ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT BASEBALL? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS TO ALL OF YOUR MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL) QUERIES.
PLEASE GIVE ME THE BASICS SO I KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WHEN I WATCH A GAME.
There are three outs per inning in a nine-inning game. Should the game be tied at the end of nine innings, the game will go into extra innings.
The visiting team is always listed first on the scoreboard, and they also hit first. (Think: letting your guests go first).
Four balls equal a walk, and three strikes equal a strikeout. The number of balls is always listed first on the scoreboard, with strikes second. (Balls-strikes)
HOW LONG IS THE MLB BASEBALL SEASON?
The MLB season is the longest regular season in professional sports, with 162 games, and even though the season started a week later than planned due to a labor dispute, teams will play an entire season. Baseball is the only major professional sport to start and finish the season in the same calendar year.
What are some changes for the 2022 season?
A universal designated hitter (aka the DH) is the most significant change this season. Previously, only the American League had a DH, and the National League did not. Now both leagues will use a DH. A DH is a player who hits in place of another player, typically the pitcher. Pitchers spend so much time honing their craft that they don't spend as much time practicing hitting the ball as other players, hence the DH.
Umpires will announce their decision when reviewing a play, as the NFL (National Football League) does.
If you're watching a game, you might see a little device used by the catchers – PitchCom. The device is meant to stop pitch stealing. It is an electronic device that allows catchers to press buttons to signal the pitch to a pitcher and select defenders through a headset (typically shortstop/centerfield). This device also speeds up the game as you don't have to wait for pitches to be called.
Here are more details if you want to dive deeper.
WHAT ARE THE AMERICAN AND NATIONAL LEAGUE?
MLB is divided into two leagues – NL (National League) and AL (American League).
WHAT DOES THE PHRASE "CAN OF CORN" MEAN?
Can of corn is a phrase used to describe a high pop-up ball that's easy to catch. It doesn't require a lot of effort from the defensive player. Now, why is it called that? The story says it's because, in the grocery stores, corn was traditionally on the top shelf (thanks to alphabetizing the veggies). Therefore when someone needed a can of corn, the grocer would knock it down and catch it with ease.
WHY DO THE BROADCASTERS REFER TO NUMBERS WHEN TALKING ABOUT A DEFENSIVE PLAY?
There are nine players on defense (out in the field plus the catcher). Each position has a name but is also referred to as a number, 1-9. While watching baseball, you may hear of a 4-6-3 defensive play. That means the ball went to the second baseman, the shortstop, and the first baseman for a double play. Here's a deeper dive into the name and number breakdown.
WHERE IS THE 2022 ALL-STAR GAME?
The Home Run Derby, All-Star Game and all of its festivities will take place at the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers July 18-19.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LETTER "K" s I SEE ON THE BROADCAST, AND WHY ARE SOME OF THEM BACKWARDS?
Strikeouts are measured by "K" s on the game broadcast and throughout the stadium. A forward-facing K means the player struck out swinging (and missed). A backward K means strikeout looking (i.e., they didn't swing and were called out by the umpire). Photo.
HOW DOES THE LEAGUE KEEP TEAMS COMPETITIVE AND THE SEASON INTERESTING YEAR AFTER YEAR?
MLB does not have a salary cap like other professional leagues. Instead, MLB has a Competitive Balance Tax or "Luxury Tax." Once a team's annual player payroll hits a certain number ($210 million), they are taxed. MLB put the tax was put in place so big market teams (think: New York Yankees) wouldn't sign all of the best players, leaving the small market teams at a competitive disadvantage.
The current system taxes all spending over a predetermined threshold at 20%, with the rate increasing to 30% and 50% for second and third-time offenders, respectively. Where does the tax money go? Find out more here.
WHAT IS A GRAND SLAM?
Yes, a grand slam is a meal at Denny's, but in baseball, it's when there are runners on all three bases (first, second and third) and the batter hits a home run which equals four runs scored.
BASEBALL PLAYERS ARE CALLED THE BOYS OF SUMMER, BUT WHY?
Baseball is the only sport that spans the entire summer.
WHAT'S AN INTENTIONAL WALK?
An intentional walk is when a pitcher intentionally throws four balls outside the strike zone to walk a hitter. (It's a strategy thing). A new rule was implemented to help speed up games that allow teams to signal for the walk and not waste time throwing the four pitches.
WHAT IS INTERLEAGUE PLAY?
Interleague Play refers to the special occasion where the American League and National League play each other. Usually, the teams only play within their respective league.
