Out (baseball) facts for kids

A 1911 baseball card showing a player being tagged out at third base.

In baseball, an out is when a player on the team that is hitting (the batting team) is removed from play. When a team gets three outs, their turn at bat ends. Then, the other team gets to bat. Getting outs is a big part of the game because it stops the opposing team from scoring runs.

What is an Out in Baseball?

An out means a player is no longer active in that turn at bat. It's like a penalty that sends a player back to the dugout. The goal of the fielding team is to get three outs as quickly as possible. This way, they can stop the other team from scoring. The batting team wants to avoid outs so they can keep hitting and get players around the bases to score.

Different Ways to Get an Out

There are many ways a player can get out in baseball. Each way helps the fielding team stop the batting team. Knowing these ways helps you understand the game better.

The Strikeout

A strikeout happens when a batter gets three "strikes." A strike is usually a pitch that the batter swings at and misses. It can also be a good pitch that the batter doesn't swing at. If the batter gets three strikes, they are out. This is a very common way to get an out.

Catching a Fly Ball

If a batter hits the ball high into the air, it's called a fly ball. If a fielder catches this ball before it touches the ground, the batter is immediately out. This is a very exciting play to watch! Any player on the fielding team can catch a fly ball for an out.

The Force Out

A force out happens when a baserunner has to run to the next base because another player is coming to their current base. If the fielder with the ball touches that base before the runner gets there, the runner is out. For example, if a batter hits the ball and runs to first base, any runner already on first base must run to second. If the fielder touches second base with the ball before the runner arrives, it's a force out.

The Tag Out

A tag out happens when a fielder touches a baserunner with the ball (or the glove holding the ball) while the runner is not on a base. If a runner tries to advance to a base and a fielder tags them before they reach it, they are out. This often happens when a runner tries to steal a base or advance after a hit.

Other Ways to Get Out

There are a few other ways players can get out. If a batter hits a foul ball (a ball outside the playing field) with two strikes, and a fielder catches it, it's an out. Also, if a batter interferes with a fielder trying to make a play, they can be called out. Sometimes, a runner might leave a base too early on a fly ball, and if the fielder throws the ball back to that base before the runner returns, they can be out.

Why Outs Matter

Outs are super important in baseball because they control the game. Each team gets only three outs per turn at bat. Once a team gets three outs, their chance to score runs is over for that inning. The team that gets the most runs by the end of the game wins. So, getting outs is key to winning!

Images for kids

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  A 1911 baseball card showing a player being tagged out at third base.