Baseball

The current standing of Baseball New Zealand National Showcase teams in 2024 is as follows:

Round 1

1. BNZ
2. WHAI

2

1. BNZ
2. TOA

Baseball has rules governing gameplay, including rules for balls, strikes, fair and foul balls, and other situations that can arise during a game. Base runners must tag up (return to the base) when a batted ball is caught in the air. They can advance when the ball is hit into fair territory. Stealing bases is allowed, but runners can be tagged out if caught trying to steal. A batted ball outside the foul lines is considered a foul ball. Foul balls count as strikes (unless the batter already has two strikes) but cannot result in an out unless caught. 

Baseball primarily relies on a system of rules and consequences for rule violations to maintain fair play. These consequences are more commonly referred to as “infractions” or “violations” rather than penalties.

In some professional leagues, there are rules allowing for the use of instant replay for reviewing certain calls, like home run disputes or fair/foul ball calls.

Some baseball leagues may have time limits for games to prevent excessively long games, especially at lower levels or in youth leagues.

TRADITIONAL PLAYING POSITIONS:

In traditional baseball, there are nine standard playing positions, each with a specific role on the field. 

The positions they hold are the Pitcher, Catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, Shortstop, Centre fielder, left fielder, who is usually one of the fastest players on the team, and right fielder.

These nine positions form the traditional defensive alignment in baseball. 

THE MODERN GAME

The modern baseball game has evolved in several ways since its inception in the 19th century. While the core rules and objectives remain the same, numerous changes and developments have been made to enhance the sport’s safety, entertainment value, and competitiveness. Modern pitchers throw at much higher velocities than in the past, and there’s instant replay and improved protective gear. There is a growing emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion in the game, and youth baseball programs and academies have become more organised and competitive, emphasising developing young talent from an early age.

ADDITIONAL RULES OF BASEBALL

The additional rules for baseball ensure fair play, safety, and consistency in the game and include the following:

• If a player is injured during the game and cannot continue, a team may make a substitution.
• Players, coaches, and managers can be ejected from the game by the umpire for various reasons, including arguing calls, using profanity, or other unsportsmanlike conduct.
•  In bad weather, games may be delayed, postponed or suspended.

These are just a few of the additional rules now in play.

The history of baseball spans over a century and a half. Baseball’s origins are believed to have evolved from bat-and-ball games brought to North America by European immigrants. The game gradually took shape in the 18th and early 19th centuries, with variations played in different regions and communities. 

Baseball was introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the late 19th century, primarily through American sailors and gold miners.

Australia has a national baseball team, often called the “Aussie Spirit” for women and “Team Australia” for men. Both teams have participated in international competitions, including the Women’s Baseball World Cup and the World Baseball Classic.

New Zealand has a national baseball team known as the “Diamondbacks.” The team has participated in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic.