Baseball is known as the great American pastime. Learn about some of baseball's most famous -- and infamous -- players and teams.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame has been celebrating America's favorite pastime for more than 60 years. On the following pages, learn about a few of the game's most memorable players.
Perhaps the most famous baseball player of all time, Babe Ruth has become an American legend in the sports sphere.
Ken Griffey Jr. bats against the Los Angeles Angels as a Seattle Mariner on May 29, 2009. The Kid’s swing was much admired during his time in the big leagues, from 1989-2010.
Derek Jeter, #2 of the New York Yankees, walks to the dugout after an inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium.
There are two major leagues in the United States: The American League and the National League. The American League gained credibility when the Boston Red Sox (known at the time as the Boston Americans) won the first World Series in 1903.
Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz celebrates after hitting the game winning two-run home run against the New York Yankees in the 12th inning during game four of the 2004 American League Championship Series.
Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates winning the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers in October 2011.
Baseball isn't just an American pastime; several other countries have successful leagues of their own. Here, Willy Taveras of The Dominican Republic is tagged out trying to steal third base by Yurendell DeCaster of The Netherlands during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Frederich Cepeda, #24 of Cuba, is mobbed by his teammates and team doctor Antonio Castro, top center, son of former president of Cuba Fidel Castro, after hitting a three-run home run to end the game against Mexico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Though they hail from Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays play as part of the American league. Here, the team warms up during spring training in Florida.
With ominous skies overhead, Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley carries his bat to the on deck circle during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.
Nomar Garciaparra was famous -- or maybe infamous -- for adjusting his gloves as part of his batting ritual.
San Francisco Giants' second baseman Jeff Kent bunts the ball in a batting cage during 2001 spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Aaron Hill, of the Arizona Diamondbacks, hopes for a successful bat-ball collision as he swings at a high fastball from Colorado Rockies pitcher Guillermo Moscoso during a game on June 5, 2012, in Phoenix.
Infielder Robinson Cano, #24 of the New York Yankees, covers first base as outfielder Desmond Jennings, #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs out a bunt.
Javier Valentin, of the Cincinnati Reds, looks to place the tag on Morgan Ensberg of the Houston Astros in 2005.
There are all sorts of forces at work in this picture, not all of them good for Brandon Phillips of the Cincinati Reds and Dexter Fowler of the Colorado Rockies.
You’re looking at five-time Golen Glove winner Andy Van Slyke, then playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and reaching for the catch against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Safe to say that Van Slyke knew a thing or two about the physics of fielding a ball.
Daniel Descalso of the St. Louis Cardinals makes an error on a ground ball in the eighth inning in a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Of course, the history of baseball has its dark times, too. Mark McGwire admitted to steroid use while he played Major League baseball and when he broke the home run record. Learn about 5 Unforgettable Baseball Scandals.
