A baseball umpire is an official who oversees a baseball game, ensuring that the rules are followed. They make decisions on plays, such as whether a pitch is a strike or ball, and whether a runner is safe or out. Umpires are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring fair play. Umpires wear a uniform, typically including a cap and chest protector, and often use hand signals to communicate their calls to players and spectators. There are usually four umpires in a professional game: one behind home plate and three in the field, each responsible for specific areas of the game.