pitch![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
When the batter is in position, the pitcher throws the ball toward home plate; the batter judges the pitch and decides whether or not to try to hit it.
catcher ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position behind home plate; this player catches the ball thrown by the pitcher and indicates the type of pitch to throw to retire the batter.
home-plate umpire ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Official who calls balls and strikes, and signals when the batter has struck out (three strikes) or when a runner is retired at home plate.
batter ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Player who takes position to hit the ball; to score a point, the batter must touch three successive bases and then home plate.
home plate ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Rubber plate that the batter stands beside to face the pitcher; it marks the pitcher’s strike zone and the umpire calls balls and strikes in relation to it.
pitcher’s mound ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Small mound of earth from which the pitcher throws the ball toward the batter; it is 10 inches higher than home plate.
pitcher’s plate ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Band of rubber attached to the ground; the pitcher stands on it to throw a pitch.
pitcher ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position opposite home plate; this player throws the ball to the opposing batter, using various pitches to try to prevent the batter from obtaining a hit.