Baseball is a very popular sport.
Many boys and girls play it in the park.
Players wear gloves and helmets to stay safe.
They use a wooden or metal bat to hit the ball.
Standing at home plate can make you feel nervous.
Your hands might shake a little bit.
But you can take a deep breath to feel better.
Take a strong stance with your feet.
The pitcher throws the ball through the air.
You must watch the ball very closely.
When the ball gets close, swing your bat.
Swing it fast and swing it level.
CRACK! The bat hits the ball.
The ball flies high into the blue sky.
If the ball goes over the fence, it is a home run.
This is the best hit in baseball.
Now you get to run around the field.
You step on first base, second base, and third base.
Then you run all the way back to home plate.
Your teammates will smile and clap for you.
Hitting a home run takes a lot of practice.
You can practice with a tee or with a friend.
Each time you swing, you get a little better.
Do not worry if you miss the ball sometimes.
Even the best players miss the ball.
The key is to keep trying and have fun.
