1.
Which position player is known as "1" on the baseball diamond?
Correct Answer
B. Pitcher
Explanation
The position player known as "1" on the baseball diamond is the Pitcher. The pitcher is responsible for throwing the ball to the opposing team's batter and is a crucial position in the game. They play a central role in determining the outcome of each play and have a significant impact on the overall success of the team.
2.
How many players play defense on a baseball diamond?
Correct Answer
A. 9
Explanation
On a baseball diamond, there are nine players who play defense. Each player is assigned a specific position such as pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. These players work together to prevent the opposing team from scoring runs by catching or fielding the ball and making accurate throws. Therefore, the correct answer is 9.
3.
The DH hits instead of the _____.
Correct Answer
C. Pitcher
Explanation
The DH, or designated hitter, is a position in baseball where a player is designated to bat in place of the pitcher. This rule is used in leagues, such as the American League, where the pitcher is not required to bat. Therefore, the DH hits instead of the pitcher.
4.
An error is ___.
Correct Answer
B. Making a mistake on defense
Explanation
An error in sports, particularly in baseball, refers to a mistake made by a player on the defensive side of the game. It could include misjudging a fly ball, mishandling a ground ball, or making an inaccurate throw. These errors can result in giving the opposing team an advantage or allowing them to score runs. Therefore, the correct answer "Making a mistake on defense" accurately describes what an error is in the context of the question.
5.
A perfect game is ______.
Correct Answer
A. A pitcher holding a team to no runs hits and BB without any errors from his team.
Explanation
A perfect game is when a pitcher successfully prevents the opposing team from scoring any runs, hits, or walks, and his own team commits no errors. In other words, the pitcher faces the minimum number of batters possible, retiring all opposing players without allowing anyone to reach base.
6.
There are typically ____ men in a starting (pitching) rotation.
Correct Answer
A. 5
Explanation
A starting (pitching) rotation in baseball typically consists of five men. This is the standard number of pitchers that a team will use in a rotation, with each pitcher taking a turn to start a game and then having a few days of rest before their next start. Having five pitchers allows for a consistent schedule and helps to manage the workload of each pitcher throughout the season.
7.
A southpaw is a(n)_____
Correct Answer
B. Left-handed pitcher.
Explanation
A southpaw is a term commonly used in baseball to refer to a left-handed pitcher. The term originated from the positioning of baseball fields, where the pitcher's mound is typically located to the north. As a result, a left-handed pitcher's throwing arm would be on the south side of their body, hence the term "southpaw." This term is often used to describe left-handed pitchers in order to differentiate them from right-handed pitchers.
8.
Which of the following does not affect your batting average?
Correct Answer
B. Sacrifice Fly
Explanation
A sacrifice fly does not affect a batter's batting average because it is not considered an official at-bat. A sacrifice fly occurs when a batter hits a fly ball that allows a runner to score from third base, but the batter is subsequently out. Since the batter is not credited with an at-bat, their batting average remains unaffected.
9.
Which is a full count?
Correct Answer
A. 3-2
Explanation
The answer 3-2 is a full count because it represents three balls and two strikes in a baseball game. In baseball, a full count occurs when a batter has three balls and two strikes, meaning that one more ball will result in a walk and one more strike will result in a strikeout.
10.
How many innings are in a typical game? (No Extra Innings, or shortened)
Correct Answer
B. 9
Explanation
A typical game consists of 9 innings. In baseball, each team has a chance to bat and field for 9 innings, with each inning consisting of a turn at bat and a turn on defense. This allows both teams to have an equal opportunity to score runs and determine the outcome of the game. Therefore, the correct answer is 9.
11.
Which scenario can put you on base?
Correct Answer
A. Dropped Third Strike
Explanation
In baseball, a dropped third strike occurs when the catcher fails to catch the third strike pitch. This scenario can put the batter on base because according to the rules, if first base is unoccupied or there are two outs, the batter can attempt to run to first base after a dropped third strike. This gives the batter a chance to reach base even if they initially struck out. However, if first base is occupied with less than two outs, the batter cannot attempt to run and is automatically out.
12.
How many teams are in the MLB?
Correct Answer
A. 30
Explanation
There are 30 teams in the MLB.
13.
What is a ground-rule double?
Correct Answer
B. A ball hopping over the wall
Explanation
A ground-rule double refers to a situation in baseball where a hit ball bounces over the outfield wall, resulting in the batter being awarded two bases. This can happen when the ball hits the ground and then bounces over the wall, or when it hits a surface or object in fair territory before clearing the wall. It is considered a double because the batter is able to advance two bases due to the unique circumstances of the ball leaving the field of play.
14.
How many runs does a grand slam drive in?
Correct Answer
B. 4
Explanation
A grand slam in baseball refers to a home run hit when all three bases are occupied, resulting in four runs being scored. Therefore, a grand slam drive in four runs.
15.
What is the distance between each base on a standard baseball diamond?
Correct Answer
B. 90 feet
Explanation
The distance between each base on a standard baseball diamond is 90 feet. This measurement contributes to the strategic aspects of the game, such as the time it takes for runners to advance and fielders to make plays. The 90-foot distance between the bases in a triangle shape defines the fundamental layout of the diamond and is a crucial factor in the game's dynamics, including the timing of throws, steals, and defensive alignments.