Your Guide to Understanding Major League Baseball

Are you a certified baseball buff? Or could your field knowledge do with a little boost?

Major League Baseball is one of the most popular sporting leagues worldwide. With top players, competitive play and endless talent, there’s no wonder fans flock to the States to catch a glimpse of their favorite players in the flesh.

Will you be visiting a baseball game anytime soon? Don’t turn up uninformed. Make sure you’re up to date on the latest news and notes about the game. We’re here to help. Keep reading for a quick overview of Major League Baseball, terms you should know and how to bet on the play successfully.

Let’s get started…

About MLB

Major League Baseball is an essential American pastime. Going to the ball game is a natural instinct for most Americans, but you can still join in if you haven’t yet felt the calling.

Also known as MLB, this game is very simple at its core. To those on the outside, it might seem complex. But once you learn the basics, it’s easy to understand.

Baseball involves a batter and a pitcher. The batter stands on the home plate and the pitcher stands sixty feet and six inches away, on a mound. The batter aims to reach a base, and the pitcher aims to catch him out. These outcomes form the basis of the game as we know it.

However, games aren’t always that simple. Introduce competitive teams, fielding players and league objectives and you’ve got an exciting game – so exciting that fans are willing to travel and bet on the 2024 World Series Odds – see here for more of that. But more about sports betting later.

MLB history

Today, MLB consists of 30 teams, two leagues and the best players in the country. This is the highest level of professional baseball around. Fans can watch 162 baseball games from April to October during a full season. The league culminates in the World Series, where the champions of the National and American leagues meet.

But baseball hasn’t always looked like this. This classic game has evolved over years of dedicated play.

Did you know that the World Series dates back to 1884? That’s right – this important sporting event has been around since the 19th century. As you can imagine, the first few years of the sport looked entirely different from what we know today. In fact, many historians believe the true modern baseball era started in 1903, nearly a decade after the first World Series.

The first all-professional baseball team events predate the World Series. The Cincinnati Red Stockings was created in 1869, and some professional players were paid secretly. This was a great arrangement for anyone with a hidden talent for baseball!

Fast forward to the 1950s and 60s, and baseball exploded into modern culture. Those decades saw impressive club expansions, artificial turf renovations and extensive media coverage. This growth continued into the latter half of the century, and today, baseball is a beloved sport worldwide.

Baseball terms you need to know

Decided it’s time to step up to the plate and learn the baseball lingo? Here are some key terms to memorize if you’re embracing Major League Baseball.

Batting terms

First up, we’re looking at batting terms! Take note of these for when your favorite players are about to attack the ball.

• Bat around: A term used when each of the nine batters makes a plate appearance during one inning.
• Cleanup batter: The fourth batter to the plate, usually a strategic power hitter.
• Dinger/bomb: Alternative terms for a home run.
• Foul ball: A baseball that hits outside the fair playfield.
• Strike out: Three strikes in one plate appearance usually retire the batter. But sometimes, you can strike out and still reach base if the catcher drops the pitch.

Pitching terms

Like batting, pitching also comes with a number of slang terms. Note these for the next time you tune in to a game.

• Curveball: A pitch that deviates from the straight path to the plate.
• Rubber arm: Pitchers who can throw many pitches without tiring have ‘rubber arms.’
• Take the hill: When a pitcher steps up onto the mound.
• Beaned: When the pitcher throws to hit the batter intentionally.
• Ace: The best pitcher on the team – usually the first in the rotation.

MLB sports betting: what you should know

Finally, let’s look at how you can get involved in the MLB – and we’re not talking about joining a team.

Like baseball, sports betting is a popular pastime across the nation. This activity allows fans to get involved with the play and the competition. If you want to soak up some extra excitement, a sports bet might be your next step. Plus, you can enjoy this activity from home, the stadium or even the sports bar. Thanks, mobile sportsbook apps!

When you’re starting to place baseball bets, make sure you’re not going in blind. It’s always advised to research the latest odds and predictions so you can make an informed bet. Also, bettors often suggest betting on what you know – so if you’re an avid fan, you’re already in a good position.

When making MLB bets, keep these tips in mind:

• Learn how to read odds, specifically moneyline odds for MLB bets.
• Shop around online for the best deals and discounts. Different sportsbooks will offer different promotions and signup offers. Taking the time to look could result in a few free bets.
• Only bet a select amount. Take a moment to assess how much you want to spend and can afford to lose.
• If the fun disappears, it might be time to step back. Betting is an entertaining hobby but it’s time for a break when the game loses its sparkle.

The takeaway

Ready to dive into Major League Baseball culture? After you read and research about the league, the best way to learn more is to kick back and enjoy a few games. Just make sure to note these baseball terms for the future!