Understanding the Rules and Where to Watch Baseball in Florida

Considered the American pastime, why not catch a game of baseball while you are in Florida? With the Tampa Rays based in nearby St Petersburg, we take some time to help you get to grips with the basics of this much-loved sport.

At a glance, baseball appears a glorified form of rounders, but don’t let any Americans hear you saying that! Essentially all that you need to play baseball is a bat, ball and a glove. You will also need to mark out four bases – first, second, third and home, which players run around when the ball is in play.

Teams consist of nine players (with squads often having extra players on the roster ready if the need for substitutions arise), who both bat and field in turn. The home team always bats second. Each phase of play is called an inning, which is divided into two halves, also known as frames – in each frame the team bats until three players are ‘out’. Then the teams swap round, and the other team takes its turn to bat or field for the second half of the inning. There are nine innings in a professional game.

The pitcher tries to throw a ball past the batter, standing on a spot called the plate, to the glove-wearing catcher behind, while the batter tries to hit the ball and put it into play. Once it is in play, the fielders will try and catch the ball, or throw it to stop a runner reaching the next base. If a batter misses three pitches, or doesn’t swing at hittable pitches (each time called as a strike), then they are declared out. A player can also be given a strike if they hit an uncaught ball into foul territory – the area behind the plate and to the left and right of the playing field marked on the field by white foul lines. It’s worth noting though, that a player already on two strikes can keep on hitting the ball into the foul area – it won’t count as a strike for them! However, if a pitcher throws four balls deemed outside of the strike zone (an imaginary rectangle the width of the plate, extending from the hitter's chest to his knees), then the batter gets what is called a base on balls and can move to first base, this is sometimes referred to as a 'walk'. Also if the pitcher hits the batter with the ball the pitcher will be penalised and the batter can go to first base.

Those who are fielding take positions around the bases: the second baseman between first and second base, the shortstop between second and third base, and the third baseman near to third base. There are also three fielders who cover the outfield area – which is beyond the bases. The fielders work together to stop the runners from scoring runs. If a fielder catches a struck ball, the hitter is out. Likewise, a runner who is not safely on a base can be 'tagged' out by a fielder touching them with the ball.

A run is scored when a player makes it around all the bases in the right order, to the final home base. If a batter hits a ball far enough into play to get to first base it is called a single, second base a double and third base a triple. If a player hits the ball far enough to get all around the bases in one go this is a home run. Alternatively, hitting the ball over the outfield wall between the foul poles (these are the tall, often yellow posts located at the end of the foul lines) will give the hitter an automatic home run, as will hitting the pole above the outfield wall, though they still need to make their way around the bases.

After all nine innings, the team with the most runs is declared the winner – though if there is a tie the game continues with more innings until one team has more runs. As the home team will bat last, if they are ahead during the first half of the last innings they will be unbeatable, so don’t need to complete the inning.

Hopefully this gives a brief overview of the game! These are the basics – though there are other rules that apply in certain situations – the best way to get to grips with these is to watch a baseball game for yourself! With the baseball season in full swing until the end of September, this is a great opportunity to put your new-found knowledge to the test. Why not watch the Tampa Bay Rays in action over at their home ground, Tropicana Field in St Petersburg? We looked at the team and what you can do around the venue in more detail during a previous blog – take a look! To discover the Rays' full schedule, pay a visit to the team’s website and book your tickets!

If you would rather relax with a beer and burger, there are plenty of sports bars that will be showing baseball games throughout the season. If you are near Universal, head to City Walk and check out the NBC Sports Grill & Brew. With almost 100 HD TVs showing non-stop sports coverage, this is a great spot to watch the game, as you grab a bite to eat. This bar also has over 100 beers bottled or on tap, in addition to various ciders, wines and cocktails, so you will find something to accompany every dish! The lunch and dinner menu is every bit as extensive. Why not try out The Combo – a belly-busting half rack of Midwest ribs, Angus beef brisket, sticky BBQ pulled pork, fries, corn bread and kettle-grilled corn? For something a little lighter, maybe the Fired Up Jalapeno burger will set your taste buds tingling! Made with 1/2lb Black Angus beef, get all fired up by the jalapeno-jack cheese, jalapeno bacon and fried jalapenos that are served up in the toasted brioche bun!

Not to miss out on the sporting action, the City Works Eatery & Pour House is set to open during the summer over at Disney Springs. With in excess of 90 local and global beers to try out, as well as a menu packed with classic American fare, this promises to be a great addition to the Disney Springs landscape for sports fans. With huge HD screens showing all of the latest sporting action, as well as a large outdoor patio area, you should definitely try to catch a game here if you get the chance!

With plenty of other sports bars all around the Orlando area, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you want to catch a game of baseball. Let us know where you recommend for the best atmosphere, food and viewing experience!