Baseball Definitions

• An appeal play is when an umpire needs a player or coach's request to make a decision, before the next pitch.
• Common appeals include batting out of order, leaving a base too early on a fly ball, missing a base, or being tagged after overrunning first base.
• An assist is credited to a fielder who helps put a runner out.
• "At Bat" refers to a batter's completed turn at the plate.
• A base on balls (walk) occurs when a batter receives four pitches deemed balls by the umpire.
• The base path is an imaginary line 3 feet on either side of the direct line between bases.
• A base runner is a player who has reached at least first base.
• Bats can be made of wood or metal.
• A batter is a player on the offensive team who faces the pitcher.
• The batter's box is the area next to home plate where the batter must stay while at bat.
• Battery refers to the pitcher and catcher combination.
• Batting average is hits divided by at-bats, showing hitting skill in three decimals.
• A batting order is the sequence in which a team's players bat.
• A box score is a condensed statistical summary of a completed game.
• A breaking pitch is a pitch that curves.
• A bunt is a soft hit within the infield, not a full swing.
• The catcher is the defensive player behind home plate who catches pitches.
• Chance is a term for attempting a play.
• A change-up is a pitch thrown with varying speed to disrupt the batter's timing.
• A chopper is a high-bouncing batted ball.
• Chucked refers to the pitcher.
• The cleanup hitter bats fourth in the lineup, often known for long hits.
• A closed stance is when the batter's front foot is closer to the plate than the back foot.
• The count is the number of balls and strikes on the batter.
• A cut-off man intercepts a throw to a teammate.
• A dead ball is a ball that is no longer legally in play.
• The defensive team is the team in the field.
• Delivery refers to a pitch.
• The diamond is the area formed by the four bases.
• A double is a hit that allows the batter to reach second base.
• A double play is when the defense gets two outs in one continuous action.
• A double steal is when two runners steal bases on the same play.
• An error is a defensive mistake that allows a batter or runner to advance.
• An extra-base hit is any hit beyond a single.
• A fair ball is a legally batted ball that is not foul, meeting specific criteria.
• A fielder is any player on the team in the field.
• Fielder's choice is when a fielder throws to a base other than first for an out.
• A force out is retiring a runner by touching the next base they must advance to.
• A foul ball is a batted ball that is not fair.
• Foul count means there are three balls and two strikes on the hitter.
• A grand slam is a home run with a runner on each base.
• A grounder is a batted ball that hits the ground quickly.
• A hit is safely reaching a base on a batted ball not misplayed by the defense.
• A home run allows the batter to touch all bases without a fielding error.
• The home team bats in the bottom half of the inning; it is the host team.
• The infield is the fair territory within the basepaths.
• An infield fly is a catchable fair fly ball within the infield.
• An infield hit is a hit that does not go past the infielders.
• An inning is a division of a game where each team bats and fields once.
• Interference is when a player hinders an opponent's play.
• The lead-off hitter starts the batting order, or it can refer to moving off base before the pitch.
• A line drive is a hard-hit ball that travels on a straight path.
• A mask is safety equipment worn by the catcher to protect the face.
• A mitt is a glove worn by the catcher or first baseman.
• Obstruction is when a fielder hinders a runner without possessing the ball.
• The offensive team is the team at bat.
• The on-deck batter waits in a designated area to warm up.
• An out is the retirement of a batter or runner; three outs per team per batting turn.
• The outfield is fair territory beyond the infield.
• A passed ball is a legally pitched ball the catcher fails to control.
• A perfect game is when a pitcher allows no opposing player to reach base.
• A pick-off is trapping a runner off base with a sudden throw.
• A pinch hitter substitutes for another batter in the lineup.
• A pop-up is a catchable fly ball, either fair or foul.
• A pull hitter consistently hits the ball to the nearest side of the field.
• RBI means Run Batted In.
• Relay is the return of the ball from the outfield via an intermediate player.
• A rundown is when defensive players try to tag a runner trapped between bases.
• A sacrifice is when the batter advances a runner by intentionally making an out.
• A single is a hit where the batter reaches first base.
• A slide is when a runner slides to a base to avoid being put out.
• A slingshot is a pitching style where the arm does not make a full circle.
• Spikes are cleats on shoes for better traction.
• A squeeze play is when a runner on third steals home as the batter bunts.
• Stealing is advancing to the next base solely by running.
• Tagging is touching a runner with the ball or glove holding the ball to get them out.
• A triple is a hit where the batter reaches third base.
• Walks are bases on balls.
• A wild pitch is a legally delivered pitch too erratic for the catcher to control.

Differences between softball and baseball:

• Size of the ball.
• Delivery of the pitch.
• Pitching distance.
• Distance between bases.
• Base running rules.

Pitching distances:

• Women's softball: 40 feet.
• Men's softball: 46 feet.
• Baseball: 60 feet.

Distance between bases:

• Softball (men and women): 60 feet.
• Baseball: 90 feet.

Three types of throwing:

• Overhead throw.
• Underhand throw.
• Side throw.

Facilities and Equipment:

• Diamond.
• Home plate: 17-inch, five-sided rubber.
• Pitcher's plate: 2x6x24-inch rubber.
• Base: 15-inch square.
• Bats: 32, 34, or 36 inches in length. The rubber thickness is 2 inches, width is 6 inches and length is 24 inches.
• Balls: White with leather cover and nylon inside.
• Gloves: Catcher's mitt, first base mitt, finger gloves for other fielders.
• Mask, body protector, and shin guards for the catcher.
• Batting helmet.
• Studded shoes.