High school baseball fields generally follow specific guidelines for field dimensions, though there can be slight variations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the key dimensions of a standard high school baseball field, including the pitching mound.

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1. Overall Field Dimensions

High school baseball fields usually have slightly smaller dimensions compared to professional or collegiate fields, but they still offer plenty of space.

Key Measurements:

• Distance from Home Plate to the Outfield Fence:

  • Left and Right Field: Typically between 300 and 325 feet.

  • Center Field: Usually between 350 and 400 feet.

• Foul Lines: Foul lines extend from home plate to the outfield fence along the right and left sides of the field.

• Warning Track: The warning track in the outfield is typically 10-15 feet wide and runs along the perimeter of the field near the fence. It’s usually made from a material with a different texture to alert outfielders that they are nearing the fence.

2. Infield Dimensions

The infield is where most of the game’s action takes place, and it has specific measurements that high school fields adhere to.

Key Measurements:

• Base Paths:

  • High school baseball fields have 90-foot base paths, measured from the back corner of one base to the back corner of the next base in a diamond formation.

• Distance from Home Plate to Second Base:

  • This diagonal measurement is 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches.

• Distance between Home Plate and First or Third Base:

  • The distance from home plate to the front edge of first or third base is 90 feet.

• Grass Line: The infield grass line forms an arc between the bases, typically 50-55 feet from the pitcher’s mound to provide a smooth transition from the infield to the outfield grass.

3. Pitching Mound Dimensions

The pitcher’s mound is a crucial part of the field with specific regulations to ensure consistency.

Key Measurements:

• Distance from Home Plate:

  • The pitcher’s rubber is 60 feet, 6 inches from the back point of home plate. This measurement is critical to standardize pitching conditions.

• Height of the Pitching Mound:

  • The top of the pitching rubber must be 10 inches above the level of home plate. This is measured from the top of the rubber to an imaginary line level with home plate.

• Diameter of the Pitching Mound:

  • The pitcher’s mound has a diameter of 18 feet. This area should be circular and centered around the pitching rubber.

• Pitcher’s Rubber:

  • The pitching rubber itself is 24 inches wide and 6 inches deep, and it sits in the middle of the mound.

Slope:

• The mound slope starts 6 inches in front of the rubber and gradually slopes down towards home plate. From the front of the rubber, the slope should fall 1 inch per foot for at least 6 feet to provide a gradual decline for the pitcher’s stride.

4. Home Plate Dimensions

• Home plate is a five-sided figure with a width of 17 inches across its back. The two sides leading to the point are each 8.5 inches long, and the two corners are set at 90-degree angles.

5. Dugouts and Foul Territory

• Dugouts: Dugouts are typically located along the first and third base lines and should be far enough from the field to not obstruct play.

• Foul Territory: The size of foul territory varies, but high school fields generally keep it fairly narrow compared to professional fields. It extends from the infield around the outfield fence but may have more limited space in areas like right or left field.

6. Other Notable Features

• Backstop: The backstop behind home plate should be 50-60 feet from the home plate, allowing space for players and reducing the risk of fan interference.

• On-Deck Circles: Typically located 37 feet from home plate on either side, these circles allow batters to warm up safely without obstructing the play.

• Coaching Boxes: Positioned 15 feet from each baseline and 20-25 feet from first and third base, giving coaches a clear view of the play and allowing them to guide baserunners.

Field Dimensions of a high school baseball field are:

• Foul Poles are 300-325 feet from home plate

• Deep Center Field is 350-400 feet from home plate

• Base Paths are 90 feet

• Home to Second Base is 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches

• Home to First/Third is 90 feet

• Pitching Rubber to Home Plate is 60 feet, 6 inches

• Pitching Mound Height is 10 inches above home plate

• Pitching Mound Diameter is 18 feet

• Pitching Rubber is 24 inches wide, 6 inches deep

• Home Plate Width is 17 inches

• Backstop Distance is 50-60 feet from home plate

• On-Deck Circles are typically located 37 feet from home plate on either side

• Coaching Boxes are positioned 15 feet from each baseline and are 10 feet deep rectangles that measure 20-25 feet long from first and third base

These dimensions and specifications help keep high school fields consistent and manageable for young players, ensuring fair play and a balanced environment for both pitchers and hitters.

Tools Needed to Maintain a Baseball Field

Maintaining a high school baseball field requires several tools and supplies to ensure that the field is safe, level, and playable throughout the season. Here’s a list of essential tools and equipment needed for regular upkeep of the field:

1. Infield Maintenance Tools

• Rakes:

  • Steel Landscape Rakes: For leveling the infield dirt and smoothing out any high or low spots.

  • Infield Rakes: Smaller, finer-toothed rakes that help maintain the infield and warning track.

• Drag Mats and Screens:

  • Steel or Cocoa Mats: Dragging mats, especially after games or practices, is key to smoothing and leveling the infield dirt. Cocoa mats are great for finishing touches as they reduce dust and create a clean, level surface.

  • Nail Drag: A nail drag helps break up compacted dirt, especially after heavy rain or extended play, to prevent hard spots or low areas.

• Hand Tamp:

  • A hand tamp (usually 8x8 or 10x10 inches) is used for compacting dirt around bases, pitcher’s mound, and batter’s box, which tend to wear out more quickly.

2. Pitcher’s Mound and Batter’s Box Tools

• Clay Bricks or Mound Clay:

  • Special baseball clay or clay bricks help maintain a stable surface on the pitcher’s mound and in the batter’s box. This clay is designed to hold up against wear and tear better than standard infield dirt.

• Pitcher’s Mound Slope Gauge:

  • To ensure that the mound maintains the proper slope, a slope gauge is essential. This helps meet the 1-inch-per-foot decline requirement from the rubber.

• Level Board:

  • A flat board or level board helps check that the surface of the mound and batter’s box is even after repairs or regular maintenance.

• Water Hose and Sprinklers:

  • Keeping the mound and infield adequately watered is critical for clay compaction and reducing dust. A hose with a nozzle is useful for targeted areas, while sprinklers can be used for general field watering.

3. Grass/Turf Maintenance Tools

• Lawn Mower:

  • A high-quality mower is essential for cutting grass evenly. Depending on the field size and budget, a reel mower provides the cleanest cut, but rotary mowers are also commonly used.

• Edger or String Trimmer:

  • Keeping the edges around the infield and base paths trimmed improves the field’s appearance and keeps grass from encroaching on the dirt areas.

• Aerator:

  • Regularly aerating the grass prevents soil compaction, improves drainage, and keeps the grass healthy. This is especially important in high-traffic areas.

• Fertilizer Spreader:

  • A broadcast or drop spreader for fertilizer is important for keeping the grass green and strong throughout the season. Fertilizing in early spring and mid-season is standard practice.

4. General Field Maintenance Tools

• Chalk Liner or Field Paint:

  • For marking the baselines, batter’s boxes, and coach’s boxes, a chalk liner or field paint applicator is essential. Chalk is typically used for dirt fields, while paint is more commonly used on grass.

• Base Plugs and Base Anchors:

  • Base plugs keep dirt from filling up the base anchor holes when bases are removed. Base anchors allow easy base installation and ensure they’re firmly set.

• Shovels and Brooms:

  • Flat-Head Shovel: Good for removing excess dirt or repairing low spots on the infield and pitcher’s mound.

  • Push Broom: Ideal for sweeping edges, dugouts, and around bases for a clean finish.

• Wheelbarrow:

  • A wheelbarrow is helpful for transporting materials like infield dirt, clay, or field conditioner to specific areas of the field.

• Field Conditioner:

  • Applied to infield dirt to improve water absorption and help maintain an even surface, especially after rain. Calcined clay is a popular choice.

5. Irrigation and Drainage

• Hoses and Nozzles:

  • A heavy-duty hose with an adjustable nozzle is essential for watering specific areas, especially the infield dirt and clay.

• Sprinklers:

  • For turf, an in-ground sprinkler system is ideal, but portable sprinklers can also be used to keep the grass watered evenly. Try the rain train!

• Turf Drying Agent:

  • Often used after rain to dry out muddy areas, a drying agent like Turface can help make fields playable sooner.

6. Safety and Weather-Related Equipment

• Tarp and Field Covers:

  • Tarping the pitcher’s mound, home plate area, and sometimes the entire infield during rain can protect the field from damage. Smaller tarps for the mound and home plate are commonly used for faster setup and removal.

• Rain Sponges and Squeegees:

  • Rain sponges are highly absorbent pads used to soak up standing water in small areas after rain. Squeegees are also useful for pushing water off the infield or base paths.

7. Dugout and Miscellaneous Items

• Trash Cans and Recycling Bins:

  • Keeping dugouts and stands clean is part of maintaining the field’s appearance.

• Bleacher Cleaning Supplies:

  • For areas around the stands, a broom or blower helps keep bleachers and surrounding areas tidy.

• Fence Repair Kit:

  • Pliers, zip ties, and other repair materials for quick fixes on the outfield fence or backstop when needed.

Summary Checklist of Essential Tools

ToolPurposeSteel Rake and Infield RakesLeveling and smoothing dirtDrag Mat and Nail DragSmoothing and breaking up compacted areasHand Tamp and Level BoardCompacting and leveling pitcher’s mound and batter’s boxPitcher’s Mound Slope GaugeMaintaining mound slope accuracyLawn Mower and AeratorCutting grass and aerating soilChalk Liner or Field PaintMarking baselines and batter’s boxWater Hose and SprinklersWatering infield and grassWheelbarrow and ShovelTransporting and spreading dirtTarp and Rain SpongesProtecting field during rain and drying wet spots.

Proper maintenance of a high school baseball field helps keep it safe and enjoyable for players, coaches, and fans alike. This toolkit will ensure the field stays in peak condition throughout the season.

Here is what I use to do to maintain a quality baseball field. Be sure to download the FREE file.

Yearly Field Maintenance Plan

1. 12-month field maintenance plan

2. Detailed list for each month of exactly what needs to be done on the grounds of the facility

3. Days when the team can and can not use the field

4. Watering plan days and minutes per station

   Yearly Field Maintenance Plan

12 Month Lawn Care Program

This PDF was written specifically for the lawn.  I created this lawn care program based on the start of school and football season (because I was also a football coach).  I lived in Deep South Texas, so your schedule may be different but the outline will be the same.  

You may have to adjust watering, rate of seed spread, rate of fertilizer spread, and time of year based on where you live.

Dragging Patterns

Nothing irritates a baseball man than to see the infield dragged the wrong way.  I am sharing with you a pdf I found online from "Southern Athletic Fields."

Lawn Care

Need Field Maintenance Equipment?

I use to make a "Wish List" to save money and let the community decide how they could help.