Bases: The Foundation of America’s Favorite Game
Baseball, known as America’s favorite pastime, has been played since the 19th century and continues to be a beloved sport by many. One of the most important aspects of baseball is its bases. These bases are what make up the foundation for each game and serve as markers for players to run from one base to another.
The Bases
There are four bases in total on a standard baseball field: first base, second base, third base, and home plate. Each base has its own unique shape and purpose within the game.
First Base
First base is located in foul territory just beyond the infield dirt on the right-hand side of home plate. It is marked by a white square measuring 90 feet along each side.
A player who hits a ball into fair territory can safely reach first base by running directly to it or touching it with any part of their body while still remaining in fair territory. If a player reaches first base safely without being tagged out or forced out (more on that later), they become “a runner” and can continue running towards other bases until they are put out or score a run.
Second Base
Second base is positioned between first and third bases in fair territory. It too is marked with a white square measuring 90 feet along each side.
If there’s already someone occupying first when you hit your ball into play, you must try to advance them around all three additional bags before they’re tagged out or forced out at one point along the way – including second! This means that if you succeed in getting someone else onto Second Base before an opposing team member gets there themselves (by either catching your fly ball mid-air or scooping it up off the ground), then that person becomes “safe”, which allows them permission to keep moving forward toward Third!
Third Base
Third base stands across from First Base in foul territory beyond the infield dirt on the left-hand side of home plate. It is measured by a white square that is also 90 feet long along each side.
If you happen to make it past Second Base and onto Third, then congratulations – you’re only 90 feet away from scoring! However, be warned: this is where things get tricky. If there’s anyone already occupying First or Second when your ball hits play, they’ll need to move up as well in order for everyone else behind them (including yourself) succeed in advancing.
Home Plate
The fourth and final base is Home Plate. This base is located at the end of the diamond opposite first base and marked with a white pentagon measuring 17 inches across each side.
This base represents the ultimate goal for runners – scoring a run! In order to do so, they must touch Home Plate safely without being tagged out by an opposing team member holding onto the ball or forced out by another runner on their way there.
Types of Plays
There are two types of plays that can cause a runner to be put out or forced out. A “tagged-out” occurs when an opposing player tags any part of a runner’s body with either their glove hand while holding onto the ball OR with just their empty hand if they don’t have the ball yet but are still touching it. The other type of play that can result in an “out” is called a “force-out”. This happens when a defensive player has possession of the baseball and touches one of three bases ahead (or sometimes even behind) where someone else needs to go next!
Scoring Runs
A run scores whenever someone safely reaches home plate after making it all around all four bases without being put or forced out anywhere along the way there! Once someone scores, they’re awarded one point for their team’s total scorecard – every little bit helps!
Conclusion
In conclusion, bases are an essential element of baseball. They not only serve as markers for players to run from one base to another, but they also represent the ultimate goal for runners – scoring a run! Understanding how these bases work and how different plays can result in a runner being put out or forced out is crucial to understanding the game of baseball as a whole. So next time you’re at a ballgame or watching one on TV, pay close attention to those four little white squares that make up the foundation of America’s favorite pastime!