Question: What’s the only major U.S. sport where the defense controls the ball?
Answer: Baseball. In every other major sport, from football to basketball to hockey, having the ball means you’re on offense and trying to score. Baseball flips that on its head: the pitcher starts every play holding the ball, all nine defenders are in the field, and the batting team can’t legally touch it at all. That’s why the game can’t end on a kneel-down or by running out the clock. The defense has to keep pitching and give the offense its full chance, right up to the final out. Learn More
