How Do You Play Baseball? Game Rules and Key Terms

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Tips for playing both defense and offense in America’s favorite pastime
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It’s called “America’s favorite pastime” for a reason. Baseball is one of the most iconic and beloved games on the planet, but we totally understand if the game seems a little confusing at first. There are so many unique terms, rules, and gameplay elements that you won’t find in other sports.

While the game was originally invented and designed for grown men and continues to function that way on the professional level, the vast majority of community baseball players in modern society are actually boys. Whether the goal is to have fun, build teamwork, represent your local town, or even enhance your own educational framework - baseball is an excellent option. Luckily, we met with a professional baseball coach to help make sense of all you need to know. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to know about the game of baseball—including key terms you need to know and how to play offense and defense.

How does baseball work?

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A diagram of the baseball diamond, including each position on the field and what they’re called.
  • The objective of baseball is to score more runs (points) than your opponent after a predetermined number of innings.
  • Players at bat score by hitting the ball and running around the bases. When a player reaches home base, they score 1 run.
  • Each team’s turn ends after 3 outs. A player is out if he get 3 strikes, if his batted ball is caught on a fly, if a fielder possesses the ball at a base he must reach, or if he get tagged out.
Section 1 of 5:

Choosing Your Baseball Team

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  1. Step 1 Get at least 9 players for each team.
    It is possible to play with fewer people, but you'll need to expand each player's coverage on the field. This may make it difficult for players to reach the ball after it's hit though, so get as close to 9 as possible.[1]
    • If you do have to cut any spots, we recommend dropping one outfielder first and just having two people play outfield (left and right). Then, you can cut 3rd base and have shortstop cover both, followed by another outfielder. It gets pretty tough with fewer than 7 players.
    • A note on baseball slang: If you get lost on any of the terminology as you read, take a gander at our glossary below!

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Isaac Hess is a professional baseball coach and instructor with over 14 years of experience teaching players how to succeed in the sport of baseball.

  2. Step 2 Assign the pitcher and catcher.
    The pitcher is the player who stands in the middle of the field and throws the ball to the batter. The catcher will be squatting just behind the batter at home plate to catch the ball if the batter doesn't hit it.[2]
    • Safety warning: Unless you’re playing baseball with a squishy ball and not pitching at maximum speed, catchers must wear a full protective catcher suit, including a cup and a face mask.
    • What is a catcher? (C, or “2”): The field general of the offense. It’s okay if they aren’t great hitters, but they need to be good at catching balls from the pitcher and they need a strong arm.
    • What is a pitcher? (P, or “1”): They have to be good at pitching, and that’s it. While it is common for youth baseball players to be multi-dimensional, professional pitchers are relatively bad hitters and fielders in most cases.
    • A note on the numbers. You will occasionally hear positions referred to by their number for statistics. Someone might say, “That’s a 2-6-4 double play,” meaning that 2 threw the ball to 6, who threw the ball to 4
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  3. Step 3 Select the infielders.
    The players in the infield (or the diamond) protect the bases. There should be a player stationed at first, second, and third base, and they will be referred to as "basemen." Make a fourth player the shortstop, which is a roving position that backs up the basemen and helps catch balls in the infield.
    • What is first base? (1B, or “3”): Typically a slower player good at catching and hitting the ball deep.
    • What is second base? (2B, or “4”): Fast, good at getting on base, and a good contact hitter.
    • What is shortstop? (SS, or “6”): Same as second base, but with a stronger arm.
    • What is third base? (3B, or “5”): A slower player who usually hits the ball deep, but they have a good arm.
  4. Step 4 Choose the outfielders.
    The three players in the outfield are the right fielder, center fielder, and left fielder. They're responsible for catching fly balls in the outfield and chasing down ground balls that make it past the infield.[3]
    • What is left field? (LF, or “7”): Typically a good hitter and a fast fielder.
    • What is center field? (CF, or “8”): Usually the worst hitter in the outfield, but they’re fast and great on defense. Often great at stealing when on base.
    • What is right field? (RF, or “9”): Usually the best hitter in the outfield, right field is often where teams stick their worst fielder if they’re really good at hitting.
    • If you really want to play baseball, learn every position! Baseball coach and instructor Isaac Hess says, “I teach all my young guys that they should learn how to play all positions, or at least think to themselves that they need to understand how to play all positions.” This way, if your coach needs you to fill in a position, you can always help your team out![4]
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Section 2 of 5:

Setting Up the Baseball Field

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  1. Step 1 Place the four bases on the field.
    There are four bases (first, second, third, and home plate), which are “safe spots” for runners during the game. They’re canvas or rubber-covered bags set up in a square, though it’s more commonly referred to as a diamond.[5]
    • Bases are numbered counterclockwise from home plate: first, second, and third. Second base is on a direct line from home plate through the pitcher's mound.
    • Each base is approximately 90 feet (27.5 meters) away from the previous one.
    • The lines that connect the bases are made of dirt, so that runners may slide into bases, while the rest of the field is made of grass.
    • Most players just go to a public park with a baseball field. If you aren’t actively in a baseball league where bases are supplied, you’ll need to bring your own. Alternatively, you can lay down hats, frisbees, towels, or just mark the base in the sand.
  2. Step 2 Set up the pitcher’s mound.
    The pitcher stands on a mound of dirt in the center on the diamond, approximately 60 feet (18 meters) from home plate. On the mound, place a small rubber plate, where the pitcher will throw from.[6]
    • You do not require a mound. The mound is traditionally a core part of competitive baseball because it helps the pitcher increase the angle of attack when throwing, but in amateur leagues and pickup games, they’re not necessary.
  3. Step 3 Paint the foul lines.
    A baseball that's hit and lands to the left of third base or the right of first base (as seen from home plate) is considered a “foul ball,” which invalidates the play. The foul lines extend from home plate out to the first and third bases, and then beyond into the outfield.[7]
  4. Step 4 Paint the batter’s boxes.
    The batter stands either on the left side of home plate or the right side, depending on which is their dominant hand. Paint a 4-foot by 6-foot (1.2 meters by 1.8 meters) box on both sides of home plate.[8]
    • You don’t require a batter’s box. The batter’s box is helpful for the umpire, primarily. If you’re just playing a pickup game, it’s not required.
  5. Step 5 Paint the catcher’s box.
    Just behind home plate, paint a small box where the catcher and umpire (an impartial judge) will squat or stand and watch the ball after the pitcher throws it.
    • This is also optional if you don’t have an umpire. The catcher’s box is also kind of unnecessary if you happen to have a backstop (the chain-link fence behind the batter’s box).
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Section 3 of 5:

Offensive Play in Baseball

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  1. Step 1 A batter takes the plate.
    A batter will approach home plate and stand to the side of it in one of the batter’s boxes, waiting for the pitcher to throw the ball. Batters may take practice swings until the pitcher is ready to begin.[9]
    • During offensive play, all players act as batters, taking turns trying to hit the ball.
  2. Step 2 The pitcher throws the ball.
    The batter must try to predict whether the ball will be hittable. He can decide whether to swing and attempt to hit the ball or not to swing and allow the catcher behind him to catch it. If a legal hit is not made, the umpire will make one of three calls – a strike, a ball, or a foul ball.[10]
    • A strike is an indication that the batter either could have swung at the ball and didn't, or swung at the ball and missed. The batter is out on a third strike that is caught by the catcher.
    • A ball happens when the pitcher pitches a ball that's too far outside the hitting area to be considered hittable by the batter and the batter did not swing at the pitch. After four balls, the batter “walks,” which is a free advancement to first base. Batters will occasionally try to crowd the plate and earn a walk rather than hit the ball.
    • A foul ball is a ball that the batter hits which 1) settles or stops in foul territory before reaching first or third base, 2) hits a wall or passes over a fence in foul territory, 3) crosses the point of first or third base on the ground while in foul territory, or 4) lands in foul territory within the field area beyond first or third base. The ball is then considered "dead," and all runners must return to their time-of-pitch base without any liability of being put out. Usually a foul ball counts as a strike; however, not if there are already two strikes.
    • If you’re learning to pitch, master accuracy first. You don’t have to throw the ball as hard as you can on every pitch, Hess explains. “If you're up there just trying to throw on 100 miles an hour every time and be like the guys you see on TV, then you're probably not going to have a lot of success and you're probably gonna hurt yourself,” so focus on the mechanics and learn to throw to a spot, first.[11]
  3. Step 3 The batter swings the bat or “takes” the pitch.
    Batters have basically two options with every at-bat. First, if they like the pitch or think it will be a strike, they can swing the bat to try and hit the ball. Alternatively, they can hold off if they think they can’t hit the pitch or it’s going to be a ball.[12]
    • How do you hit the ball? While standing with your feet parallel and knees slightly bent, hold the bat upright at the base with two hands. Swiftly bring it forward in a fluid motion, and at the same time, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot. Don’t forget to keep your eye on the ball to increase your chances of making contact.
  4. Step 4 Batters run to first after hitting the ball, then run the bases.
    While the hit ball is moving across the field, either through the air or along the ground, the batter (who is now called the “runner”) drops the bat and runs as fast as possible towards first base. As long as the runner doesn't get an “out,” he can stop at first base, or keep going until it's no longer safe.[13]
    • A runner can be tagged out if a defensive player has possession of the ball and touches the runner who is not touching a base (and has not overrun first base).
    • The batter will automatically be called out if the hit ball is caught by a defensive player before it touches the ground or wall. This is called a flyout. If this is not the third out of the inning, all baserunners must return to their time-of-pitch-base after a flyout. Such runners can be "doubled off" by throwing the ball back to the base that must be reached.
    • A batter can get forced out if the hit ball touches the ground, but then a defensive player gets possession of it and touches first base before the runner can get there. Runners who are "forced" to vacate their base on a ground ball can also be forced out in this manner.
  5. Step 5 Runners can steal bases between pitches.
    In most instances, the runner won't be able to complete an entire circuit of the bases on a single play, so he must stop at a base and wait for the next batter to step up to the plate. However, at any time, the runner may attempt to “steal” the next base by running to it as soon as the pitcher has pitched to the batter.[14]
    • Since the pitcher is usually the best thrower on the team, stealing a base at any other time is very dangerous; the pitcher can turn and throw the ball to a baseman instead of the batter, allowing an easy tag out. Many youth baseball leagues do not permit base stealing until after the ball has crossed home plate.
  6. Step 6 Only one runner is allowed on a base at a time.
    When all three bases have a runner, the offensive team is said to have the “bases loaded,” meaning the next fair hit or walk will necessarily result in either a run or an out.[15]
  7. Step 7 Home runs clear the bases.
    Sometimes, the batter hits the ball so hard or so well that he is able to run around the entire diamond before getting an out, scoring a run on the first hit. This is called a “home run.” Most home runs are the result of the ball being hit past the fence at the back of the outfield, at which point it's completely out of play and all the fielding team can do is watch.[16]
    • A home run hit while the bases are loaded is called a “grand slam,” which will score four runs (one for each runner). While rare, grand slams can turn the tide of a difficult game or virtually guarantee victory.
  8. Step 8 Players advance from base to base with regular plays.
    Home runs are fun, but not common enough to be relied upon as a means of winning the game. Instead, focus on learning how far to run after a normal hit. By knowing when to stop and wait, you can stay in play longer and raise your chances of scoring a run.[17]
    • All sliding should be done feet first unless your league explicitly permits an alternative approach. If you are approaching second or third base while a fielder is making a play, you should begin your slide at about 8 to 10 feet before reaching the base. If a play is being made while you are approaching home plate, you should begin your slide at about 10 to 12 feet beforehand. Sliding at first base is not recommended since it is always a force play, and you are permitted to overrun the base.
  9. Step 9 The batting team takes the field after 3 outs.
    Once three batters/runners have gotten outs, the game shifts, with the defense and offense switching places. While you’re the defense team, you will not be able to score any runs.[18]
    • The game has a predetermined number of periods, called innings. They’re each composed of two parts: a “top” and a “bottom.” When the offense of one team has received three outs, the game moves either to the bottom of the current inning or the top of the next one.[19]
    • A run scores for the offensive team whenever a runner safely advances to home plate. A run will not count if: 1) the runner at home plate was not at the time-of-pitch base during or after a flyout; 2) the runner touched home plate after the defensive team recorded a third out; or 3) the runner reached home plate during the same continuous playing action as a force out for the third out, even if home plate was reached before this out was recorded.
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Section 4 of 5:

Defensive Play in Baseball

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  1. Step 1 The pitcher pitches...
    The pitcher pitches the ball from the mound. The pitchers will stand on the pitcher’s mound and throw the ball toward the hitter, attempting to get an out. Pitchers often use different grips for fastballs, curveballs, changeups, and sliders to confound batters.[20]
    • Almost every pitcher will have a fastball, changeup, and curveball. Different pitchers master different grips, and everything after those three mainly comes down to personal taste.
    • Safety warning: There are a lot of worries out there regarding safety of curveballs and sliders for younger pitchers. To play it safe, it’s best to not throw pitches that involve twisting your arm and hand to the side until you’re done growing.[21]
  2. Step 2 Players catch the...
    Players catch the ball after it’s hit. Once the batter hits the ball, it will either fly through the air or it will roll along the ground. The defensive team, which is spread out across the infield and the outfield (the grass beyond the diamond), will attempt to catch the ball before it hits the ground. This automatically gives the batter an out and he can’t proceed to run the bases.[22]
    • If the ball hits the ground before anyone catches it, the defensive players must get to it quickly and pass it to any teammate close enough to tag or force a runner out.
  3. Step 3 The defense tries to get runners out.
    As long as he has the ball in hand, a defensive player can tag a runner as he is circling the bases, and the runner will then be out. Or a baseman (the person in charge of guarding a base) can catch a passed ball and step one foot on the base in order to get an out for a forced runner who was approaching that base.[23] Here are all the other ways to get a runner out:
    • The runner misses a base and keeps running.
    • The batter's pop up or flyout is caught by an opposing player on the field without the ball touching the ground or wall.
    • The forced runner doesn’t get to the base he must advance to before a player with the ball touches that base.
    • The runner doesn’t get back to their base of origin after running and the ball was caught in the air.
  4. Step 4 Play continues until the designated number of innings is reached.
    As opposed to basketball and many other team sports, baseball doesn't have a clock or timer. Instead, the game is played until all the innings are completed. At the end of the last inning, whichever team scored the most runs wins.[24]
    • Because this can make games drag on for a long time, teams are allowed to have alternates, particularly extra pitchers (called relief pitchers) to keep play fresh from beginning to end.
    • If the teams are tied at the end of the last inning, an extra inning is played. It is very unusual for a baseball game to end in a tie; typically, extra innings are added until one team manages to score. If the team that scored is an away team, then the home team gets to have one more chance to score. If the home team can't score, the away team wins.
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Section 5 of 5:

Key Baseball Terms

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  1. There are more terms for the game than we’re going to cover, but these are key terms you’ll need to be familiar with to play the game, or even watch the game on the TV. Here are key terms you’ll encounter as you learn to play baseball:
    • Inning: One full turn for each team, where each side gets a chance to bat. A youth game typically has 6 or 7 innings, while pro games have 9 innings.
    • Hit: It’s not just when a batter hits the ball! A “hit” is when the batter strikes the ball successfully in bounds and gets on base specifically as a result. This is usually (but not always) a result of the batted ball landing on the ground in the outfield.
    • Walk: When a batter gets a free advancement to first base after the pitcher throws four balls (pitches out of the strike zone and the batter did not swing). Runners on base get a free advancement only if their base would be otherwise double-occupied.
    • Hit by pitch: When a batter gets a free advancement to first base after involuntarily getting hit by the pitched ball. Procedurally, this is very similar to a walk but is classified separately.
    • Single: When a batter gets a hit and ends up having reached first base.
    • Double: When a batter gets a hit and ends up having reached second base.
    • Triple: When a batter’s hit results in him having reached third base.
    • Home run: A hit where the batter hits the ball out of the ballpark. In this case, he and any other runners on base, get to score immediately. A home run where you run around the bases without the ball going out of the park is called an “in the park” homerun.
    • Grand slam: A home run with runners on each base, resulting in 4 runs immediately.
    • RBI: “Run batted in.” It’s a stat that reflects how often a batter successfully brings one or more runners home as a result of his time at-bat. If a run scores in a way that is unrelated to the batter's time at-bat, scores as a result of a fielding error, or scores with no outs after the batter grounds into a double play - no RBI is credited to the batter.
    • Stolen base: When a runner advances a base in between pitches without the batter hitting anything.
    • ERA: “Earned run average.” This is a key stat that reflects how many earned runs (excluding errors and passed balls) a pitcher gives up when averaged out over the course of 7 or 9 innings.
    • Top (of the inning): The beginning of an inning, when the visiting team gets to bat.
    • Bottom (of the inning): The end of an inning, when the home team gets to bat.
    • Double play: When the defense gets two outs in one play.
    • Foul ball: When the batter hits the ball but it goes out of bounds. This counts as a strike (so long as it isn’t caught in the air, which is an out), but you cannot strike out on a foul ball. The batter gets to keep hitting.
    • Balk: When the pitcher stops mid-motion. This is a foul and runners get to advance automatically.
    • Pick off: When the pitcher throws a ball to a base where a runner is to try to get him out while he's standing off base.
    • Infield: The inside area of the field, closest to home plate (usually where the dirt stops).
    • Outfield: The area outside of the field, after where the dirt stops and the grass starts).
    • Pop up: When the batter hits the ball straight up in the air.
    • Fly out: When the batter hits the ball up into the outfield and it is caught.
    • Line drive: The most successful type of hit, where the batter hits the ball in a hard line nearly horizontal to the ground.
    • Grounder: When the batter hits the ball on the ground and it bounces.
    • Full count: When there are 3 balls and 2 strikes. The next pitch (so long as it isn’t a foul ball) will end the at-bat.
    • Bunt: A type of hit where instead of swinging the bat, the batter holds the bat still and tries to tap the ball.
    • Error: When a batter gets on base because a fielder misplayed a ball or mishandled a situation where, in the judgment of the game's official scorer, an out could have been made without extraordinary effort.
    • Fielder's choice: When a batter gets on base after a fielder throws out or (in some cases) attempts to throw out another runner.
    • Uncaught third strike: Batter becomes a runner after catcher fails to catch strike three when first base is unoccupied or there are two outs. If first base is occupied with less than two outs, batter is still out in order to prevent the catcher from turning a double play.
    • Infield fly rule: Batter is automatically out an non-bunted infield fly with runners on first and second and less than two outs. This is to prevent a situation where two or more runners would be forced to run if the fielder drops the ball.
    • Dugout: Where the bench and head coach sit. They are typically behind the line from home to first base, and from third base to home.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Which position should I play if I'm just starting to play baseball?
    Isaac Hess
    Isaac Hess
    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Isaac Hess is a Baseball Coach, Instructor, and the Founder of MADE Baseball Development and Champion Mindset Training Program, a baseball training program based in Los Angeles, California. Isaac has over 14 years of experience coaching baseball and specializes in private lessons and tournaments. He has played baseball for both professional and collegiate leagues including Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Isaac was ranked as one of Baseball America's top 10 prospects for 2007 and 2008. He earned a BS in Regional Development from the University of Arizona in 2007.
    Isaac Hess
    Isaac Hess
    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Expert Answer
    As a new player, it's best to learn how to play every position. That makes it a lot easier to figure out what you enjoy and what you're good at. It also makes it much easier for the coach to find a way to play you, since they know you can play every position.
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    What is a division in a baseball game?
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    Community Answer
    There is no such thing as a "division" in a baseball game. (There are "divisions" within certain baseball leagues or conferences.) If you're asking about the units into which a baseball game is divided, they are called "innings." There are nine innings in a standard game (usually less at younger ages or in the game of softball).
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    How many players play?
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    Community Answer
    Typically nine players on each team play at any one time. A team using a designated hitter will have ten players in the game. Younger teams might use an additional outfielder too, bringing the possible total to eleven.
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  • Practice basic fundamentals of the game (hitting, catching, throwing, sliding) independently or with a trusted partner before trying out for a team.
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  • Always be fully aware of how many outs there are when you are running the bases or your team is playing in the field, as this can make a significant difference in how you are expected to strategize the game. If you are not sure about this at any time, feel free to ask a teammate, coach, or umpire.
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  • When you are playing and your team is in the dugout, always be aware of when it will be your turn to come up at bat. If you feel that you need a quick break during this time (pee, stretch, hydrate, etc.) notify a coach or team captain.
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  • Even watching baseball can help you learn more about how to play the game. Pay attention to how players handle different situations and what motions they go through. If they do something differently than you would, try to figure out the benefit of doing it their way.
  • When you're out in the field, hold your glove about waist high with the catching portion facing the direction the ball will come from. This makes it easy for you to move it up or down as necessary to catch the ball if it comes your way on the ground or in the air.
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References

  1. ↑ https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rules/mlb/
  2. ↑ https://www.howbaseballworks.com/Fielding.htm
  3. ↑ https://www.ducksters.com/sports/baseballpositions.php
  4. ↑ Isaac Hess. Baseball Coach & Instructor. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10902301/mlb-game-bases-hazard-player-health
  6. ↑ https://www.baseball-almanac.com/rule8.shtml
  7. ↑ https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/foul-ball
  8. ↑ https://www.baseball-almanac.com/rule6.shtml
  9. ↑ http://www.helpful-baseball-drills.com/howtoplaybaseball.html
  1. ↑ https://www.howbaseballworks.com/TheBasics.htm
  2. ↑ Isaac Hess. Baseball Coach & Instructor. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.fullwindup.com/2011/01/baseball-hitting-for-beginners/
  4. ↑ https://www.howbaseballworks.com/TheBasics.htm
  5. ↑ https://www.coachup.com/nation/articles/stealing-2nd-base
  6. ↑ https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/atcjzj9j7wrgvsm8wnjq.pdf
  7. ↑ https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/atcjzj9j7wrgvsm8wnjq.pdf
  8. ↑ https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/atcjzj9j7wrgvsm8wnjq.pdf
  9. ↑ https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/atcjzj9j7wrgvsm8wnjq.pdf
  10. ↑ http://www.helpful-baseball-drills.com/howtoplaybaseball.html
  11. ↑ https://lokeshdhakar.com/baseball-pitches-illustrated/
  12. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6874692/
  13. ↑ https://official-rules.org/running/outs_when_running.htm
  14. ↑ https://www.howbaseballworks.com/TheBasics.htm
  15. ↑ https://www.howbaseballworks.com/TheBasics.htm

About This Article

Isaac Hess
Co-authored by:
Isaac Hess
Baseball Coach & Instructor
This article was co-authored by Isaac Hess and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Isaac Hess is a Baseball Coach, Instructor, and the Founder of MADE Baseball Development and Champion Mindset Training Program, a baseball training program based in Los Angeles, California. Isaac has over 14 years of experience coaching baseball and specializes in private lessons and tournaments. He has played baseball for both professional and collegiate leagues including Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Isaac was ranked as one of Baseball America's top 10 prospects for 2007 and 2008. He earned a BS in Regional Development from the University of Arizona in 2007. This article has been viewed 949,177 times.
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Co-authors: 161
Updated: July 21, 2026
Views: 949,177
Categories: Featured Articles | Baseball
Article SummaryX

The goal of baseball is to score more runs than the other team. The team that scores the most runs by the end of the game wins! To score a run, first try to hit the ball with a baseball bat when the pitcher throws it to you. If you miss the ball, you get a strike, and once you get 3 strikes you’re out. When you hit the ball, run counterclockwise around the 3 bases and back to the home plate you started at. If you make it back without getting out, you score a run for your team. If you can’t make it all the way back, you can stop at first, second, or third base and wait for the next player on your team to bat. Then, if they hit the ball, you can continue running along the bases toward the home plate. Keep in mind that the other team will be trying to get you out while you’re running the bases. There are 3 ways they can do that. First, if the other team picks up the ball and beats you to your next base with it, you’re out. Second, if a player on the other team is holding the ball and they tag you with it, that means you’re out. Finally, if you hit the ball and the opposing team catches it in the air, you’re out. Once your team has 3 outs, move to the outfield and try to stop the other team from scoring runs by getting them out. After each team has gone up to bat, that’s the end of 1 inning. In the official rules, there are 9 innings in a baseball game. Since there are no ties in baseball, keep playing additional innings if necessary until one team wins. If you want to learn what to do defensively while you're out in the field, keep reading the article!

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