Baseball is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each. The objective is to score runs by hitting a pitched ball with a bat and then running around a series of four bases arranged in a diamond shape. The team in the field tries to get batters out by catching batted balls, throwing the ball to the bases ahead of runners, or striking out batters. The game consists of nine innings, during which each team has a turn to bat and a turn to field. Baseball is known for its strategic elements, such as pitch selection and base running, and has a rich history, particularly in the United States, where it is often referred to as America’s pastime. The game is governed by a set of rules and is played at various levels, from amateur to professional leagues.