America’s Past Time

1. America’s Past Time By: Brooke-Rose A. Tharp Geared Towards: Sixth Grade

2. Baseball Sport has been in existence for over 100 years. A team sport consisting of 9 players on a team. Consists of 30 teams (29-US 1-Canada).

3. Rules Baseball is played between two teams of nine players each. Objective is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching bases arranged in a diamond. One team (batting) take turns hitting against the pitcher on the other team (fielding) tries to stop them from scoring runs by getting hitters out. A player on the batting team can stop at any of the bases and hope to score on a teammate's hit. The teams switch between batting and fielding after fielding team gets three outs. One turn at bat for each team constitutes an inning; nine innings make up a professional game. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.

4. Pitcher (P) Primary role is to pitch the ball. Be able to field his position of ground balls, bunts, and covering bases. Good throwing speed is helpful, but not as important as accuracy. Ready to catch the ball when it comes into the infield to stop the play.

5. Catcher (C) Wears protective equipment: mask, special helmet, shin guards, chest protector. Uses special glove designed as a padded target to catch or block pitches. Must hustle to balls that get past him, and be ready to get any slow rollers or bunts in front of home plate and throw to any base quickly.

6. First Base (1B) Job consists of fielding balls hit in his direction Also is primarily to catch throws from the other infielders in order to retire the batter.

7. Second Base (2B) An important defensive role to field balls hit toward him and, if necessary, start a double play. If ball is hit to SS, the 2B will "turn" a double play by stepping on 2B, fielding the throw from SS, and throw to 1B, to retire both runners. Also back-up grounders to the 1B, and cover first in the event that a slow roller pulls the 1B away from first base. Backup the SS on throws from the catcher on a steal. Balls hit into the outfield on the SS side of second base, he must cover second base. Balls hit on the 2B side of second base, he must go out for the "relay" throw from the OF.

8. Third Base (3B) Third base is known as "The Hot Corner“. Field grounders and throw strongly to any base. Also cover fly balls in fair and foul territory.

9. Shortstop (SS) Like the 2B, must field ground balls and start or turn double plays. Needs strong arm as the throw to first base is farther from the shortstop side. Cover throws from the catcher to second base when a runner is stealing. Also, when a ball is hit into the outfield on the SS side of second base, he is to go for the "relay" throw from the OF. If the ball is hit to the second baseman side of second base, he then must cover second base.

10. Left Field (LF) Requires good fielding and catching skills. Receive more balls than right fielder because right-handed hitters "pull" the ball into left field. Backs up 3B on pick-off attempts from the catcher or pitcher and bunts. If runner is stealing 3B the left fielder must back up throw from catcher. Back up 3B when a ball is thrown from right field.

11. Center Field (CF) Outfielder with the best combination of speed and throwing distance. Covers more ‘grass’ than any other player. Will catch the most fly balls. Has greatest responsibility among the outfielders to prevent collisions when converging on a fly ball. Plays when he doesn’t make the catch, must position behind the corner outfielder for if the ball gets past them.

12. Right Field (RF) Backs up first base on all throws from the catcher and pitcher to 1B. Backs up 2B on any ball thrown from the left side of the field. Backs up first base when the first baseman is in a run down between 3rd base and home.

14. Basis Swing

15. Batting Gloves and Bat Pick out a bat that isn't too heavy. Beginners, the lighter the bat, the better. To make bat lighter "choke up," meaning to move your hands up the bat 1-2”. A batting glove is optional, most wear them to get a better grip.

16. Getting in the Box Pitchers that throw hard, stand in the rear of box, giving another split second to see the ball. Pitcher with curveballs, hitter might move up so he can catch the pitch before it breaks. Closer to the plate allows hitting an outside pitch easier. Beware of inside and outside pitches. Find a happy medium.

17. Getting a Good Grip When gripping the bat your hands should touch. If right handed- left hand on the bottom and right hand on the top (Opposite for left). Roughly six inches between the bat and your chest. Hold the bat up, and not on your shoulder. Spread your legs roughly shoulder-width apart. Don't stand straight up – just bend your knees a little so you don't feel stiff. It puts you in a ready position.

18. Eyes on the Ball Put both eyes on the pitcher. Try to pick up the ball as early as possible for better success. Never take your eyes off it. Keep your weight on your back foot, but be ready to have that shift immediately.

19. Stride and Connect Right-handed- take your left leg and pick it up slightly as the pitch is released. (opposite for left). As the pitch comes toward you, stride forward to build momentum. By now, you should have figured out whether the pitch is good enough to hit. If ball, continue your stride but watch the ball go by. If strike, turn hips through the ball and swing the bat. Back foot pivot, but not leave the ground. Want to hit the ball just before it goes over the plate. Any later and you'll likely foul it off.

20. Following Through Momentum of the bat, whether contact or not, will carry you through the follow-through. No follow through means less power because your swing will be slowing down before you make contact. The follow-through is important. If you made contact, get ready to drop the bat and run to first base.

21. Ready to Run Hitters just let go of the bat – they don't throw the bat. There's a lot more to hitting- opposite field, generating more power, hitting behind the runner, etc. But these are the basics.