Editing Baseball (section)

==Rules and gameplay==
{{Further|Baseball rules|Outline of baseball}}

=== Overview ===
[[File:Baseball diamond.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Diagram of a [[baseball field]] ''Diamond'' may refer to the square area defined by the four bases or to the entire playing field. The dimensions given are for professional and professional-style games. Children often play on smaller fields.]]
[[File:DR_vs_PR._World_Baseball_Classic.jpg|thumb|[[2013 World Baseball Classic championship]] match between the [[Dominican Republic national baseball team|Dominican Republic]] and [[Puerto Rico national baseball team|Puerto Rico]], March 20, 2013]]

A baseball game is played between two teams, each composed of nine players, that take turns playing offense (batting and baserunning) and defense (pitching and fielding). A pair of turns, one at bat and one in the field, by each team constitutes an [[inning]]. A game consists of nine innings (seven innings at the high school level and in [[doubleheader (baseball)|doubleheaders]] in college, [[Minor League Baseball]] and, since the [[2020 Major League Baseball season|2020 season]], [[Major League Baseball]]; and six innings at the Little League level).<ref name="League">{{Cite news|url=https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/rules-regulations-policies/|title=Rules, Regulations, and Policies – Little League|last=League|first=Little|work=Little League|access-date=March 19, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> One team—customarily the visiting team—bats in the top, or first half, of every inning. The other team—customarily the home team—bats in the bottom, or second half, of every inning.

The goal of the game is to score more points ([[run (baseball)|runs]]) than the other team. The players on the team at bat attempt to score runs by touching all four bases, in order, set at the corners of the square-shaped [[baseball field|baseball diamond]]. A player bats at [[home plate]] and must attempt to safely reach a base before proceeding, [[counterclockwise]], from first base, to second base, third base, and back home to score a run. The team in the field attempts to prevent runs from scoring by recording [[out (baseball)|outs]], which remove opposing players from offensive action until their next turn at bat comes up again. When three outs are recorded, the teams switch roles for the next half-inning. If the score of the game is tied after nine innings, [[extra innings]] are played to resolve the contest. Many amateur games, particularly unorganized ones, involve different numbers of players and innings.<ref>Thurston (2000), p. 15; {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/foreword.jsp|title=Official Rules/Foreword|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124020327/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/foreword.jsp|archive-date=January 24, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/1.00—Objectives of the Game (Rules 1.01–1.03)|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011325/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|title=Official Rules/2.00—Definitions of Terms|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011321/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/04_starting_ending_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/4.00—Starting and Ending a Game (Rule 4.10)|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011327/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/04_starting_ending_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The game is played on a field whose primary boundaries, the foul lines, extend forward from home plate at 45-degree angles. The 90-degree area within the foul lines is referred to as fair territory; the 270-degree area outside them is foul territory. The part of the field enclosed by the bases and several yards beyond them is the [[infield]]; the area farther beyond the infield is the [[outfield]]. In the middle of the infield is a raised pitcher's mound, with a rectangular rubber plate (the rubber) at its center. The outer boundary of the outfield is typically demarcated by a raised fence, which may be of any material and height. The fair territory between home plate and the outfield boundary is baseball's field of play, though significant events can take place in foul territory, as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/1.00—Objectives of the Game (Rules 1.04–1.07)|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011325/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|title=Official Rules/2.00—Definitions of Terms|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011321/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

There are three basic tools of baseball: the [[baseball (ball)|ball]], the [[baseball bat|bat]], and the [[baseball glove|glove or mitt]]:
* The baseball is about the size of an adult's fist, around {{convert|9|in|cm|abbr=off|sp=us}} in circumference. It has a rubber or cork center, wound in yarn and covered in white [[cowhide]], with red stitching.<ref>Porterfield (2007), p. 23; {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/1.00—Objectives of the Game (Rule 1.09)|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011325/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The bat is a hitting tool, traditionally made of a single, solid piece of wood. Other materials are now commonly used for nonprofessional games. It is a hard round stick, about {{convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=off|sp=us}} in diameter at the hitting end, tapering to a narrower handle and culminating in a knob. Bats used by adults are typically around {{convert|34|in|cm|abbr=off|sp=us}} long, and not longer than {{convert|42|in|cm|abbr=off|sp=us}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/1.00—Objectives of the Game (Rule 1.10a)|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011325/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}} {{cite web|author=Fitzgerald, Stephen|url=http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2005/0176531.html|title=Polymer Composite Baseball Bat Endcap (U.S. Patent Application 20050176531)|date=November 8, 2005|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=FreePatentsOnline.com|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
* The glove or mitt is a fielding tool, made of padded leather with webbing between the fingers. As an aid in catching and holding onto the ball, it takes various shapes to meet the specific needs of different fielding positions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/1.00—Objectives of the Game (Rules 1.12–1.15)|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011325/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
Protective [[batting helmet|helmets]] are also standard equipment for all batters.<ref>Thurston (2000), pp. 21, 30, 31; {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|title=Official Rules/1.00—Objectives of the Game (Rule 1.16)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011325/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/01_objectives_of_the_game.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

=== Fielding positions ===
[[File:Baseball positions.svg|thumb|Diagram indicating the standard layout of positions]]
At the beginning of each half-inning, the nine players of the fielding team arrange themselves around the field. One of them, the [[pitcher]], stands on the pitcher's mound. The pitcher begins the pitching delivery with one foot on the rubber, pushing off it to gain velocity when throwing toward home plate. Another fielding team player, the [[catcher]], squats on the far side of home plate, facing the pitcher. The rest of the fielding team faces home plate, typically arranged as four infielders—who set up along or within a few yards outside the imaginary lines (basepaths) between first, second, and third base—and three outfielders. In the [[baseball positions|standard arrangement]], there is a [[first baseman]] positioned several steps to the left of first base, a [[second baseman]] to the right of second base, a [[shortstop]] to the left of second base, and a [[third baseman]] to the right of third base. The basic outfield positions are [[left fielder]], [[center fielder]], and [[right fielder]]. With the exception of the catcher, all fielders are required to be in fair territory when the pitch is delivered. A neutral [[umpire (baseball)|umpire]] sets up behind the catcher.<ref>Porterfield (2007), pp. 16–18, 25, 34, 35; {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/09_the_umpire.pdf|title=Official Rules/9.00—The Umpire (Rule 9.03a)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011323/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/09_the_umpire.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Other umpires will be distributed around the field as well.<ref>{{cite news|title=AP source: 7 umpires rotate at World Series|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=September 29, 2014|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/09/29/ap-source-7-umpires-rotate-at-world-series/16437053/|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref>

=== Offense ===
[[File:David-ortiz-batters-box.JPG|thumb|right|[[David Ortiz]], the batter, awaiting a pitch, with the catcher and umpire]]
Play starts with a member of the batting team, the batter, standing in either of the two [[batter's box]]es next to home plate, holding a bat.<ref name=RulesPuttingBallInPlay>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/05_putting_ball_in_play.pdf|title=Official Rules/5.00—Putting the Ball in Play. Live Ball|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011326/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/05_putting_ball_in_play.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|title=Official Rules/6.00—The Batter (Rule 6.09)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011324/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/10_the_official_scorer.pdf|title=Official Rules/10.00—The Official Scorer (Rules 10.06, 10.12)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205082219/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/10_the_official_scorer.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> The batter waits for the pitcher to throw a pitch (the ball) toward home plate, and attempts to hit the ball<ref>{{cite magazine|first=David|last=Epstein|title=It's All About Anticipation: Ryan Howard and Rafael Nadal don't have quicker reflexes than you do. They hit the fastest pitches and return the hardest serves because they can see the future|date=August 8, 2011|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1188950/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213074933/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1188950/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2011|access-date=September 4, 2011}}</ref> with the bat.<ref name=RulesPuttingBallInPlay/> The catcher catches pitches that the batter does not hit—as a result of either electing not to swing or failing to connect—and returns them to the pitcher. A batter who hits the ball into the field of play must drop the bat and begin running toward first base, at which point the player is referred to as a ''runner'' (or, until the play is over, a ''batter-runner''). 
[[File:5TH 3689 Lou Marson.jpg|left|thumb|165x165px|A runner sliding into home plate and scoring.]]
A batter-runner who reaches first base without being [[putout|put out]] is said to be ''[[safe (baseball)|safe]]'' and is on base. A batter-runner may choose to remain at first base or attempt to advance to second base or even beyond—however far the player believes can be reached safely. A player who reaches base despite proper play by the fielders has recorded a [[hit (baseball)|hit]]. A player who reaches first base safely on a hit is credited with a [[single (baseball)|single]]. If a player makes it to second base safely as a direct result of a hit, it is a [[double (baseball)|double]]; third base, a [[triple (baseball)|triple]]. If the ball is hit in the air within the foul lines over the entire outfield (and outfield fence, if there is one), or if the batter-runner otherwise safely circles all the bases, it is a [[home run]]: the batter and any runners on base may all freely circle the bases, each scoring a run. This is the most desirable result for the batter. The ultimate and most desirable result possible for a batter would be to hit a home run while all three bases are occupied or "loaded", thus scoring four runs on a single hit. This is called a [[grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]]. A player who reaches base due to a fielding mistake is not credited with a hit—instead, the responsible fielder is charged with an [[error (baseball)|error]].<ref name="RulesPuttingBallInPlay" />

Any runners already on base may attempt to advance on batted balls that land, or contact the ground, in fair territory, before or after the ball lands. A runner on first base ''must'' attempt to advance if a ball lands in play, as only one runner may occupy a base at any given time; the same applies for other runners if they are on a base that a teammate is forced to advance to. If a ball hit into play rolls foul before passing through the infield, it becomes [[dead ball (baseball)|dead]] and any runners must return to the base they occupied when the play began. If the ball is hit in the air and caught before it lands, the batter has [[flyout|flied out]] and any runners on base may attempt to advance only if they [[tag up]] (contact the base they occupied when the play began, as or after the ball is caught). Runners may also attempt to advance to the next base while the pitcher is in the process of delivering the ball to home plate; a successful effort is a [[stolen base]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|title=Official Rules/2.00—Definitions of Terms|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011321/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/05_putting_ball_in_play.pdf|title=Official Rules/5.00—Putting the Ball in Play. Live Ball (Rule 5.09e)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011326/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/05_putting_ball_in_play.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|title=Official Rules/6.00—The Batter (Rule 6.05a)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011324/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/07_the_runner.pdf|title=Official Rules/7.00—The Runner (Rules 7.08d, 7.10a)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011328/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/07_the_runner.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/10_the_official_scorer.pdf|title=Official Rules/10.00—The Official Scorer (Rule 10.07)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205082219/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/10_the_official_scorer.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Defense ===
[[File:Strike zone en.JPG|left|thumb|The [[strike zone]] determines the result of most pitches, and varies in vertical length for each batter.]]
A pitch that is not hit into the field of play is called either a strike or a ball. A batter against whom three strikes are recorded [[strikeout|strikes out]]. A batter against whom four balls are recorded is awarded a [[base on balls]] or walk, a free advance to first base. (A batter may also freely advance to first base if the batter's body or uniform is [[Hit by pitch|struck by a pitch]] outside the strike zone, provided the batter does not swing and attempts to avoid being hit.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|title=Official Rules/6.00—The Batter (Rule 6.08b)|access-date=April 12, 2012|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529025727/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|archive-date=May 29, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Crucial to determining balls and strikes is the umpire's judgment as to whether a pitch has passed through the [[strike zone]], a conceptual area above home plate extending from the midpoint between the batter's shoulders and belt down to the hollow of the knee.<ref name="MLBR2">{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|title=Official Rules/2.00—Definitions of Terms|access-date=February 2, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011321/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> Any pitch which does not pass through the strike zone is called a ball, unless the batter either swings and misses at the pitch, or hits the pitch into foul territory; an exception [[Foul tip|generally]] occurs if the ball is hit into foul territory when the batter already has two strikes, in which case neither a ball nor a strike is called.

[[File:Navy baseball.jpg|thumb|A [[shortstop]] tries to [[tag out]] a runner who is sliding head first, attempting to reach second base.]]
While the team at bat is trying to score runs, the team in the field is attempting to record outs. In addition to the strikeout and flyout, common ways a member of the batting team may be put out include the [[Ground out (baseball)|ground out]], [[force play|force out]], and [[tag out]]. These occur either when a runner is forced to advance to a base, and a fielder with possession of the ball reaches that base before the runner does, or the runner is touched by the ball, held in a fielder's hand, while not on a base. (The batter-runner is always forced to advance to first base, and any other runners must advance to the next base if a teammate is forced to advance to their base.) It is possible to record two outs in the course of the same play. This is called a [[double play]]. Three outs in one play, a [[triple play]], is possible, though rare. Players put out or retired must leave the field, returning to their team's [[dugout (baseball)|dugout]] or bench. A runner may be stranded on base when a third out is recorded against another player on the team. Stranded runners do not benefit the team in its next turn at bat as every half-inning begins with the bases empty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|title=Official Rules/6.00—The Batter (Rule 6.05)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011324/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/07_the_runner.pdf|title=Official Rules/7.00—The Runner (Rules 7.08, 7.10)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011328/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/07_the_runner.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Batting order and substitution ===
[[File:Chris Tillman, Buck Showalter (36615791150).jpg|thumb|A pitcher handing off the ball after being taken out of the game during a [[mound meeting]].]]
An individual player's turn batting or [[plate appearance]] is complete when the player reaches base, hits a home run, makes an out, or hits a ball that results in the team's third out, even if it is recorded against a teammate. On rare occasions, a batter may be at the plate when, without the batter's hitting the ball, a third out is recorded against a teammate—for instance, a runner getting [[caught stealing]] (tagged out attempting to steal a base). A batter with this sort of incomplete plate appearance starts off the team's next turn batting; any balls or strikes recorded against the batter the previous inning are erased.

A runner may circle the bases only once per plate appearance and thus can score at most a single run per batting turn. Once a player has completed a plate appearance, that player may not bat again until the eight other members of the player's team have all taken their turn at bat in the [[batting order (baseball)|batting order]]. The batting order is set before the game begins, and may not be altered except for [[Defensive substitution|substitutions]]. Once a player has been removed for a substitute, that player may not reenter the game. Children's games often have more lenient rules, such as Little League rules, which allow players to be substituted back into the same game.<ref name="League" /><ref>Thurston (2000), p. 100; {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/03_game_preliminaries.pdf|title=Official Rules/3.00—Game Preliminaries (Rule 3.03)|access-date=February 2, 2009| publisher=Major League Baseball| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011326/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/03_game_preliminaries.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}} {{cite web| url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|title=Official Rules/6.00—The Batter (Rules 6.01, 6.04)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011324/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

If the [[designated hitter]] (DH) rule is in effect, each team has a tenth player whose sole responsibility is to bat (and run). The DH takes the place of another player—almost invariably the pitcher—in the batting order, but does not field. Thus, even with the DH, each team still has a batting order of nine players and a fielding arrangement of nine players.<ref>Porterfield (2007), p. 19; Thurston (2000), p. 153; {{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|title=Official Rules/6.00—The Batter (Rule 6.10)|access-date=February 3, 2009|publisher=Major League Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011324/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>