Baseball is one of the world's most popular team sports, especially in the USA where the MLB (Major League Baseball) captivates millions of fans. It's played between two teams of 9 players each, on a field shaped like a fan (diamond) featuring four bases: Home Plate, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base, forming a 90-foot (27.4-meter) diamond.
The game is divided into 9 innings (repetitions), with each inning having two halves: top (visiting team's offense) and bottom (home team's offense). On offense, the batter stands at Home Plate trying to hit the ball pitched by the opposing pitcher from 18.4 meters. If hit, they run to 1st base, advancing to 2nd, 3rd, and back to Home for a run (point). The defense (9 players in positions: catcher, infielders, outfielders) tries to catch the ball or get outs on runners.
Outs occur in 3 ways: fly ball (air catch), strikeout (3 bad pitches), force out (arriving at base before runner). With 3 outs, teams switch roles. The team with more runs after 9 innings wins – ties go to extra innings!
It demands speed (27m sprint in 4 sec.), power (home runs 120+m), strategy (pitch selection, base stealing), and coolness. Variants: softball (smaller ball/field), baseball5 (no bat). Perfect for thrill and teamwork!
Softball is a fast-paced team sport, similar to baseball but more dynamic! Two teams of 9 players (or 10 in slow-pitch) compete on a smaller field with a diamond (12m base distance vs 27m baseball). The ball is larger (30cm circumference), the bat shorter.
Key difference: underhand pitching! The pitcher throws from below at 13.1m (fastpitch), with a quick curved trajectory. In fastpitch (women's/Olympic), up to 7 innings, strike zone from knees-chest. The batter hits, runs bases for a run at Home Plate. Defense: 9 positions (pitcher, catcher, 4 infield, 3 outfield).
Outs: 3 ways – catch ball (fly out), tag runner/base (force out), strikeout (3 strikes). With 3 outs, switch. Wins with most runs after 7 innings!
Fast (2-2.5 hours), needs speed (12m sprint in 2 sec.), power (home runs), strategy (steals, bunts). Ideal for women/mixed teams!
Easy and exciting! Follow these steps to get started:
Contact the HBSF: The Hellenic Baseball Softball Federation will guide you! Send an email to info@hbsf.gr or call +30 210 9955114.
Find a team near you: Search local clubs via HBSF (e.g., Athens, Piraeus). Join open tryouts or beginner training sessions.
Register: Need ID, medical certificate. For youth/adults, start with recreational leagues.
Gear: Bat, glove, helmet (often loaned initially).
HBSF organizes leagues and camps for all levels! Join the action, try one practice session.