Major League Baseball (MLB) is played between two teams, each consisting of nine players. The objective is to score more runs than the opposing team by hitting the ball and running around four bases to complete a “run.” Here’s a breakdown of the basics of how to play baseball:

1. The Objective

The goal in baseball is to score runs by advancing around a series of four bases (first base, second base, third base, and home plate) in a diamond-shaped configuration. The team with the most runs at the end of nine innings wins.

2. The Field • The field is divided into the infield and the outfield.
   • The infield consists of the area around the four bases.
   • The outfield is the grassy area beyond the infield where the outfielders play.
3. Game Structure • A game consists of nine innings. In each inning, both teams have a chance to bat (offense) and play defense.
   • Each inning is divided into two halves:
   • Top of the inning: The visiting team bats.
   • Bottom of the inning: The home team bats.
4. Players and Positions • Offense (Batting Team):
   • The offensive team sends its players to bat one at a time, following a predetermined batting order.
   • The goal is to hit the ball and safely advance to bases without getting out.
   • Defense (Fielding Team):
   • The defensive team tries to get the offensive players out and prevent them from scoring runs. The main positions are:
   • Pitcher: Throws the ball to the batter.
   • Catcher: Catches the pitches and helps guide the pitcher.
   • Infielders:
   • First Baseman, Second Baseman, Shortstop, Third Baseman: Defend the bases and infield.
   • Outfielders:
   • Left Fielder, Center Fielder, Right Fielder: Cover the outfield and catch balls hit into that area.
5. Pitching and Batting • Pitching:
   • The pitcher throws the ball from a mound to the batter standing at home plate.
   • The pitcher tries to get the batter out by throwing strikes, while the batter tries to hit the ball.
   • Batting:
   • The batter stands in the batter’s box and tries to hit the ball into the field of play.
   • If the batter successfully hits the ball and it lands in fair territory, they can run toward first base.
6. Key Concepts and Plays • Strike Zone: An imaginary box over home plate. A pitch within this zone is called a strike if the batter doesn’t swing or misses. Three strikes make an out.
   • Balls: If the pitcher throws four balls (pitches outside the strike zone that the batter doesn’t swing at), the batter gets a walk to first base.
   • Hits:
   • Single: The batter reaches first base.
   • Double: The batter reaches second base.
   • Triple: The batter reaches third base.
   • Home Run: The batter hits the ball over the outfield fence, allowing them to circle all the bases and score a run.
   • Fielding Outs:
   • Strikeout: The batter gets three strikes.
   • Fly Out: The batter hits the ball in the air and a fielder catches it before it touches the ground.
   • Force Out: A defensive player tags a base with the ball before the runner reaches it.
   • Tag Out: A defensive player tags a runner with the ball while the runner is not on a base.
7. Base Running • Once a batter hits the ball, they can advance to first base and, depending on the hit, continue to second, third, or home.
   • Runners can also advance on stolen bases or when the ball is hit by other players.
   • Runners must avoid getting tagged out or forced out by the defensive players.
8. Scoring • A team scores a run when a player successfully touches all four bases, returning to home plate.
   • Players can score runs one at a time or multiple at once, depending on how many players are on base when a hit occurs.
9. Winning the Game • The team with the most runs at the end of nine innings wins.
   • If the game is tied after nine innings, extra innings may be played to determine a winner.
10. Key Terms • Inning: One round of play where each team gets to bat once.
    • At-bat: When a player faces the pitcher to try to hit the ball.
    • Strikeout: When a batter receives three strikes.
    • Walk: When a batter receives four balls and advances to first base.
    • Double Play: Two outs made in quick succession by the defense.
    • Grand Slam: A home run hit with the bases loaded, scoring four runs.

Understanding these fundamentals will give you a good foundation for watching or playing baseball. The sport is a mix of individual skill, team strategy, and quick decision-making.