Brief History
Although Baseball originated in America, it has its roots in the British game of "Rounders". The First rules for Baseball are thought to have been written in 1845 by a man called Cartwright, of the New York Knickerbockers. A National League started in America in 1876. International Baseball has been played longest in the U.K. with a pro team league started in the late 1880’s. There is currently a Rawlings National League in place which is constantly growing and building with a goal in reach to become a professional league once again.
Dimensions and Equipment
The baseball diamond is laid out in a 90’. The Pitching plate is 60’6” from the pointed part of home plate and is surrounded by a dirt 9’ radius. The pitching plate is located about 10’ back from the front of the circle and is place on the top of the mound of dirt. The batters box is 6’ length by 4’ width (from home plate). A yarn wound around a small core of cork, rubber or similar material and covered with two strips of white leather tightly stretched forms the ball. The bat is smooth and round, made from one piece of solid wood or aluminium, which is not more than 6.98cm (2.75inches) in diameter and 106.68cm (42 inches) in length. A batter must wear a helmet at bat as well as around the bases; it is a properly fit hat that covers the ear facing the pitcher or both ears. The glove is allowed to be up to 12”. Catchers wear kneepads, a chest protector, a helmet and a face mask.
Technical Details
There are nine positions on the field; pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, short stop, right fielder, left fielder and centre fielder. Batters can be struck out (3 strikes), run out (when a batter fails to reach a base before the ball) or caught out (the ball is caught in a fielders glove before it touches the ground). Batters can get on base by hitting the ball or by drawing a base on balls. Runs are scored when a batter makes it safely to home base. There are nine innings with 3 outs an inning which makes 27 outs in a game.
Competition Details
As stated previously there is a baseball league in place at the moment, the Rawlings National League. The league currently has 6 teams and play the other teams 5 times throughout the season. The top 2 teams in the league go on to the semi finals, the 3rd place plays 6th place and 4th place plays 5th place. The top 4 teams go on to play in the Final Four Tournament.
British Baseball Federation
BaseballSoftball UK
Ariel House
74a Charlotte Street
London
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