History Baseball field

the basic layout of diamond has been little changed since original knickerbocker rules of 1840s. distance between bases established 90 feet (27.5 m), remains day. through trial , error, 90 feet (27.5 m) had been settled upon optimal distance. 100 feet (30.5 m) have given advantage defense, , 80 feet offense.

the original knickerbocker rules did not specify pitching distance explicitly. time major league baseball began in 1870s, pitcher compelled pitch within box front edge 45 feet (13.7 m)from point of home plate. although had release ball before crossing line, bowlers in cricket, had start delivery within box; not run in field bowlers do. furthermore, pitcher had throw underhand. 1880s, pitchers had mastered underhand delivery—in fact, in 1880, there 2 perfect games within week of each other.

in attempt increase batting , front edge of pitcher s box moved 5 feet (1.5 m) in 1881, 50 feet (15 m) home plate. size of box altered on following few years. pitchers allowed throw overhand starting in 1884, , tilted balance of power again. in 1887, box set @ 4 feet (1.2 m) wide , 5.5 feet (1.7 m) deep, front edge still 50 feet (15 m) plate. however, pitcher compelled deliver ball foot @ 55.5 foot (16.9 m) line of box, restricting ability power ball overhand delivery.

in 1893, box replaced pitcher s plate, although box still used today slang term pitcher s location on field. 5 feet (1.5 m) added point pitcher had toe, again increase batting (and increase attendance, fan interest had flagged somewhat), resulting in seemingly peculiar pitching distance of 60.5 feet (18.4 m).

many sources suggest pitching distance evolved 45 50 60.5 feet. however, first 2 release point , third pushoff point , 1893 increase not quite dramatic implied; is, 1893 rule change added 5 feet release point, not 10.5 feet (3.2 m).

originally pitcher threw flat ground, on time raised mound developed, returning advantage pitchers. before mid-20th century, common baseball fields include dirt pathway between pitcher s mound , home plate. feature known keyhole due shape makes mound. keyhole once wide pitcher s box , resembled pitch area used in game of cricket. path extended through batting area , way backstop. once rounded pitcher s mound developed, path became more ornamental practical, , gradually thinned before being largely abandoned 1950s. in recent years ballparks, such comerica park , chase field in major leagues, have revived feature nostalgic reasons.