Baseball is a sport that is so popular in the United States that it is often called the national pastime. Every spring and summer, millions of people throughout the country play this exciting "bat and ball" game. Millions also watch baseball games and closely follow the progress of their favorite teams and players.

There are organized baseball teams for every age group from 6-year-olds to adults. The teams that attract the most interest are those of the two major leagues: the American League and the National League. These teams are made up of men who rank as the world's best players. Every year, about 50 million people flock to ballparks to watch major league baseball games. Many more millions watch games on television, listen to them on radio, read about them in newspapers, and discuss them with their friends.

Baseball began in the eastern United States in the mid-1800's. By the late 1800's, people throughout the country were playing the game. The National League was founded in 1876, and the American League in 1900. Through the years, baseball spread from the United States to other parts of the world. Today, it ranks as a major sport in such countries as Canada, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, the Netherlands, South Africa, and many Latin-American nations.