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Team Sports
9 players
both
bat, ball
10 essential rules
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The sport is governed at the professional level in the United States and Canada by Major League Baseball (MLB), whose Official Baseball Rules (OBR) constitute the authoritative ruleset for professional play. The editi...
Per OBR Rule 3.01, the baseball must be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a small core of cork, rubber, or similar material, covered with two stripes of white horsehide or cowhide, tightly stitched together.
Per OBR Rule 3.02(a), the bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2¾ inches (6.985 cm) in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches (106.68 cm) in length. The bat shall be ...
All fielders, with the exception of the first baseman and catcher, may use a glove or mitt of any weight. OBR Rule 3.05 specifies size limits: Fielder's glove: Not more than 12 inches (30.48 cm) measured from the tip of any finger to the bottom of the glove, and not more than 7¾ inches (19.685 cm...
Per OBR Rule 3.09, batters must wear a protective helmet while at bat, while running the bases, and while in the on-deck circle. Helmets must carry the official approval mark of the Commissioner and must have at least one ear flap (facing the pitcher).
Per OBR Rule 3.03(a), all players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim, and style. Shoes with pointed spikes similar to track or golf shoes are prohibited (Rule 3.03(b)).
Per OBR Rule 2.01, the playing field is laid out per the Official Baseball Rules diagram. The infield is a 90-foot (27.432 m) square, with bases at each corner.
Per OBR Rule 2.02: Home plate: A 17-inch (43.18 cm) square of whitened rubber, set in the ground so the front edge is even with the rear corner of the batter's box. The sides extending back must be beveled.; First, second, and third base: Must be 15 inches (38.10 cm) square, between 3 and 5 inche...
Per OBR Rule 2.04, the pitcher's plate (rubber) shall be a rectangular slab of whitened rubber, 24 inches (60.96 cm) by 6 inches (15.24 cm). It shall be set in the ground so the front edge is 60 feet, 6 inches (18.44 m) from the rear point of home plate.
Batter's box (Rule 2.05): 4 feet (121.92 cm) wide by 6 feet (182.88 cm) long, located on either side of home plate.; Catcher's box (Rule 2.06): 8 feet (243.84 cm) in length and 43 inches (109.22 cm) wide.; Coaches' boxes (Rule 2.07): Located adjacent to first and third base, each 8 feet (243.84 c...
Per the OBR Definitions of Terms, "Fair Territory" is that part of the playing field within and including the first base and third base lines from home base to the bottom of the playing field fence, and as further determined by the foul lines. "Fo...
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