Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, each consisting of nine players. The game is played on a diamond-shaped field, which features four bases arranged in a square layout. The objective is for one team, the offense, to hit the ball and run around the bases to score runs, while the other team, the defense, tries to get the offensive players out through various means, such as catching a hit ball before it touches the ground or throwing the ball to a base before a runner arrives.
The game is divided into nine innings, with each team having a turn to bat and a turn to field in each inning. A key component of baseball is the pitcher, who throws the ball towards the batter from the opposing team, while the batter attempts to hit it. The game is known for its strategic elements, including pitching techniques, batting styles, base-running tactics, and defensive formations.
Baseball is known for its rich history, cultural significance, and is often referred to as America’s pastime. It has various professional leagues, with Major League Baseball (MLB) being the most prominent in the United States. The sport has also expanded globally, with significant followings in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Cuba.