When does the game officially begin?

The game officially begins when the umpire calls "Play" after all players, including the pitcher, catcher, infielders, and the batter, are in their designated positions. This call signifies that the game is ready to commence, allowing for the first pitch to be delivered. This point is critical because it marks the transition from pregame activities, such as warm-ups and discussions, to active gameplay.

Prior to this call, various events might take place, such as the official scorekeeper recording the start time or the conclusion of a pregame conference, but none of these activities indicate that the game itself has started. The moment the umpire signals "Play" establishes the beginning of the game in accordance with NFHS baseball rules. The specific positioning of all players ensures that the game is organized and that all participants are prepared for play, highlighting the importance of order and safety at the outset of the game.