Baseball fields are not all the same. Field measurements change as the level of play increases. High school baseball field measurements are essential for preparing the player for the next level.
Needing a new high school baseball bat? You’ll want to check out our list of the best baseball bats for high school players.
This guide lays out all high school baseball field requirements, including field orientation and how to check measurements.
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Basic Vocabulary
Before laying out the required field dimensions, it is important to understand the vocabulary used in baseball.
- Baseline. The straight line between each base. Each line has identical lengths forming a perfect square.
- Center field fence. The segment of fence in the center of the outfield. Measurements start at the back of the home plate and end at the center field fence.
- Foul line. A set of two straight lines. They are chalked on the field before games. Lines begin from the back of the home plate and travel around to the left and right field fences. Foul lines designate between fair and foul territory.
- Pitcher’s mound. An elevated portion of the infield. The pitching rubber is in the center of the infield. The pitcher throws pitches to the batter from this position.
- Pitching rubber. A rectangular, white rubber slab. You’ll find it in the center of the pitcher’s mound. The pitcher uses the pitching rubber to build velocity when pitching toward the home plate.
What Are the Required Measurements for a Baseball Field?
Rules regarding field measurements have been on the books since 1845. Alexander Cartwright wrote the Knickerbocker Rules in the 19th century. There were a total of 20 rules, in which 14 pertained to field requirements.
Today, the National Federation of State High School Associations reviews, changes, or adds rules for high school baseball. The current set of regulations state field measurements for high school level baseball as follows.
Outfield Distance
The outfield is the area farthest from the batter. There are three defensive positions played in this area. The required measurements of this area are as follows:
- The nearest point of the outfield wall is to be at least 300ft away from the home plate.
- The center line is to be at least 350 feet.
Related Post: High School Pitchers Distance
Infield Distance
The infield is the area where the all-important duel between the pitcher and the batter happens. This area consists of the home base and three other consecutive bases. Here’s how to measure the infield distance:
- The distance between the home plate and first base should be 90 ft.
- The home plate to the second base distance is 127 ft.
- There should be 90 ft between the home plate and the third base.
- The backstop should be 60 ft away from the home plate.
- There should be 60 ft and 6 in from the home plate to the pitching rubber.
- Pitching mound diameter: 18’
- Pitching mound height: 10’’
- Center field fence: 400 plus feet
- Foul lines are a minimum of 325ft away from the outfield fence.
- Grass line must extend in a 95ft arc from the front of the pitcher’s mound.
Baseball Field Orientation
The orientation of a high school baseball field can help players see the baseball whirling toward them at a high rate of speed. Fans can see the entirety of the field and how the game is playing out with the right orientation.
There are official rules regarding the optimal baseball field orientation. According to Rule 1.04, the line from home base through the pitcher’s plate to the second base should run east to northeast.
There is a reason behind this rule. As the sun rose and fell, shadows moved across the field and would impede visibility for the players and spectators. Building baseball fields with an east to northeast orientation prevents issues with visibility regardless of the time of day.
How to Measure a High School Baseball Field
Measuring a high school baseball field is important to keep the game fair. You can watch this video to see Ohio State University staff measure a baseball field correctly.
It is not difficult to measure a baseball field, but it is vital to measure it correctly. You will have to run a line between different elements on the field, and remember to measure from the center of the bases to the apex of the pitcher’s mound.
Conclusion
High school baseball is a favorite for thousands of young athletes. Baseball offers them a chance to learn about teamwork and leadership. For some players, it is a chance to further their education beyond high school with scholarship opportunities.
In order for young athletes to play unbiased and fair games, the field should meet a few official requirements. Coaches and umpires can use this information to guarantee their field’s design is right, and their teams have the best chance possible for a good game.
