What is a base in baseball? A base in baseball is one of the four points a runner must touch in order to score a run. These points are first base, second base, third base, and home plate. You get on base by hitting the ball and not getting out, or by a fielder making a mistake. This guide will help you learn the basics of getting on base and moving around the diamond.
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The Goal: Reaching Base Baseball
The primary objective for a batter in baseball is to get on base safely. Doing so allows your team to have a runner on the field, creating opportunities to score. Simply put, without runners on base, it’s very hard to score in baseball. Getting a base is the first step towards achieving that goal. There are several ways a player can achieve this, and each involves specific rules and strategies.
Ways to Reach Base Baseball
Here are the most common ways a batter can reach base safely:
- Hit: The most straightforward way is to hit the ball into fair territory and reach base before a fielder can throw you out.
- Walk (Base on Balls): If the pitcher throws four balls outside the strike zone to a batter, the batter is awarded first base.
- Hit by Pitch: If a pitched ball hits the batter, they are awarded first base.
- Error: If a fielder makes a mistake when trying to field a hit ball or throw a runner out, the batter or runner may be awarded a base.
- Fielder’s Choice: This happens when a fielder chooses to try and get another runner out instead of the batter, allowing the batter to reach base.
The Physical Bases: Bases in Baseball
The physical bases in baseball are part of the field of play. They are the four points a runner must touch in order.
- First Base: The first base is located at the corner of the infield furthest from home plate and to the right of the batter. It’s the first stop for most batters.
- Second Base: Located diagonally opposite home plate and between first and third base.
- Third Base: Located at the corner of the infield furthest from home plate and to the left of the batter.
- Home Plate: This is where the batter stands to hit and where runners must return to score.
These baseball bases are laid out in a diamond shape, forming the baseball base paths that runners follow.
The Baseball Base Paths
The baseball base paths are the imaginary lines runners must follow when advancing from one base to another. While not physically marked beyond the bases themselves, the path is generally understood to be a direct line between bases, with a slight curve to avoid fielders. Runners must touch each base in order: first, second, third, and finally home plate to score. Deviating significantly from these paths to avoid a tag can result in being called out.
Getting On Base: The Art of Reaching Base Baseball
Let’s break down how a player actually gets on base.
Hitting the Ball and Reaching Base
When a batter hits a fair ball, they become a runner. Their goal is to reach first base (or further) before a fielder can get them out.
- What is a fair ball? A fair ball is one that lands or is touched in fair territory. Fair territory is the area between the foul lines, including the foul lines themselves.
- What is an out? An out is when a runner or batter is removed from play. There are many ways to get an out, but when a batter hits the ball, the most common outs are:
- Force Out Baseball: A fielder with the ball touches the base before the runner arrives, or touches the runner with the ball before they reach the base. This is common at first base when the batter is running.
- Tag Out Baseball: A fielder, while in possession of the ball or having control of the ball, touches the runner with the ball or the glove holding the ball. This can happen anywhere on the base paths.
The Walk (Base on Balls)
The walk is a crucial way to reach base without hitting the ball. It’s a testament to the pitcher’s control (or lack thereof).
- What are balls and strikes?
- Strike: A pitch that is swung at and missed, or a pitch that passes through the strike zone without being swung at.
- Ball: A pitch that is not swung at and does not pass through the strike zone.
- Four Balls = Base: If a pitcher throws four “balls” to a batter before the batter gets three strikes (which would be an out), the batter is awarded first base. This is a “base on balls” or a walk.
Hit by Pitch
This is a less common but still valid way to reach base.
- The Rule: If a pitched ball hits a batter in the batter’s box or on the way to the plate, and the batter attempts to avoid it, they are awarded first base. However, if the batter makes no effort to avoid the pitch, or if the pitch is in the strike zone, it is called a strike.
Errors by Fielders
Errors are mistakes made by the defense.
- What constitutes an error? An error is awarded to a batter or runner when a fielder mishandles a ball that could have reasonably resulted in an out. This includes dropping a catchable fly ball or misplaying a ground ball, allowing the batter to reach base safely.
- Impact of Errors: Errors keep innings alive and allow runners to advance. They are a key factor in advancing bases baseball without the batter necessarily hitting the ball well.
Fielder’s Choice
This is a strategic play by the defense.
- How it Works: A batter hits the ball, and there is already a runner on base. A fielder might choose to field the ball and throw to a base to get the preceding runner out, rather than throwing to first base to get the batter out. The batter is then safe at first base because the fielder made a “fielder’s choice.”
Base Running Baseball: Moving Around the Diamond
Once a player is on base, the game of base running baseball begins. Runners aim to advance to the next base, and eventually score a run.
Advancing Bases Baseball
Advancing bases is all about moving forward after the ball is put into play.
- On a Hit: If a batter hits the ball and it’s a single, they can advance to first base. If it’s a double, they can advance to second base, and so on. They can also advance on hits by subsequent batters.
- On a Ball in Play (with runners already on base):
- Advancing on a Fly Ball: If a fly ball is caught, runners typically have to “tag up.” This means they must be on the base when the ball is caught and can only advance after the ball is caught. If they leave the base too early, they can be called out.
- Advancing on a Ground Ball: Runners can advance on ground balls if the ball is hit far enough or if the defense makes a mistake. They must be careful not to be forced out or tagged out.
- On a Walk or Hit by Pitch: When a batter gets a walk or is hit by a pitch, they advance to first base. Any runners on first base must advance to second base, runners on second advance to third, and runners on third advance home if there is a forced advance. This is called a “force play.”
Stealing Bases Baseball
Stealing bases baseball is an exciting part of the game where a runner attempts to advance to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to the batter.
- How it Works: The runner judges the pitcher’s delivery and timing. If they think they can make it to the next base safely before the catcher can throw them out, they break for the next base.
- Risks: Stealing bases is risky. If the runner is tagged out, it’s an out for the team. This is a tag out baseball scenario.
- Success Factors: Successful stolen bases depend on the runner’s speed, the pitcher’s delivery time, the catcher’s arm strength, and the element of surprise.
Scoring in Baseball
The ultimate goal of base running baseball is to score a run.
- How to Score in Baseball: A run is scored when a runner legally advances around all the bases and touches home plate. The runner must touch first, second, third, and then home plate in that order.
- Important Note: A runner cannot score on a play where they themselves are put out before reaching home plate.
Common Ways to Get Out on the Base Paths
Even when trying to get on base or advance, a runner can be put out.
Force Out Baseball
This is a common type of out that happens when a runner is forced to advance to the next base because the batter has become a runner.
- Scenario: A batter hits a ground ball. They are now a runner heading to first base. If there’s already a runner on first base, that runner is “forced” to advance to second base to make room for the batter.
- The Out: If the fielder fielding the ball steps on first base before the batter-runner arrives, or if they throw the ball to the fielder covering first base who then touches the base before the batter-runner, the batter is out via a force out baseball. This also applies to runners forced to advance to second or third base.
Tag Out Baseball
This is when a runner is touched by a fielder who has possession of the ball or the glove with the ball.
- Scenario: A runner is advancing to a base, but they are not forced to advance (e.g., first base is unoccupied when the batter hits the ball, or a fly ball is caught).
- The Out: The fielder must touch the runner with the ball or the glove containing the ball to record an out. This can happen anywhere on the baseball base paths if the runner is not in contact with a base.
Strategies for Success on the Bases
Beyond the basic rules, smart base running can make a big difference.
Knowing When to Go
- On a Hit: Always be prepared to advance on a hit, but judge the depth and direction of the hit. Don’t run hard into an outfield assist.
- On a Fly Ball: Wait for the catch and the “tag up” signal if you are not sure the ball will drop.
- On a Passed Ball or Wild Pitch: If the catcher cannot control the pitch, it’s often a good opportunity to advance a base, especially if you are on second or third base.
Watching the Fielders
- Infielder Positioning: Pay attention to where infielders are positioned. This can give you clues about whether they are playing for a force out or a tag out.
- Outfielder Tendencies: Some outfielders have stronger arms than others. Know who you are facing.
Communication
- With Teammates: Runners on base often communicate with each other and the batter. Listen for calls and signals.
Summary of Bases in Baseball and How to Score
To recap, bases in baseball are the key points runners must touch to score. Getting on base is the first step, achieved through hits, walks, hit by pitch, errors, or fielder’s choices. Once on base, base running baseball involves advancing bases baseball strategically, whether by hitting, being advanced by teammates, or attempting daring stealing bases baseball. The aim is to complete the circuit of bases and touch home plate, which is how to score in baseball. Understanding the difference between a force out baseball and a tag out baseball is crucial for both offense and defense. Mastering the baseball base paths is a skill that develops with practice and game experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I run to any base I want?
A1: No, you must touch the bases in order: first, second, third, and home. You cannot skip a base.
Q2: What happens if I miss a base?
A2: If you miss a base, you can be called out if the opposing team appeals. This means a fielder with the ball touches the base you missed before you retouch it, or touches you with the ball while you are off the base you missed.
Q3: How do I know if it’s safe to steal a base?
A3: Stealing is a judgment call. You look at the pitcher’s windup, their tendency to throw to first base, and the catcher’s arm strength. It’s a calculated risk.
Q4: What is the difference between a force out and a tag out?
A4: A force out happens when a fielder with the ball touches the base that a runner is forced to advance to, before the runner gets there. A tag out happens when a fielder touches a runner with the ball (or glove with the ball) while the runner is not on a base.
Q5: How many bases are there in baseball?
A5: There are four bases: first base, second base, third base, and home plate.