Basic Layout of a Baseball Field
The layout of a baseball field is universal. Although variations in dimensions exist between professional and nonprofessional fields, the layout is the same in regards to having the following.
• Infield complete with first, second, third and home bases
• Catcher’s Box
• Coaches Box
• Pitcher’s Mound
• Outfield complete with foul lines and, most likely, a surrounding fence
Another aspect of baseball field layout, though, is its placement
One important aspect of baseball field layout is the sun direction and angle. It is best to position the sun out of the batter’s line of sight and as many of the fielders as possible. This provides safer and better playing
Basic Layout
• Problems if you don’t pay attention to layout and take a good, initial survey of the potential baseball field playing area include; wet spots and ruts.
• Shoot topographic elevations, measure dimensions, note features like streams, structures and roads
• Survey boundaries (make sure there’s enough room for the field and all of the structures by measuring twice its size)
• Orientation: space availability orients many fields, but recommend laying out field so line from tip of home plate through pitcher’s plate and second base points in an east, northeast direction
• Should consider time of year and day field will be used most to make decision
• Reserve space for dugouts, backstop, surrounding fence b/c failure leads to awkward install later and unsuitable for player safety and correct drainage
• One field should not have to drain more than its own water (in cases of multiple field layout)
• Sufficient access is necessary (roads for players, spectators, maintenance equipment, heavier renovation equipment, parking lots—in a central, easily accessible location for disabled and elderly fans)
Multiple Field Layout
• Popularity of amateur sports leagues leads to multiple-field complexes (individual drainage, adequate slope (to drain moderate rainfall that otherwise sits on field: 0.5% infield, 1.0-1.5% skinned area, )
• Four-plex fields (players face in all directions during competition)—designers should think if any will be used for playoffs in terms of sun position and time of day
• Shared Outfield Complexes: for younger players, place four home plates at corners of square, outfields overlap—peewee and Little League minor leagues b/c distance and high-speed collisions not normally a problem)
-advantage of design: efficient use of space, but need to ensure safe play
• Back-to-Back Complex: Little League age and older players—works best with fairly level existing grade (if constructed on a sloped site, lots of excavation), efficient use of space, disadvantage: pop-ups in foul territory go into another field or spectator area of one, use for experienced players, leave plenty of space between backstops—use overhanging backstops
• Discrete-Field Complexes: not symmetrically laid out (groups of four), designed individually, uneven terrain good use of space , accommodate different age-specific fields and for example, a football field
• Spectator and Player Access: road allow single-axle dump truck, 12 ft wide, allow entry near skinned area (most intense maintenance)
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