Baseball is one of the ball sports, a competitive game where teams engage in offense and defense by hitting a ball with a bat.

Baseball originated in the 15th century, initially derived from the English game of rounders. It later spread to the United States, with the first baseball game held in Cooperstown, New York in 1839.

In 1978, the International Baseball Federation gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee, and its headquarters were established in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1994. Baseball was included in the Olympic Games in 1992.

The baseball is typically made of a round core of cork, rubber, or similar material, wrapped with twine, and covered with two pieces of tightly stitched white horsehide or cowhide. The weight of the ball ranges from 141.8 grams to 148.8 grams, with a circumference of 22.9 centimeters to 23.5 centimeters, and the surface should be smooth and even.

Baseballs are classified as hard or soft. Hard baseballs come in horsehide or cowhide varieties, with the latter being used in both professional and amateur baseball. Soft baseballs, made of rubber, include five types: A, B, C, D, and H, each with different levels of elasticity.

Baseball bats are cylindrical, made by bonding whole or multiple pieces of wood. When bonding wood, the grain must align, and only adhesive can be used. The bat surface must be smooth with no cross-sectional joints. The length of the bat cannot exceed 1.07 meters, and the maximum diameter cannot exceed 7 centimeters.

Professional athletes using metal, wood, or bamboo composite bats need referee approval. Concave-headed bats must have a depth of 2.5 centimeters, a width of 5.1 centimeters, and a section that is bowl-shaped without any attached materials. Bats cannot undergo any special processing to enhance elasticity or performance, and colored bats without association approval are prohibited in matches. Amateur and high school baseball players are allowed to use metal bats.

Baseball is characterized by hitting the ball with a bat and is a highly collective and competitive sport, often referred to as the "fusion of athleticism and intelligence." It has a significant international presence, particularly in the United States and Japan. Baseball is a popular sport in schools of all levels in the United States, with frequent inter-school competitions.

Baseball has its unique cultural significance, emphasizing fair play and maintaining a warm atmosphere on the field. Unlike other sports, baseball values the principle of not bullying the weak. In situations of significant lead, tactics like stealing bases or bunting to increase the advantage go against the spirit of baseball. Off the field, the family atmosphere is an essential aspect of baseball culture, making it an excellent parent-child activity.

As one of the most globally recognized sports, baseball plays a crucial role in promoting the physical and mental health, quality education, and teamwork skills of young people. In countries like Japan and the United States, baseball receives significant attention, and the strength of baseball teams is often seen as a symbol of honor.