Whether you play baseball for fun or to earn a living, there are many things you should know about the game. There are rules, positions, and even sore elbows that you should know.
Sore elbow
Those who play baseball have a higher risk of suffering from elbow injuries. This is because throwing a ball puts a great deal of stress on the elbow. This stress is transferred from the arm to the bone. This can cause pain, swelling, and a loss of motion.
Typical causes of elbow injuries include repetitive motion and overuse. These activities can cause damage to the ligaments and tendons that connect the elbow to the bones. These injuries often cause pain when throwing and reduce the ability to throw a baseball.
If you or your child suffers from a sore elbow, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Your doctor may order an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage. He or she may also order an MRI to rule out other causes of pain.
Pitcher’s mound
Traditionally, a baseball mound is constructed of a combination of sand and clay. Both materials have their own specifications. A perfect mound requires ongoing attention and maintenance.
A mound should be constructed to be at least 18 feet in diameter. Typically, a mound is made of about eight to ten tons of clay. A higher clay content allows the mixture to stand up to wear and tear. Specialty packing clay is recommended for the table and landing areas. The mixture should be mixed with water. It should also be tamped in one inch increments.
The height of the mound should be 10 inches above the home plate. The slope should begin six inches in front of the pitcher’s rubber and slope down one inch for every six feet.
Catcher’s position
Often described as the “brain” of the team, the catcher’s position in baseball requires great physical and mental strength. Catchers are also required to use excellent body control and defensive skills. Catchers are often the first line of defense in the field, and they are expected to prevent base stealing, lead defensive play, and call pitches.
Catchers use special protective equipment to protect their body, including a chest protector. This can be made of a soft padded material such as gel or rubber. It is designed to provide cushion for squatting and sliding into home plate.
Catchers are also required to maintain strong knees to prevent injury from pitched balls. They must be able to handle the bounce of a ball, and they also need to be flexible enough to catch pitches that are errant.
Rules
Generally speaking, baseball is a sport played by two teams of nine players. The objective of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. The teams alternate playing offense and defense.
Each team has a batting order, which is the order in which they take turns at bat. The offensive team starts at home plate, while the defensive team starts at the opposite end. The offensive team then runs counterclockwise around four bases, trying to score as many runs as possible.
When a batter hits a ball that bounces over a fence in fair territory, the ball is considered a home run. The minimum distance for a home run is 250 feet, and it was that distance until 1929.
