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Baseball
Start with the basics, then explore the available rules, scoring, playing-area and equipment guides.
At a glance
- Format
- Standard baseball
- Players
- Nine fielders per team
- Core equipment
- Bat, ball, gloves and bases
- Scoring
- Runs
The reference collection
Find your starting point.
About Baseball
Baseball is played between two teams of 9 players. One team bats to score runs, while the other fields and pitches to try and get players out.
The game is played on a diamond-shaped field with four bases.
Why Baseball Is So Popular
Baseball is one of the most iconic sports worldwide.
Global Reach
Popular in the USA, Japan and many other countries.
Strategic Gameplay
Combines skill, timing and tactical decisions.
Unique Structure
Turn-based gameplay makes it different from most sports.
Professional Leagues
Major leagues attract large audiences and fans.
Tradition
Baseball has a rich history and strong cultural presence.
Baseball FAQ
What is baseball?
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport where teams score runs by hitting a ball and running bases.
How many players are on a team?
Each team has 9 players on the field.
How do you score?
By running around all bases and returning to home plate.
What is an out?
An out is when a batter or runner is dismissed.
How do you win?
The team with the most runs wins.
Key terms
- Run
- A score completed by legally advancing around the bases to home plate.
- Base
- One of the stations a runner advances through on the way home.
- Inning
- A pair of half-innings, giving each team a turn to bat.
Keep learning: Baseball guide · Scoring explained
These additions do not mark the existing overview or linked guides as fully fact-checked. Rules can differ by competition, age group and format.