How to Learn the Rules of Baseball

Know the rules of baseball to improve your appreciation of the game. Many people wonder about the way statistics are calculated and different types of pitches traditionally used in the game. Apply the rules you learn the next time you watch a baseball game. A little further study and you can master the finer points of one of America's favorite pastimes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check out the "Official Rules" manual that's used on the field along with the umpire manuals, in all major and minor league baseball games. Find out about the right to arbitrarily rule on matters not covered in the manual. Peruse Jaska/Roder manual, which covers questions unanswered by the "Official Rules."
2. Begin an umpiring career by studying the professional rules first, which many feel are closest to the heart of baseball. Note that college and high school rules are very different from the basic concepts of baseball.
3. Attend a coaching clinic offered by a municipal athletic program or school system. Learn about major league baseball, including everything about uniforms, bats, the field and playing rules. Locate information on youth baseball when coaching little league.
4. Visit your local library to check out a copy of "The Official Rules of Baseball Illustrated" by David Nemec. Study it, make notes to keep nearby during games. Consider purchasing a copy to take along to the stadium.
5. Watch televised baseball games with detailed play-by-play and color commentary. Attend baseball games with a patient, knowledgeable companion who understands the finer points of the game and can answer questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit various online sources to additional information about the rules of baseball.
• Leaf through "Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way" by Cal Ripken Jr. and "How to Coach Youth Baseball: A Step-by-Step Approach" by Beverly Carroll for tips on teaching the rules of baseball to young people.
• Pick up a copy of "Baseball Field Guide: An In-Depth Illustrated Guide to the Complete Rules of Baseball" by Dan Formosa and Paul Hamburger. Read about batting, pitching, field specifications and a detailed explanation of the basic rules.