If a sport can be measured by its ability to maximize fun with relatively little equipment, baseball is a winner. It’s easy to learn and inexpensive to play.
The first baseball rulebook was published in 1845 in New York. The sport was documented in England as early as the 17th century, although illustrations of early variations pre-date the 1400s. While there is a general consensus about its roots, no one knows for sure.
From its early inception, Americans immediately adopted a love for baseball. Over the years baseball evolved into other league sports, including softball and fastball.
Today baseball and its spin-offs are played around the world. The Japanese are big fans, and the sport thrives in Latin America. Some of the world's most decorated and beloved baseball players hail from Latin countries.
A baseball game takes place in stages. Each team takes turns rotating between offensive and defensive positions. The attacking team gives each player an individual turn at the plate. The batter is pitched a number of balls and up to three recorded strikes, in hopes of hitting a home run (or even a single). Defense is a team effort whose objective is to catch the ball after a hit, thereby preventing the batter or runners from advancing the bases.
