The game of baseball, commonly called the national pastime, has deep roots in American culture. For over a hundred years, millions have fallen in love with it, in the United States and beyond, but across the world. Known for its balance of strategy, skill, and tradition, it’s more than a sport—it represents sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.

At its core, baseball is played between two teams of nine players. The goal is straightforward: score more runs than the opposing team. A typical game is nine innings long, during which teams alternate between batting and fielding. The team on offense aims to hit the ball and run through a sequence of four bases to earn runs, while the defense works to get batters out and prevent scoring.

Baseball’s charm is in its mix of simplicity and intricacy. While the goal is straightforward, the countless strategies in scoring and defense add layers of excitement.

Baseball is a sport of both physical skill and mental strategy. Pitchers have an arsenal of pitches to choose from, including fastballs, curveballs, and more, to outwit the batter. Batters, in turn, rely on their hand-eye coordination and timing to make contact with the ball and advance—or, ideally, knock the ball out of the park for a home run.

Base running adds its own level of tactical decisions. Speed is important, but runners must also be smart, knowing when to steal and when to advance. Defense positioning is just as vital, with constant shifts in positioning to predict where the ball may go.

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the top professional league in the U.S.. Dating back to 1869, MLB has evolved into a major global league. It’s split into the American League (AL) and National League (NL), each featuring 15 teams. Over a 162-game season, competing for playoff spots and a chance to win the World Series, one of sports' greatest prizes.

Franchises such as the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers have become legendary, known for their deep history and legions of loyal fans. Every October, the MLB postseason captivates millions, as the top teams battle for the championship.

Throughout its history, baseball has seen many great players and iconic moments. Figures like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays are more than just athletes. Robinson, in particular, made history by breaking baseball’s color barrier, forever changing the game and America’s social landscape.

Today, players such as Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge carry the sport’s legacy, showcasing here incredible talent and pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Though born in the U.S., baseball is now a global sport. Countries like Japan, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and South Korea have thriving baseball cultures. Tournaments like the World Baseball Classic showcase the sport’s worldwide popularity, with national teams from around the world competing at the highest level.

Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) has the same passionate following as MLB. Players like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani have become international superstars, bridging the gap between American and Japanese baseball and showing that talent knows no borders.

The enduring charm of baseball is in its pace and flow. Fans can enjoy the anticipation of each pitch and play, and relish the suspense that unfolds moment by moment. Unlike more rapid sports, baseball’s deliberate pace invites fans to engage deeply with the strategy and drama unfolding on the field.

Whether you’re watching a local Little League game or a high-stakes World Series matchup, baseball offers something for everyone. It’s a game where hope springs eternal with every pitch, and where anything can happen right up until the final out.

It’s not just a sport; it’s a tradition, a source of community, and a celebration of perseverance. With a storied past and a bright future, millions of fans continue to be inspired by baseball around the globe. Whether a new fan or a lifelong follower, you can’t deny the magic of baseball—a game where legends are born, and memories are made.