• Which of the bat-and-ball sports are better, baseball or cricket?
• The two most popular bat and ball games go head-to-head for supremacy

As an electronic scoreboards continue to light up.

There have been many bat-and-ball sports over the years and even over many centuries. It is believed that stoolball in the 11th century was the first of many bat and ball games to be played in England. The stool used in this game eventually became known as a wicket and the game of cricket was born. Of all the bat and ball games in circulation, baseball is the best sport in my estimation. I’m sure there are millions of people worldwide who would choose to argue with me on this as cricket is extremely popular throughout Europe and Asia.

Cricket: The National Sport of England

Cricket has been played in southern England since at least the 16th century. By the end of the 18th century, cricket had been designated as England’s national sport. It is a game that contains many similarities to baseball yet is vastly different at the same time. The Laws of Cricket, as they are known, are maintained by the International Cricket Council.

Cricket is one of the bat-and-ball sports played on a grass field with outlying boundaries. The “pitch” is located in the middle of the field and is where the wickets, bowler, and batsman are located. The teams have eleven players a side with one team taking the field and the other bats. The batsman tries to hit the throw from the bowler and attempts to score runs for his team while the fielders of the opposing team try to “dismiss” him or put him out.

This is where the similarities to baseball end and why I believe baseball is the best sport. With cricket there are no runners on base. The bowler only has to concern himself with the batter. In baseball, having runners on base adds to the excitement of the game. Stealing second while the catcher tries to throw the runner out has you sitting on the edge of your seat. Grand Slam homeruns, hit and run plays, close plays at home plate, and spectacular throws from the outfield to nab a runner are all important components of an exciting game.

Sure, if I’m given the opportunity to watch a cricket match I’ll check it out; however, baseball is the best sport for me. Besides, a cricket match can last up to five days. Assuming they cut off the beer supply after the seventh inning stretch, what do you do for the other four days?

Baseball: Best Game in the World?

I’m a sports fanatic and love the competition of most games. Is baseball the best game in the world? Millions of baseball fans would answer with an emphatic “Yes” to this question. Like many of you reading this, I grew up on baseball. I also grew up playing hockey, football, golf, and basketball. It’s a rather subjective question that only the individual can answer. I do believe, though, that baseball is the best of the bat-and-ball sports.