Section 3: Playing Area
The Diamond
- Base paths: 60 feet (18.29 m) between bases.
- Pitching distance: 43 feet (13.11 m) from the front edge of the pitcher's plate to the back point of home plate.
- Home plate: A five-sided rubber plate with batter's boxes marked on each side.
- Foul lines: Extend from the back point of home plate through the outside edges of first and third base to the outfield fence.
The Pitcher's Plate and Circle
- Pitcher's plate ("rubber"): A rubber slab set into the ground at the pitching distance, from which the pitcher must deliver.
- Pitcher's circle: A 16-foot (4.88 m) diameter circle centered on the pitcher's plate. The circle defines where the look-back rule applies once the pitcher has possession of the ball within it.
The Outfield and Fences
- Outfield fence: Home-run fence distances are set within the rules book's range — generally on the order of 190 to 235 feet (about 58 to 72 m) down the lines and to center, with a recommended range for new fields.
- The outfield must be a clear, level playing surface free of hazards out to the fence.
Surrounding Areas
- On-deck circles: Marked areas where the next batter prepares.
- Coaches' boxes: Marked near first and third base for the base coaches.
- Dugouts / team areas: Enclosed and, where possible, screened for protection from foul balls.
- Warning track: Where present, a warning track alerts outfielders as they approach the fence.