Ball Parks
Yankee Stadium, The Polo Grounds, Griffith Stadium, Wrigley Field, and countless other homes for Major League franchises bring instant memories, both good and bad, to our minds. Imagine yourself playing at Ebbets Field with the legendary Abe Stark Sign along the outfield wall - hit it, and you would have won a free suit! You would also know this is where the first televised game was played and where Jackie Robinson played his first Major League game. Newer ballparks are being built almost yearly to maximize team profits while older stadiums are becoming relics of the past. Baseball Almanac is pleased to present to you the information you need to contact any current ballpark AND walk through a few green fields of yesteryear.
Baseball is a sport enjoyed by amateur and professional athletes around the world. Professional leagues in North America, Japan, and many Latin American countries are extremely popular. The modern version of the sport was developed in the United States and is often called the country’s “national pastime.”
Baseball is played on a level field, which usually covers about 2 acres (0.8 hectares). The playing area is divided into the infield and the outfield. Together, these two areas make up fair territory. The rest of the field is called foul territory.
The infield consists of a square-shaped plot called the diamond, which measures 90 ft (27 m) on each side. One corner of the diamond is marked by a five-sided piece of rubber called home plate. Batters hit the ball from a position on either side of home plate, depending on their preference. At the three other corners of the infield—moving counterclockwise from home plate—are first base, second base, and third base. Each base is marked with a canvas bag.
The pitcher’s mound, a slightly raised piece of ground, lies near the center of the infield, between home plate and second base. A strip of rubber is nailed to the top of the mound, 60 ft 6 in (about 18 m) from home plate. Pitchers place one foot on the rubber when they put the ball in play.
Base lines run from home plate to first base and from home plate to third base. Extensions of these lines, called foul lines, run along the outer edges of the outfield. These lines divide foul and fair territory. Base lines also extend from first to second to third base, marking the path of a runner. The region of the outfield behind first base is called right field, the region behind second base is called center field, and the region behind third base is called left field. A fence runs along the farthest limits of the outfield.
Two covered shelters called dugouts are located in foul territory along each base line. Players occupy the dugouts when they are not on the field. The baseball field is also designed with a number of markings that indicate the use of certain regions. Boxes outlined in chalk on each side of home plate indicate where a batter may stand. Chalk boxes in foul territory near first and third base define the position of team coaches. Similar regions limit where pitchers may warm up during the game and where players may prepare before batting.
Baseball is a sport enjoyed by amateur and professional athletes around the world. Professional leagues in North America, Japan, and many Latin American countries are extremely popular. The modern version of the sport was developed in the United States and is often called the country’s “national pastime.”
Baseball is played on a level field, which usually covers about 2 acres (0.8 hectares). The playing area is divided into the infield and the outfield. Together, these two areas make up fair territory. The rest of the field is called foul territory.
The infield consists of a square-shaped plot called the diamond, which measures 90 ft (27 m) on each side. One corner of the diamond is marked by a five-sided piece of rubber called home plate. Batters hit the ball from a position on either side of home plate, depending on their preference. At the three other corners of the infield—moving counterclockwise from home plate—are first base, second base, and third base. Each base is marked with a canvas bag.
The pitcher’s mound, a slightly raised piece of ground, lies near the center of the infield, between home plate and second base. A strip of rubber is nailed to the top of the mound, 60 ft 6 in (about 18 m) from home plate. Pitchers place one foot on the rubber when they put the ball in play.
Base lines run from home plate to first base and from home plate to third base. Extensions of these lines, called foul lines, run along the outer edges of the outfield. These lines divide foul and fair territory. Base lines also extend from first to second to third base, marking the path of a runner. The region of the outfield behind first base is called right field, the region behind second base is called center field, and the region behind third base is called left field. A fence runs along the farthest limits of the outfield.
Two covered shelters called dugouts are located in foul territory along each base line. Players occupy the dugouts when they are not on the field. The baseball field is also designed with a number of markings that indicate the use of certain regions. Boxes outlined in chalk on each side of home plate indicate where a batter may stand. Chalk boxes in foul territory near first and third base define the position of team coaches. Similar regions limit where pitchers may warm up during the game and where players may prepare before batting.