Section 3: Playing Area
The Diamond
- Base paths: 90 feet (27.43 m) between bases.
- Pitching distance: 60 feet 6 inches (18.44 m) from the front edge of the pitcher's plate to the back point of home plate.
- The mound: A raised circle of dirt with the pitcher's plate set 10 inches (25.4 cm) above the level of home plate, sloping down toward the plate.
- Home plate: A five-sided rubber plate, with a batter's box marked on each side.
Field Markings
- Foul lines: Extend from the back point of home plate through the outside edges of first and third base to the outfield fence; foul poles mark where the lines meet the fence.
- Running lane: A marked lane in foul territory along the last portion of the base path to first base, within which the batter-runner must run to avoid interference.
- On-deck circles and coaches' boxes: Marked areas for the next batter and for the first- and third-base coaches.
The Outfield
- The outfield extends from the infield to the home-run fence. The rules book sets recommended minimum fence distances — on the order of 330 feet down the lines and 400 feet to center field for new and renovated fields.
- A warning track, where present, alerts outfielders as they approach the fence.
Surrounding Areas
- Dugouts / team areas: Enclosed and, where possible, screened for protection from foul balls and thrown bats.
- Bullpens: Areas where relief pitchers warm up.
- Spectator areas behind home plate and along the lines are protected by netting and barriers.