Baseball general rules.

Question
I'm a German English teacher in Brazil, and we'll have a lesson about Baseball. Unfortunately I only know some very basic things about baseball. could you please explain the rules and goals of this game? For example, I think I understand the function of the pitcher, and the batter and the catcher, but why do those people run madly around and when?
Thank you very much!

Answer
Herbert,

I glad to hear of anyone who is interested in learning more about baseball!  Your question is not easy to answer though.  One place to start is the website below:

http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/official_rules/objectives_1.jsp

It isn't easy to learn about a sport from the rulebook, but the sections containing objectives and definitions of terms is most useful.

In plain speak, One team of nine players tries to prevent the other team from rounding the bases and scoring runs.  The nine players in the field try and catch the ball when it is struck by the batter at the plate.  The batter's job is to reach base safely and eventually score a run either by his own hit or by advancing when his teammates bat.

The batter runs when they hit a ball into fair territory (also the runners try and advance at the same time).  If the ball is caught in the air, the batter is out.  Also, if the ball is delivered to a base before the batter gets to the base, the batter is out.  When three outs are made, the teams switch positions and the batting team becomes the fielding team.  After each team gets nine chances at bat, the game ends (unless they are tied - then they continue play until one team comes out ahead).

There are many rules associated with this activity and lots of different subtleties in the game.  I would suggest you try and find 'Baseball for Dummies' by Joe Morgan.  That may give you some more information if you are interested.

Please ask additional questions if you have them - I'll try and answer the best I can.

Hope this helps!

Brian