Playing Little League baseball is where many Major League players get their start. Little League is a great place for kids to develop skills and learn the game as they grow. The Little League baseball field is set up the same as any other baseball field, but the dimensions are slightly less to account for the size and age of the players.
Elements of Baseball Field
All baseball fields include the same basic elements, even if the actual dimensions differ. Home plate is situated with the flat edge facing toward the pitcher and point back toward the catcher. A backstop stands around 20 feet behind home plate to stop foul balls and pitches that get away from the catcher. Straight out from home plate is the pitcher's mound, and past that is second base. First and third base run diagonally right and left from home plate, making all four bases in the shape of a diamond. The outfield is typically bordered by a fence of some sort to contain the playing field and register automatic home runs.
Pitcher And Catcher Area
The pitching rubber is 18 inches across and sits in the middle of the pitching mound, which has a 6-foot radius around the rubber. The rubber is 46 feet from home plate, compared with 60 feet, six-inches for a regulation field. The batter's boxes are 6 feet deep on each side and 3 feet wide.
Bases
A Little League baseball diamond has bases that are 60 feet apart from base to base. Regulation baseball bases are 90 feet apart. Second base is about 84 feet from home plate, with the pitcher's mound in between the two. White baselines are applied to the dirt between home and first and home and third base. Inside the baselines is considered in play and outside is considered out of play. No baselines are laid down between first and second, or second and third.
Outfield Fence
The outfield fence must be a minimum of 200 feet from home plate down the baseline and in center field. It is recommended that the fence be at least 4 feet high. Actual distances of the home run fence from home will vary depending on the available space for the field or the plans drawn out by the designer.
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