Facts on Baseball

It would take volumes of books to discuss all the interesting facts about baseball. Many statistics by many players have been accumulated over the years. Much of the rich tradition of baseball is about the statistical information. Baseball is often referred to as "America's Pastime.” Reading about the facts of baseball will help you to better understand the game.

• The Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, New York. New members are voted into the hall of fame each year.


• The Boston Americans defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first World Series in 1903.


• The New York Yankees have won the most World Series championships, with 27.


• Pete Rose has the record for the most hits with 4,256 and games played with 3,562. Rose was later banned from baseball for betting on games.


• Barry Bonds has the record for the most home runs in a season with 73 in 2001. The record is heavily scrutinized because Bonds is linked to steroid use during the season he broke the record.


• Nolan Ryan has the most no-hitters with six. Bob Feller has thrown the only official opening day no-hitter in 1940 for the Cleveland Indians.


• Each inning has a top and bottom half. The away team bats in the top half and home team bats in the bottom half.


• Each half inning lasts until three outs are recorded. There is no time limit to any inning.


• Major League Baseball games are nine innings in length. If tied after nine, the game is played until the tie is broken. This is another advantage of being the home team and having the last at-bat.


• A game is considered official after the 5th inning. If the home team is leading after the top of the 5th, the game is then considered official. This rule is usually only used with bad weather.


• College, high school and youth baseball game lengths vary. Each local league rules are different.

Find a baseball encyclopedia at your nearest library for a more comprehensive look at the game. Most serious fans find it enjoyable reading about the players who made the game great before they started watching.