What is the minimum number of players required for a team to start a baseball game?

To start a baseball game, a team must have a minimum of nine players on the field. This is because the standard rules of baseball require each team to have nine positions filled in the lineup: three outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Each of these positions plays a specific role, contributing to the overall functioning of the team.

Having fewer than nine players would prevent the team from adequately fielding all positions, which would disrupt the flow of the game and is not allowed within the established rules of baseball. If a team cannot field at least nine players, the game cannot proceed as it would compromise the competitive balance and integrity of the game.