The Height Of A Pitching Mound

The pitcher's mound, elevated above the rest of the infield, plays a key role in baseball games. From here pitchers deliver the balls and strikes that help determine the outcome of the game. Baseball regulations set strict standards for the positioning, shape and height of the pitching mound. Every pitching mound in Major League Baseball is the same height.

Features

A regulation pitching mound is 10 inches high, a height established by Major League Baseball in 1968. Most college and high school baseball programs also adhere to this height for their pitcher's mounds. The height is measured as the distance above the surface level of home plate. The mound itself is about 5 feet across, and the distance between the mound and the back of home plate is 60 feet, 6 inches.

History

Players originally pitched from a box, or square area approximately 50 feet from the batter. Over time this evolved into a mound 15 inches high. According to Baseball Almanac, in 1968 Major League Baseball lowered the height of the pitcher's mound to 10 inches. The distance from home plate of 60 feet, 6 inches was established in 1893, the same year the pitching rubber was introduced.

Function

Throwing from a mound allows the pitcher to throw harder. As he strides forward toward the batter, he gains momentum and force. He can also execute more downward force on the ball. A 2008 study by Dr. William Raasch at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that the higher the pitching mound, the greater the torque force on the pitcher's shoulder, which could result in an increased risk of injury.

Rules

A pitcher must have one foot touching the pitching rubber when he begins his delivery for his pitch, according to Zack Hample, author of "Watching Baseball Smarter." The pitcher must step toward the base if his foot is on the rubber when he throws toward a base, for instance, to pick off a runner at first base. A pitcher can't touch his mouth with his bare hand while he's on the mound. This is to help prevent the pitcher throwing spitballs.

Maintenance

Groundskeepers at Major League Baseball parks maintain the pitcher's mound, raking the dirt before each game, replacing the pitching rubber as needed, and covering the mound with a tarp in case of rain. They're also in charge of making sure the mound stays the regulation height, adding dirt as needed. If it rains during a game, they'll add Diamond Dry to the mound to soak up moisture and try to make the mound less slippery for the pitcher.