared out.

If the batsman is unable to hit balls three times continuously and the balls are under the hit area then the batsman is declared out. Similarly, if the bowler throws balls outside the hitting area continuously four times, then points are awarded to the batsman.

If the batsman hit the ball over the outfield, it is considered a home run. When a batter hits a home run with a runner present at all the bases, it is considered as a Grand slam, for which 4 points will be awarded to the batter.

The baseball field is divided into two parts; infield and outfield. The infield is mostly covered with sand and dirt whereas the outfield consists of grass. The infield is square and the distance between the bases is 90 feet.

The field is diamond-shaped. The field contains four bases which the runner had to cover to score runs. The base where the batsman stands is known as the home plate. At the other three bases, three other runners stand. Along with the runner, the baseman also stands to catch the bowl. In the middle of the infield, the pitcher stands and throws the ball.

Apart from this one shortstop is also present in the infield to help the baseman by giving them balls. Three outfielders are present outside the inner fields that are on the outfields to pass and catch the ball. Umpires are present at every base to judge the method of playing.