A Major League baseball field has about 90,000 square feet of playing surface between the foul lines. Within those lines, the rulebook outlines various measurements, such as the distance between the bases, pitching mound distances and the dimensions of the grass infield. One of those measurements includes a 13-foot radius circle surrounding every base that is used for consistency among fields to protect the grass infield and as a sliding area for base runners.
Measurement
The baseball rulebook serves as a reference guide for designing and measuring the baseball field. The 13-foot radius for the bases is measured from the inside corner of the corresponding base. At home plate, the measurement starts at the apex--the back corner--to determine the start of the grass cutout.
Consistency
Playing on a field that is properly laid out and constructed is one of the most important aspects of a fair game. By outlining every detailed measurement for the baseball field, every playing surface is consistent. Every field, including city parks and recreation, high schools and professional fields, must follow the dimensions and measurements to determine the 13-foot radius surrounding the bases.
Slide Area
As base runners approach a base, they may be forced to slide. That requires a clear area of dirt and clay. As a result, the 13-foot radius for the bases clears a designated sliding area within the 90-foot square of the grass infield.
Grass Infield
About 66 percent of a baseball game is played on the infield. As a result, a grass infield requires a significant amount of time for maintenance. The 13-foot radius for the bases allows the defense and offense to play on the dirt as much as possible to reduce the impact on the edges of the grass infield.
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