Expert: John McInnis - 8/13/2004

Question
I am a mother of a child who has been playing for about 3 years now.  I still don't know the basics of baseball.  My son is also in Cub Scouts.  He has a requirement that he needs to fulfill on Baseball.  We both need the knowledge of the basics in order to number one get better in baseball and second to fulfill his requirement.  He has to explain baseball rules.  All he needs is the basics.  It seems that with each age group he is in in the summertime, none of the basics are taught to anyone.  I think they just assume that they already know.  I would like him to get better and he would too, but we can't if we don't know what we're doing?  Can you help us?  
Thanks so much,

Heidi

Answer
Hi Heidi,

my son also got his team sport badge with baseball.  I think the cub scout leaders are usually lenient about this - at least my son's leader (Akela) was not so rigid.

I understand your concern for your son.  I'll do what I can to help but before I begin, please consider that not all coaches, baseball associations and leagues are alike.  Some just want the kids to have fun.  Others, will attack baseball with a battle plan and drill the kids until they just don't want to play.  Some just don't have the skills, motivation or resources to affectively teack the sport.  Its a shame but its still true.  If you are lucky, you may one day have a coach thats dedicated to all kids.

Now, for basic baseball rules (to earn a badge):

Baseball is a team sport.  There are usually nine players on each team.  

The object of the game is to hit a ball and run and touch three (3) bases and a home plate before being touched by the ball.  

Any player touching home plate give his team a single point.    

An inning is completed after both teams have had a turn to bat the ball, run the bases and try to touch home plate.

The team with the most points after nine (9) innings is declared the winner.  This rule can be changed to five (5) innings OR 2 hours.  It depends on the age and the league rules.

When a team is batting, they are called the offense team.  The coach writes the list of players who will be batting and this is called the batting order.  Once the list is made, it cannot be changed unless a substitute player is called and allowed to play.

The other team places its players in special places called positions.  Each position has its own name and usually the player has special skills that allow him to play that position.  For example, a player who can throw hard and accurate is usually placed at the pitching position.  Did you know that the best 1st base players are usually left handed?  Did you know that best player is usually the bat catcher?  Most people don't know this either.

Each player at bat is given 7 chances to hit the ball (4 balls, 3 strikes).  If the ball is not thrown well and the batter does not swing, this is called a "ball".  Four (4) balls and the player can walk to the 1st base.  

If a player swings at the ball and misses, this is called a strike.   Three (3) strikes and the player is considered out.  Three (3) outs and the other team gets a chance to bat the ball.

Thats about it.

I wish your son well in his badge presentation and baseball season.  At this age, I think letting them slowly learn the skills and have fun is best.  I remember learning from my errors as a kid and sometimes its the best teacher.  Don't worry, if your son is skilled...the talent will rise very quickly.  Just watch and enjoy.  

If you need more help, please write a follow-up and I'll be glad to help out.

JohnMc