The sport is played with two teams of nine people. The visiting team to the stadium will bat first, as the home team pitches, and they alternate from there up until the ninth and final inning. If the home team is ahead, there is no need for them to bat in the bottom half of the ninth inning – they're already ahead and as far as everyone is concerned, they've already won. On the other hand, if the game is tied it may go into extra innings – and many games have gone on for several hours because of this.
Ballparks are more than just a sports arena, too. Stadiums hold special places in the hearts of many who hold special memories there, including some notable politicians and celebrities. Famous individuals like this are of course given prime seats in the stadium, top-notch VIP treatment and many are even invited to game opening national anthem or throw out the first pitch. You just never know exactly who you'll run into while enjoying a relaxing, exciting day at the ballpark.
Many celebrities, whether it is baseball players, movie stars, musicians, or even stars from other sports leagues are usually more than willing to give autographs, too. You can get pictures, baseballs or jerseys signed by your favorite star – they'll sign nearly anything you can bring to the stadium.
Collectible baseball cards featuring all of the players and teams of the sport are another fun aspect of the sport and have been bought, sold, and trade over the years, and some of the more rare cards have become quite a commodity. Hard to find or highly sought after baseball cards can demand prices of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and potentially even more. But of course this lucrative hobby would not exist without the sights, sounds and smells of the ballpark, itself.
As baseball is meant to be a sport that is enjoyed by the entire family, ticket prices are kept low. Many tickets for your favorite baseball teams can be purchased for or less. And while better seats cost more money, you'll never find anything to outrageous; unless of course you're looking for tickets to the World Series!