BASEBALL 101: ALL ABOUT THE GAME

A Research about Baseball

Presented to

the class of Mr. Jester O. Austria

The Mabini Academy of Lipa, Batangas

in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for

the Performance Task for HOPE 2: Diorama of Baseball Court

by:

Abe, Essein Antoni L. Saludo, Arjay G.

Facunla, Philip Vien D. Saplaco, Shawn Casey M.

Fonte, Florencio Roy IV B. Gaviño, Akeizha Andrea M.

Javier, Rafael James S. Leogo, Deanna Carille S.

Manguiat, Renzon J. Tolentino, Erika R.

March 18, 2024

Baseball, often referred to as America’s pastime, has a storied history that spans

centuries. From its humble beginnings to the grand stadiums of today, let’s explore the

fascinating journey of this beloved sport. The roots of baseball can be traced back to various

bat-and-ball games played in England during the 18th century. These games, known as

“rounders” or “base,” involved hitting a ball and running around bases. As British immigrants

settled in North America, they brought these games with them. In the United States, baseball

began to take shape in the mid-19th century. Clubs and amateur teams sprouted up in cities like

New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. The rules were still fluid, but the basic structure was there:

a pitcher, a batter, and bases to run. In 1845, Alexander Cartwright, a member of the

Knickerbocker Base Ball Club in New York, formalized the rules. The diamond-shaped field, the

nine-player teams, and the concept of three strikes and you’re out became standard. The first

recorded baseball game under these rules took place in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1846.

The game’s popularity grew rapidly. By the late 1800s, professional baseball leagues

emerged. The National League (NL) was founded in 1876, followed by the American League

(AL) in 1901. The fierce rivalry between the NL and AL led to the creation of the World Series,

where the champions of each league faced off. Baseball’s golden era produced legendary

players who etched their names into history. Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, revolutionized the

game with his prodigious home runs. Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse, played in a record 2,130

consecutive games. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African

American to play in the major leagues. The iconic ballparks became hallowed grounds. Fenway

Park in Boston, Wrigley Field in Chicago, and Yankee Stadium in New York witnessed historic

moments. The crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the roar of the crowd created

an indelible experience for fans.

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 Television broadcasts brought baseball into living rooms across the nation. Superstars

like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax captured the imagination of fans. The

expansion era saw new teams, including the New York Mets and the Houston Astros. Baseball

transcended borders. Japan, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic embraced the sport. The World

Baseball Classic became a showcase of international talent. Major League Baseball (MLB)

games were played in Mexico, Australia, and beyond.

Baseball weathered challenges—the Black Sox scandal, labor disputes, and the steroid

era—but it endured. Records fell, dynasties rose and fell, and the game evolved. Cal Ripken

Jr.'s consecutive games streak, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s home run race, and the

dominance of the New York Yankees all left their mark. Baseball is more than a game; it’s a

culture armed with passion, history, and community. As fans cheer from the bleachers or watch

from their living rooms, they become part of this timeless saga —a tradition that continues to

capture hearts and minds around the world.

Baseball in the Philippines

The roots of baseball in the Philippines trace back to the American colonial period. As

the United States established its presence in the islands during the late 19th century, it brought

along not only political changes but also cultural exchanges. Among these was the introduction

of baseball. The inaugural baseball game on Philippine soil took place in September 1898, a

mere few weeks after the pivotal Battle of Manila. The contest featured the Astor Battery, led by

George Wetlaufer, squaring off against a regiment from the American Army. This historic match

marked the beginning of a new sporting era. Filipinos swiftly embraced the sport. From 1899 to

1900, several baseball clubs sprouted across the country. These clubs became hubs for

camaraderie, competition, and the joy of playing the American pastime.

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 Baseball served as more than just a recreational pursuit; it was part of the American

colonial government’s broader assimilation efforts. General Otis, the military governor of the

Philippines, even proposed replacing local cockfighting (a popular native sport) with baseball.

The goal was to instill American values and pastimes among the Filipino population. For

Filipinos, baseball symbolized modernity, progress, and a connection to the wider world. It

represented a departure from traditional games and an embrace of a global sporting culture.

From the 1960s to the 1970s, baseball flourished in the Philippines. It became a national

pastime, captivating fans and players alike. The sport’s popularity extended beyond the

diamond, permeating schools, communities, and media. In 1954, the Philippines made its mark

on the international stage by winning the inaugural Asian Baseball Championship. The victory

showcased the country’s baseball prowess and fueled national pride. Despite its heyday,

baseball faced challenges. Other sports gained prominence, and interest waned. However, the

love for baseball never completely faded.

Since 2018, the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) has spearheaded

efforts to revive the sport. Recognized by both the Philippine Sports Commission and the

Philippine Olympic Committee, PABA aims to develop grassroots programs, organize

tournaments, and nurture young talent.

Baseball’s journey in the Philippines mirrors the nation’s own story—a blend of colonial

heritage, resilience, and a passion for sports. As baseball continues to evolve, it remains a

testament to the enduring spirit of Filipino athletes and fans.

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 CHAPTER II: DIMENSIONS OF BASEBALL

The Six Dimensions of Baseball

1. Field Dimensions:

 The baseball diamond is a sacred geometry. The distance between bases is

precisely 90 feet. The pitcher’s mound stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate.

These measurements form the foundation of the game, dictating the rhythm of play.

 The outfield, too, has its dimensions. Left field, center field, and right field vary from

stadium to stadium. On average, left field is 331 feet, center field is 401 feet, and

right field is 328 feet from home plate.

2. Getting on Base:

 The first dimension we explore is a player’s ability to get on base. We measure this

using On-Base Plus (OBP+). This statistic standardizes rates for comparison across

seasons, accounting for park and league effects. It expresses a player’s on-base

percentage relative to the league average.

 Whether a player reaches base via a hit, walk, or hit-by-pitch, their contribution to the

team’s score hinges on this fundamental dimension.

3. Scoring Runs:

 The ultimate goal in baseball is to score runs. But how do we assess an individual

player’s contribution to this endeavor? Traditional batting statistics—like batting

average (BA), on-base percentage (OBP), and slugging percentage (SLG)—have

their flaws.

 Modern summary statistics, such as Runs Created (RC), Weighted Runs Created

(wRC), and Wins Above Replacement (WAR), improve accuracy. However, they still

rely on the same flawed scoring contrivances.

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  Complexity often hinders a statistic’s utility. For instance, the popular OPS (On-Base

Percentage + Slugging Percentage) combines OBP and SLG, but it doesn’t eliminate

the underlying issues.

4. The Fourth Dimension: Baseball Scoring:

 Baseball statisticians grapple with assessing a player’s true impact. Runs scored and

runs batted in (RBIs) depend on teammates’ actions. To address this, statisticians

invented concepts like base hits, errors, and walks.

 These statistical contrivances facilitate measuring individual productivity. However,

they come at the cost of fidelity. Sometimes a walk is as valuable as a single, but

there’s no official distinction.

 While modern statistics improve accuracy, they remain complex. The challenge lies

in creating a statistic that recognizes the game’s design without relying on

subjectively scored events.

5. The Intangible Dimensions:

 Beyond the physical measurements, baseball has intangible dimensions—the thrill of

a stolen base, the tension of a full count, the camaraderie in the dugout. These

dimensions defy quantification but define the soul of the game.

 The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the sun sinking behind the outfield

wall—they all contribute to the rich history of baseball’s dimensions.

6. The Fifth Dimension: Baseball Fandom:

 The fans—the heartbeat of the game—add another dimension. Their passion, rituals,

and unwavering loyalty create an intangible force that transcends mere statistics.

 Whether cheering from the bleachers or analyzing box scores, fans infuse baseball

with life. They are the fifth dimension, weaving their stories into the fabric of the

game.

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 CHAPTER III: EQUIPMENTS OF BASEBALL

The Needed Gears

1. Baseball Bats:

 The bat, an extension of a player’s will, comes in various forms: wooden, composite,

and metal. Wooden bats, often made from ash or maple, evoke tradition and

craftsmanship. Composite bats blend materials for enhanced performance, while

metal bats—commonly used in amateur leagues—offer durability and power.

 The dimensions of a baseball bat matter. The length, weight, and barrel diameter

influence a player’s swing. Major League Baseball (MLB) regulations stipulate that

wooden bats must not exceed 42 inches in length and 2.61 inches in diameter at the

thickest part.

2. Gloves:

 A fielder’s glove is their second skin. Whether it’s a shortstop diving for a ground ball

or an outfielder tracking a fly, the glove’s dimensions matter. Infield gloves are

smaller, allowing quick transfers, while outfield gloves have more surface area for

catching.

 The pocket depth, webbing style, and overall fit contribute to a glove’s effectiveness.

Players personalize their gloves, breaking them in to perfection. The right glove can

turn a routine play into a highlight reel moment.

3. Protective Gear:

 Baseball’s ballet includes collisions—between players, bases, and balls. Protective

gear shields players from harm. Catchers wear a chest protector, shin guards, and

a mask. Batters don helmets to face fastballs hurtling at them.

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  Umpires, too, don protective gear—chest protectors, masks, and shin guards—to

maintain order amidst the chaos. Safety is always the priority, and the dimensions of

this gear ensure both protection and mobility.

4. Uniforms:

 Baseball uniforms are more than fabric; they’re emblems of tradition. The pinstripes

of the New York Yankees, the iconic “B” of the Boston Red Sox—these symbols

evoke history. Uniforms unify teams, creating a visual symphony on the field.

 The dimensions of a uniform—fit, fabric, and design—matter. Players wear their

team colors with pride, and fans recognize their heroes by those iconic jerseys.

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 CHAPTER IV: SCORING IN BASEBALL GAME

The Concepts of Scoring

1. Bill James and the Run Paradigm:

 Bill James, the baseball sage, challenged convention. He argued that player

performance should be measured not by batting average but by their impact on

scoring runs. Runs are the currency of baseball, the ultimate goal. So, let’s delve into

the dimensions that shape this currency.

2. Batting Average vs. Runs Created:

 Batting average (BA) was once the gold standard. But it’s a limited lens. It doesn’t

account for walks, extra-base hits, or situational hitting.

 Enter Runs Created (RC). James introduced this statistic, which quantifies a player’s

contribution to run production. It considers hits, walks, and total bases. RC is a

multidimensional view of a batter’s impact.

3. Weighted Runs Created (wRC):

 James didn’t stop there. He refined RC into wRC. Why? Because not all hits are

equal. A home run is more valuable than a single. wRC adjusts for this, weighting

each outcome based on its impact.

4. Wins Above Replacement (WAR):

 WAR is the Swiss Army knife of baseball metrics. It combines offense, defense, and

baserunning into a single number. It measures how many wins a player adds to their

team compared to a replacement-level player.

 WAR transcends dimensions. It’s a bridge between traditional stats and

sabermetrics.

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 CHAPTER V: VIOLATION IN BASEBALL

1. Types of Penalties:

A. Charging the Mound: When a batter charges the pitcher after being hit by a pitch,

chaos erupts. Tempers flare, benches empty, and the game teeters on the edge.

B. Interference: Whether it’s a runner obstructing a fielder or a fan reaching over the

outfield wall to catch a ball, interference disrupts the natural flow.

C. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Trash-talking, bat flips, and excessive celebrations—

these violations challenge the game’s decorum.

D. Obstruction: When a fielder impedes a runner’s progress, the umpire must decide if

it’s accidental or intentional.

E. Equipment Violations: From corked bats to foreign substances on baseballs,

players sometimes push the boundaries.

2. Legal Battles and Baseball:

 Baseball and the law intersect more often than we realize. Consider the 1975 Andy

Messersmith reserve-clause case. Arbitration, contracts, and player rights—these

legal dimensions shape the game.

 The Supreme Court’s 1922 decision in Federal Baseball Club of Baltimore v.

National League established baseball’s antitrust exemption. A legal victory that

echoes through time.

3. The Unwritten Rules

Code of Conduct:

 Baseball has its unwritten rules—a secret language passed down through generations.

Don’t bunt to break up a no-hitter. Don’t show up the pitcher after a home run. Respect

the game.

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  These dimensions of respect and tradition bind players across eras. They’re whispered

in dugouts, etched in rituals, and upheld by veterans.

Beanballs and Retaliation:

 When a pitcher intentionally throws at a batter, it’s a violation of the unwritten code.

Retaliation follows—a fastball aimed at the opposing team’s star player.

 The dimensions of honor and justice play out on the field. Sometimes, a beanball is

more than a pitch—it’s a message

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 CHAPTER VI: RULES AND REGULATION IN BASEBALL

The Rulebook: A Sacred Scroll

1. The Official Rules:

 Baseball’s rulebook is a tome of wisdom—an almanac that transcends time.

The Official Baseball Rules, sanctioned by the Office of the Commissioner of

Baseball, dictate every nuance of play.

 From the dimensions of the field to the intricacies of tagging up, these rules are the

bedrock. They’re etched in chalk, whispered by umpires, and debated by fans.

2. Nine Innings, Three Outs:

 A professional baseball game unfolds across nine innings. Each inning comprises

two half-innings, with both teams taking turns on offense and defense.

 The magic number is three: three outs per half-inning. When a team accumulates

three outs, the baton passes. The game dances to this rhythm, a symphony of

strikes and catches.

3. Extra Innings:

 Sometimes, the score remains knotted after nine innings. Fear not—the gods of

baseball grant extra innings. Teams battle on, chasing victory until one emerges

triumphant.

 The crowd leans forward, hearts racing, as each pitch becomes a brushstroke on the

canvas of eternity.

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 CHAPTER VII: PLAYER’S ROLES IN BASEBALL

The Nine Guardians

1. The Pitcher (1):

 The pitcher stands atop the mound, a maestro with a leather ball. Their canvas is the

strike zone, and their brushstrokes are fastballs, curveballs, and changeups.

 Their role? To confound batters, to paint the corners, to keep the scorecard clean.

They’re the heartbeat of the defense.

2. The Catcher (2):

 The catcher crouches behind home plate, a sentinel in armor. Their mitt awaits the

pitcher’s offerings—their fingers signal the game’s rhythm.

 Their role? To call pitches, to block wild ones, to throw out base stealers. They’re the

guardian of the battery.

3. The First Baseman (3):

 The first baseman stretches toward the sun, a ballet dancer at the corner. Their

glove scoops low throws, their foot taps the bag.

 Their role? To dig out errant throws, to stretch for outs, to anchor the infield. They’re

the gatekeeper of the diamond.

4. The Second Baseman (4):

 The second baseman pivots on double plays, a whisper in the middle. Their glove

snags grounders, their arm spins magic.

 Their role? To turn twin killings, to cover the keystone, to ignite rallies. They’re the

conductor of the infield.

5. The Third Baseman (5):

 The third baseman guards the hot corner, a lion with reflexes. Their bare hand grabs

line drives, their cannon arm fires across the diamond.

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  Their role? To protect against bunts, to dive for smashes, to halt runners. They’re the

sentry of the basepaths.

6. The Shortstop (6):

 The shortstop glides like a shadow, a poet in motion. Their range covers ground,

their glove dances with destiny.

 Their role? To field grounders, to turn acrobatic double plays, to be the bridge

between bases. They’re the heartbeat of the infield.

7. The Outfielders (7, 8, 9):

 The outfielders roam like nomads, chasing fly balls under the sun. Their legs eat up

grass, their arms launch missiles.

 Their role? To rob home runs, to cut off liners, to track down triples. They’re the

guardians of the warning track.

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 CHAPTER VIII: AREAS IN BASEBALL

The Baselines and the Infield

1. The Baselines:

 The heartbeat of the diamond lies in the baselines. These chalked pathways connect

the bases, tracing the journey of players from home plate to victory.

 Baseline Length: The baseline stretches exactly 90 feet from home plate to first

base, from first base to second base, and from second base to third base. This

distance is sacred—a sprint for the swift, a marathon for the determined.

 Home Plate to Second Base: The distance from home plate to second base is 127

feet and 3 3/8 inches. It’s a realm of stolen bases, daring slides, and double plays.

Here, the infielders dance with destiny, guarding their territory.

2. The Infield Arc Radius:

 The infield arc is a subtle curve, a secret whispered by the grass. Its radius is 50

feet. This gentle arc defines fair territory, where ground balls are fair game and diving

catches are poetry.

 Within this arc, the pitcher’s mound rises—a hill where dreams are hurled toward

home plate. The infielders pivot, the shortstop glides, and the second baseman turns

double plays. The arc is their canvas.

3. The Distance to Obstructions:

 From home plate, the distance to the nearest obstruction on fair territory (usually the

outfield fence) must be at least 250 feet. This open expanse invites home runs, but it

also challenges outfielders to chase down fly balls.

 The distance from home plate to the nearest obstruction on foul territory (usually the

backstop or dugout) should be 60 feet. Here, foul balls ricochet, and catchers pounce

on wild pitches.

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4. The Foul Lines:

 The foul lines extend from home plate to the nearest fence or obstruction. Along

these chalked paths, the ball dances between fair and foul territory.

 The distance along the foul lines must be at least 320 feet. Here, fans lean over the

railing, hoping for a souvenir. The foul lines are the boundary—the edge of the world

where fair becomes foul.

5. The Distance to Centerfield:

 From home plate, the distance to centerfield must be at least 400 feet. Here, the

outfielder patrols, tracking down deep fly balls. The centerfielder is the sentinel,

guarding the heart of the diamond.

 Beyond this distance, the outfield fence rises—a wall of dreams and dashed hopes.

The centerfielder leaps, the ball sails, and the crowd holds its breath.

6. The Distance Between Bases:

 The distance from first base to third base is 127 feet and 3 3/8 inches. This span is

the battleground for pickoff attempts, stolen bases, and daring leads.

 The positioning of base plates relative to each other is precise. The first, second, and

third bases are sized at 15 inches square and 3 to 5 inches thick. They’re the

stepping stones—the markers of progress.

7. The Home Base Circle Diameter:

 The home base circle, where the pitcher’s magic unfolds, has a diameter of 26 feet.

Within this circle, the pitcher stands—a conjurer of fastballs, curveballs, and

changeups.

 The distance from the home base to the backstop (usually the catcher’s domain)

should be 60 feet. Here, wild pitches ricochet, and catchers scramble. The backstop

is the safety net—the boundary of chaos.

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