Dual Purpose(s)..."as I was saying" about the game of bases and balls. 

Strictly, or more broadly stated: As well as in the more literal or figurative sense, limited in scope and context, such as in the actual game of baseball, playing out right before your eyes, or more globally conceptualized, as in idiomatic, as in sayings, phrases that come from "who knows where, never gave it a second thought"...

"Take your base" for example: Take it any way you want...but before you do, whether you are the type who prefers to generalize, transfer prior knowledge, from a single instance, or the more, let's just call it "pedantic" type (stickler, stuck on details), take just on step back in time...to a time and place where you either lacked prior knowledge of our frequently strange 'laws of language' (a term which itself offers an example of what we sometimes call an oxy-moronic literary, rhetorical device, one that seems to contradict itself...so much for 'laws') or, even if you're reasonably facile with words, phrases, idioms -- in other words -- one that easily finds their way around the bases...let's say you're a total outsider to this so-called pastime, and just getting exposed to the rules of the game...in walks (see the connection yet?) Marvin, the Martian...

"Step up, to the plate" Comma intentional (like quite like an "intentional walk") and necessary, if you're going to either assume the role of a batting coach (specialized) or the one (i.e., "ump" for short) who might nudge you forward, if they find you standing outside of the "box". Can you imagine, if you're a first timer to this game, and you look for either/or..."where exactly is this "box" you mention and why, if it's the shape of one, you don't call it a "pentagon"?! Wait, before you assume the stance of the "home plate umpire" (not to be confused with...the ones that make sure you, if you're lucky, get to touch all the bases, before returning home...😈😇) and you interpret such questions as an affront to your authority, prior to even questions what are called "in or out" of the (imaginary) strike zone...don't be so quick to give him what's called in baseball lingo "the heave ho" which, if accompanied by a certain hand gesture, might also be interpreted "tossed from the game" or even "sent to the showers"😡. Can you imagine if the if one without any prior knowledge got the ump to concede (now that would be a first!)..."OK, Marv man, step up to the pentagon...Talk about a wild goose chase..."Fowl!" 

Can you dig it? As in "Do you have what it takes to get us out of this jam?" A message that is often conveyed in the "bull pen" to the one about to assume the role of the "relief" pitcher, who, kind of like our peaceful transfer of power here😕, quietly, perhaps with a nod of the head in response to the pitching coach whispering in his ear ("the bases, they're loaded, if you didn't notice"😟), accompanied by the slightest of touch to the brim of his cap ("if you don't fan this guy the fans will ban you"😠😢), gets handed the game ball, which is unlikely to be the first, given how many are "fouled" or otherwise rejected out of hand by the pitcher, many of which get (un)ceremoniously tossed to the paying public...OR, just as dramatically  applied in the form of a rallying cry to the batter..."bail us out, clear the bases, show us why they call you marvelous Marvin...!"😁 Cries that are issued from the "dugout" itself (see all the connections here?)...

Beneath the surface: Where the steps of the dugout lead, in most cases, and below which I've hardly scratched...where I'll go next. As in the what's called in baseball, the "batting order"...further composition about the composition, of what makes up the actual field of play, as well as the bats, balls (as in "sew it seams") and even getting back, on the base path.