Baseball Basics: The Game – Part 1
The game of baseball might seem as simple as throwing a ball and swinging the bat at it but in reality, there is much more to the game than this. The technicalities and the complexities of the game have increased tremendously and pitching without variety
or hitting without technique might not yield appropriate results. One important aspect of the game, which goes unnoticed almost always, is fielding. A team can never succeed until it controls the errors made on the field because every error committed is an
opening for a potential run.
The game of baseball starts with the pitcher throwing at the batter from the mound, situated in the centre of the infield, 62.5 feet away from the home plate, where the batter stands. The batter aims at connecting the throw and running to first base or even
further depending on where the hit goes.
Batters need to be highly patient while on the plate because swinging at every pitch will only earn them strikes and three-strikes inflict an “out”. The table setters, the first two batters in the line-up, are required to get to bases, even if they get there
without hitting. They usually are not hard hitters and make way for the sluggers who are usually known for their powerful hitting.
If a pitch is in the hitting zone i.e. above the knee, below the waist and above the home plate and the hitter misses it, a “strike” is called. However, if a pitch is outside the strike zone, a ball is called and four balls enable a batter to walk to first
base, thus the high importance for precision in pitching.
The aim of the batters remains to add runs for their team and solo efforts are seldom helpful in this regard. It has been noted that whenever teams have succeeded in covering all bases, runs have come in plenty. When a hitter connects the ball and begins
running, he is referred to as a runner. If a runner reaches a base safely, without being tagged out, he can remain there until there is an ample opportunity to make it safely to next base.
Substitutions play an important part in the game of baseball. A batting team can substitute any batter for another at any time of the game. The substituted player then is not eligible to take further part in the game.
If a hitter is substituted, the new player is referred to as a pinch hitter and if a runner is substituted, the replacement is termed a pinch runner.
The rules of the National League and the American League are almost the same with the exception of the Designated Hitter rule which is applicable in the AL only. The DH rule allows the batting side to replace their starting pitcher, usually the least effective
batter of the side, with a strong hitter who is exempted from fielding duties. This rule is not applicable in the NL.
The batters usually carry an advantage when the game is played in a batter’s ballpark. A batter’s ballpark usually has dimensions which favour the batters. The mound is usually of a lower height and the outfield fence is on a shorter distance. This allows
the batters to hit home-runs more often and poses difficulties for the pitchers as their speed falls.
Continued in Part 2
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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