Basketball is a competitive activity that originated in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891. Dr. James Naismith invented the sport. In a local YMCA, Naismith gathered two large peach baskets and nailed them to opposing posts. The object of the sport was to shoot or throw a round ball through the peach baskets, which were the designated goals. The sport of basketball has changed quite a bit since its inception in the late 19th century. In today’s game the baskets of the sport, when played in official competition, are metallic rings specifically set to a standard universal size. Basketball, in opposition to baseball, is a game that consists of five players per side or team. The players subsequently compete in pursuit of scoring more points or baskets than their opponents. Basketball is a very fast-paced sport that requires much physical agility and hand-eye coordination.

Baseball, on the other hand, is a very slow-paced game. Baseball, otherwise known as “America’s pastime,” is actually a game derived from old English bat-and-ball games. Baseball, as it is known today, is a sport that harbors nine players per side or team. The goal is to score more runs than the opposing team. A main distinction between baseball and basketball is that baseball is played in innings. There are three outs per team per inning and nine innings per game (unless the game goes to extra innings). Basketball, on the other hand, is played in halves or quarters. For example, NCAA basketball games are comprised of two 20-minute halves and NBA games are comprised of four 12-minute quarters.

Baseball and basketball are two very different sports that sometimes attract different audiences, despite both being popular American sports. Both sports provide audiences with fierce competitive matches and elite athletes (when played professionally). At the end of the day, baseball and basketball provide audiences and players with an enjoyable experience that is represented in different ways.