How Do You Measure Baseball Bases?
How do you measure baseball bases? This is a question that I get asked a lot. There are a couple different ways to measure baseball bases, but the most common way is to measure from home plate to first base, then from first to second, and so on.
The Four Bases
The four bases in baseball are first base, second base, third base, and home plate. The first three bases are marked with white lines, while home plate is marked with a red line. There are also two yellow lines that run from foul pole to foul pole. These lines are called the foul lines. The distance from home plate to first base is 90 feet. The distance from first base to second base is also 90 feet. The distance from second base to third base is 95 feet. The distance from third base to home plate is also 95 feet.
First Base
First base is the first of four bases that must be touched by a player during the course of a game. The first baseman is the player who occupies first base. A runner must touch first base with his foot or hand before he can attempt to advance to second base.
Second Base
On a baseball diamond, second base is the base that must be reached by a runner in order to score a run. In baseball geometry, second base is located on the right side of first base, and to the left of third base. Second base is also known as “the keystone sack”, as it is usually considered the most important position on the diamond after pitcher and catcher.
Third Base
Third base is the last stop before home plate in a baseball game. It is also known as “the hot corner” because it is the closest base to the batter and usually produces the most action. Third basemen are expected to have a strong arm to make long throws to first base, as well as good fielding skills to handle hard-hit balls.
Home Plate
Home plate is a five-sided slab of whitened rubber that measures 17 inches square. It sits at the center of the diamond, and the front edge is flush with the foul line. A batter begins each play at home plate, and must touch it to score a run. A pitcher also delivers the ball from this spot.
Bases Loaded
The bases are always loaded with runners when the situation is referred to as “bases loaded.” That means there is a runner on first base, second base and third base. A bases loaded situation can arise in several ways. It can happen when the batter hits a single and the runners on first and second advance to third and second, respectively. Or, it can occur when the batter hits a double and the runners on first and second score. It also can take place when the batter gets on base by walking and the runners on first and second advance one base each.
Pitcher’s Mound
The pitcher’s mound is a raised area in the center of the baseball diamond. It is 18 feet in diameter, and its highest point is 10 inches above home plate. The front edge of the mound is 60 feet, six inches from home plate.
