The sport that uses a bat and ball and is sometimes called "the national pastime" in the U.S. is baseball. This game involves two teams, each having a turn to bat and field, with the objective of scoring runs by hitting a ball and running around a series of bases. Baseball's roots can be traced back to the 19th century, becoming a significant aspect of American culture and identity. The sport embodies themes of teamwork, strategy, and tradition. Major League Baseball (MLB) governs the professional aspect of the game, attracting millions of fans annually and hosting iconic events like the World Series.