Sure you know the lyrics, but what do they mean? What’s a strike? Why is he out? What’s a ball versus a strike? Why do they say things like “The count is 0 and 2?”

Here it is, as basic as I can be.

Right over home plate there is the Strike Zone. The zone actually changes per batter. It is technically the space over the plate that runs from the batter’s armpits (ew) to their knees when they are in swinging position. Since everyone is of different height and body structure, this zone does fluxuate but the goal doesn’t.

one, two, three strike, you're out! Thanks bleedingsports.blogspot.com!

Pitcher’s Goal: To throw the ball in the strike zone without the batter hitting it. He does this by using a variety of pitches and communicating with the catcher.

Batter’s Goal: To be able to anticipate and read the pitch. He needs to determine if it is coming into the strike zone where he needs to hit it or if it is outside the box.

Strikes: Happen when the pitcher successfully throws the ball into the strike zone and the batter:

-Fails to swing

-Swings and misses

-Hits the ball but it flies into foul territory.

Ball: When the pitcher fails to throw the ball into the strike zone.

The Count: Keeps track of how many balls and strikes the batter has during the current at bat. Always reads balls first then strikes. So, an 0-2 count means that the batter has no balls (go ahead, giggle. It’s okay) and 2 strikes.

Strike Out: This is where the song comes in: 1, 2, 3 strikes, you are out! Swing and miss three times and it’s time for you to go sit back down!

Walk (base-on-balls): If the pitcher throws 4 balls, the player is automatically allowed to take first base (hence the taking a Base on Balls)! He doesn’t even have to swing or do anything! He just get gets to play.

Foul Balls: There is a line that runs up the field on 1st and 3rd base and extends up poles in the stands. This is the foul/fair ball line. If the ball lands on the line it is still fair, but if it lands on the wrong side (meaning the side closest to the fans in the stadium), it is declared a Foul Ball. Or as I like to call them, Do Overs, because all the players, even those on the bases, trot back to their original places and the hitter has to try again.

Official-rules.org

Things to know:

-If the batter has no strikes, the first two foul balls count as strikes.

-The batter can never strike-out on a foul ball. You can have 2 strikes and hit 100 foul balls and well, you’d piss everyone off, but they still can’t say you struck out.

-Unless you bunt the ball into foul territory. Then for some reason, you struck out. Still can’t figure that rule out.

-And, if the catcher or another fielder catches your foul ball, well you are out, regardless of your count. Go sit down.

-For more details see the Official Rules & Diagram

About the author: Jennifer Taglione is the owner of this fabulous website Stiletto Sports. Despite writing well over 500 posts, she still maintains that she is not a sports writer! She is however a huge fan of Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Sanchez, the Celtics, and totally kicks butt on March Madness brackets! Connect with her by following her on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ and subscribing to her weekly newsletter. For more info check out the About the Editor page!

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