Baseball is a popular American sport played on diamonds of varying dimensions and surfaces, depending on the level of play. Despite this variance, the official base size remains the same. The rules governing the dimensions of their positioning are based on the skill level of the players.
The Bases
In Major League Baseball, first, second and third base are canvas bags that measure 15 by 15 inches. They are spaced 90 feet apart in a perfect square with home plate making the fourth point.
Home Plate
An MLB home plate is pentagon situated with its point away from the pitcher's mound. The three sides that form a right angle are 12 inches long while the two angled sides measure 8.5 inches. Home plate measures 17 inches from top to bottom.
High School Base Dimensions
High school baseball bases are of the same dimensions as those of Major League Baseball.
Little League Base Dimensions
Little League Baseball players use bases of the same size as MLB and high school baseball players, but the dimension of the set up is slightly smaller. Little League players use bases positioned 60 feet apart in a perfect square.
References
- "Watching Baseball Smarter"; Zack Hample, 2007
- Major League Baseball: Official Rules
- "The Dickson Baseball Dictionary"; Paul Dickson, 2009
- Baseball Rules: Field: Layout and Dimensions
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