B12

Although there are many similarities between the games of baseball

SIMILAR

B13

and cricket, there are eleven players in each team in cricket, and only nine in each team in baseball.

PLAY

B14

Another major difference is the shape of the bat used to hit the ball.

DIFFER

B15

Professional baseball began in the USA in 1865.

PROFESSION

B16

Today, baseball is played in many countries, particularly in East Asia and North, Central and South America.

PARTICULAR

B17

In the USA, baseball is often considered to be the national sport, although American football and basketball are also popular.

NATION

B18

Indeed, the popularity of baseball is so great in America that the word 'ballgame' almost always refers to baseball, rather than other ball games.

POPULAR