The rules of baseball can incur a love-slash-hate relationship for both new and seasoned athletes. At first, it can be frustrating; but remember that these guidelines will help promote fair play for everyone. So what are the basic rules of baseball and how can you start playing this sport?
The five essential yet basic rules of baseball are balls and strikes, tag outs, tagging up, force outs, and the player lineups among teams. League officials govern and promote these laws. Breaking these guidelines can result in different consequences ranging from mild (e.g., time-outs) to serious (e.g., suspension or expulsion from the league).
These rules tend to be fairly easy to understand even for baseball beginners. However, each baseball players, regardless of position or skill, need to follow these laws. Keep reading to understand the details surrounding these basic rules. Plus, you’ll learn more about how to play baseball as you continue with the article.
Table of Contents
What are the 5 Basic Rules of Baseball for Beginners?
The basics will help you stay on the righteous path to become a better baseball player. Understanding the basic guidelines will aid you in getting to know the game better than before. Plus, these officiated instructions prevent you from experiencing serious consequences.
The 5 basic rules of baseball that you need to know if you’re a beginner are the following:
1. Ball and Strikes
What is a Ball?
Baseball beginners will usually hear the umpire shout ‘Ball’ during a pitch. A ball is called if the pitch misses the strike zone. Many see this call as a penalty, regardless of whether the pitcher threw the baseball outside the strike zone intentionally or unintentionally.
Batters, on the other hand, find balls to be appealing. It’s because four balls in a single pitching session can result in a ‘walk.’ Walking in baseball means that the hitter and the other baserunners will move to the next bases unimpeded.
What is a Strike?
A strike generally happens when the hitter misses hitting the baseball. However, the umpire can call a strike under different scenarios, such as:
- When the pitch ends up in the strike zone and the hitter swings and misses the baseball.
- When the batter hits a foul ball and the player has less than two strikes.
- When the batter gets hit in the body, regardless of location, and the ball entered the strike zone.
- When the batter touches the ball without using the baseball bat during a pitch.
- When the batter bunts a pitch but the baseball ends up in the foul territory.
- When the batter fails to check his swing whether intentionally or unintentionally.
2. Tag Outs
Also called tags, tag-outs happen when a baserunner gets an out when he touches the fielder’s hand, glove, or other parts of his body while the fielder is still holding a live ball. Additionally, if the baserunner steps outside the base at any point while he’s unsafe, nearby officials can declare that player to be tagged out.
On the other hand, if the fielder fumbles or drops the ball during a play, particularly when trying to make the tag, the baserunner won’t receive an out. If the events that would otherwise incur a tag out are unclear, officials can use an instant replay to review the series of events.
Take note that baserunners need to touch the bases successfully to score a run. If the athlete fails to touch the base at any point, the fielder can tag him out.
3. Tagging Up
Not to be confused with a tag out, tagging up in baseball happens when the game allows a baserunner to advance one or more bases safely. This event generally happens when the batter hits the ball and the baseball becomes airborne. Then, a defender catches the ball before it touches the ground.
However, a tagging up call needs to qualify three conditions, which are:
- A baserunner already exists on a particular base
- The play needs to have less than two outs
- The baserunner needs to be touching the base when a fielder catches the baseball
Here’s an example scenario when tagging up happens in baseball:
For example, a batter receives walks to the first base because the pitcher threw the baseball outside the strike zone four times. At this point, out are non-existent in the inning.
Then, a second batter takes the plate. This time, the second hitter hits the baseball and sends it to the right field. The first baserunner sees the opportunity and runs for the second base. However, the right fielder seems to have a good chance of catching the baseball, which would promote an out if he left the first base. Therefore, the baserunner makes a quick retreat back to the first base.
However, the right fielder fails to catch the ball properly. At that moment, the first baserunner decides to go for the second base. If the runner reaches the second base quickly and before the second baseman tags him with the ball, that baserunner will be safe.
4. Force Outs
Also called a force play, a force out happens when a baserunner is forced (hence the name) to leave the base he’s currently on because the batter becomes the new baserunner. This event generally happens when the fielder tags the baserunner before he reaches the base. At this point, a run isn’t scored. Additionally, if the game is at its final inning and a final out is about to be called, a force out will be called instead. This scenario can happen even if the runner crosses the plate.
5. Player Lineups
Each team will have nine players in their lineup for relatively any baseball match. Also called the batting order, the manager sets this sequence before each game. Any team that puts players out to bat that’s not in the registered order, said team will incur a penalty.
In some cases, particularly in modern American baseball, the batting positions have specific nicknames. These aliases are:
- Leadoff (the first batter)
- Two-hole (the second batter)
- Three-hole (the third batter)
- Cleanup (the fourth batter)
- Last (the ninth batter)
No common nicknames are meant for the fifth to seventh batters. Still, take note that the fifth, sixth, and sometimes the seventh hitter is generally the athletes assigned to have acquired the most number of runs batted in (RBI) a particular baseball match. If you want to know more about RBI in baseball, check out our post on What Does RBI Mean In Baseball? (Explained).
Moreover, the seventh and eighth hitters tend to have the highest batting averages in the team, particularly because these positions tend to save the team from lost points.
However, teams should always remember that player lineups aren’t one-dimensional orders. Team officials can change the lineup per game, depending on the order that they see fit. For example, a leadoff batter might become the seventh hitter when in a new game. On the other hand, the last hitter can also become the two-hole under a new hitting lineup.
Other Important Baseball Rules to Know and Follow
Aside from the 5 basic rules mentioned above, baseball players should also follow other essential guidelines in the sport. If you look at the Official 2019 MLB Rules, you’ll see that there are 188 pages with in-depth instructions about the different aspects of the sport. Some of these important laws include the following:
1. Uncaught Third Strike
Also called the dropped third strike rule, this law is the same for all baseball levels, including Little League, high school, the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA), and the Major Leagues. This rule takes effect when:
- The hitter strikes out
- The catcher fails to catch an airborne pitch
- Less than two outs exist while the first base is still unoccupied or if there are already two outs
If these three elements exist at any given time in a baseball match, the batter turns into a baserunner. Furthermore, that athlete will have the opportunity to run to the first base. Additionally, the baserunner will stay on the first base and he won’t be tagged as an out even if the defender in the first base gets the force out. Therefore, an uncaught third strike is akin to a second chance for a hitter to reach the first base.
Still, some baseball players find it frustrating to get rewarded with an uncaught third strike. It’s because some athletes may find the act pitiful, considering that they weren’t able to hit the ball but they were still rewarded with holding a base. Therefore, it’s still best to improve your batting average instead of relying on the uncaught third strike rule. Check out our post on How To Hit A Baseball – 5 Essential Tips to help you in that regard.
2. Infield Fly Rule
The infield fly rule is a relatively straightforward guideline in which a flair fly ball (deemed as the infield fly ball) that doesn’t include a bunt or a line drive is caught by an infielder. Moreover, this action should be done when the first and second, or the first, second, and third bases are occupied by baserunners. Then, the catcher, pitcher, and any outfielder in the infield during the play will become infielders during the duration of this scenario.
Furthermore, the infield fly ball remaining alive will allow baserunners to advance to the next bases. However, the baserunners will still be at risk of being outed. If the batter hits the infield fly ball and it becomes a foul ball, the hit will be treated as a regular foul ball.
3. Automatic Strike
An automatic strike is a rare occurrence in baseball games. It happens when the hitter refuses to take his position at the time to be at-bat. This occurrence isn’t the same when the batter requests a time-out when he’s already at-bat. If so, the baseball will be considered dead, and all the runners staying in their respective bases cannot travel to the next bases.
Here’s one occurrence of an automatic strike that happened to Vinnie Catricala of the Midland RockHounds in 2013:
What do I need to play Baseball?
Like any other sport, baseball players need to prepare themselves with the right gear, mindset, and skills before they can play the activity properly. In this section, you’ll know the important things that you need to gather to play baseball properly.
1. Equipment
Unless you want to catch a 40 to 50-mile-per-hour baseball with your bare hands, you need an appropriate baseball glove to comfortably and effectively catch baseballs. Aside from a good catcher’s mitt, you should also consider the following items to be part of your standard arsenal of baseball gear:
- Batting helmet
- Baseball cap
- Uniform
- Sliding shorts
- Baseball cleats
- Baseball bat
- Batting gloves
Take note that the items in your baseball bag will differ depending on your preferred playing position. For instance, you might not be required to bring a baseball bat if you’re primary role is the pitcher for your team.
2. Good Throwing Technique
If you’re looking at baseball experts playing the game from afar, pitching or throwing the baseball might look like the easiest position in the entire sport. Despite its relatively straightforward-looking appearance, throwing a baseball can become the most challenging endeavor you might come across in the sport. Keep in mind that throwing a baseball and pitching it accurately are two different scenarios.
Here’s a quick guide on the fundamentals of baseball throwing while practicing great accuracy:
- If you're going for the standard fastball, make sure you're using a four-seam fastball grip. This baseball-holding position means that your fingers should be in line or on top of four seams of a baseball. It also allows you to create a reasonably straight backspin movement for the baseball.
- The ball should be facing away from your head and body as you’re getting into the throwing position.
- The index and middle fingers should be close to the head.
- Point your glove on your other hand at your target.
- Keep the feet in a parallel position. Make sure that the feet in front are pointing to your target.
- Maintain your elbow at a high position while you’re throwing.
- The baseball should be released in front of the body and not in the middle or behind.
- The baseball should be quite loose while gripping it but fairly secure so that it doesn’t fall.
- Don’t stop the pitch in the middle. Always follow through with your hand to provide power to your throw.
3. Good Catching Technique
For some players, the act of catching might be more challenging than throwing. Take note that you tend to have more time to throw a baseball than to catch it, particularly when you’re the pitcher. But if you’re playing as the catcher, infielder, or other defensive position, you need to think on your feet to catch a baseball. These occurrences can sometimes even happen within mere milliseconds.
Here are some pointers to remember as you practice for that perfect catch:
- Bend the knees but maintain a fair amount of tension in them.
- Make sure to give your waist a little flex so you can still move properly. Tensing up on the waist may lead to injuries.
- If the ball is coming to your left and at your center, you may only need to extend your arm to catch it.
- If the ball is coming to your left but it’s above, adjust the position of your arm to meet the ball with your mitt.
- If the ball is too low, turn the palm of your catching hand up.
You can also watch the following video for a more detailed explanation of these guidelines:
4. A Strong Hit
Many proficient baseball hitters follow seven absolute rules when trying to hit the ball. These absolutes are the following:
- Keep your eyes on the baseball and not the bat.
- One hand has the palm facing up while the other is facing down.
- Hit the ball firmly on its front side.
- The position of the head should be roughly in the gap between the parted feet.
- The back foot should be resting on its toe during and after the swing.
- Keep the rear arm bent (a 90-degree angle is generally the best angle for the rear arm).
- Keep a straight line from the head to the ground.
5. Base Running
In many cases, base running is generally the relatively straightforward act of moving from one base to another at the fastest attainable speed possible by any given player. However, running haphazardly might get you more outs than safes.
Here are a few tips to take note of when you’re running bases:
- Run with your head as close to the ground as possible while maintaining visuals of the events happening in the field. Running with this position will help lessen air drag, which would otherwise slow you down.
- Take a quick peek at the baseball after about three steps. If the ball is still airborne, continue running. Otherwise, you might need to take a different route.
- Maintain focus on the front part of the bag. You only need to touch a small part of the base for you to be considered safe.
- Chop your feet quickly as soon as you hit the base. Continuing your stride while turning abruptly can increase your risk of injury.
Final Words
This guide aims to help beginners to learn about the basic rules of baseball and how to play the game properly. If you’re already quite versed in the sport, let this article be your refresher guide to help you play the game better than before.
Remember to take note of the rules governing balls, strikes, force-outs, and player lineups to name a few. Plus, keep in mind the proper hitting, throwing, catching, and base running positions to help you and your team come out as the victor in matches.
