The Ole Ball Game

Two "base" related queries.

by Jim
(Phoenix, AZ)

Home Plate In Action

Home Plate In Action

Jim asked: First, why is home plate the only base set at ground level?

Second, why are first, second, and third bases switched out every three innings?

What is the history, logic, and reasoning behind why the bases are 'treated' this way?


Rick answered: Jim, thank you for your questions.

Early on, home plates were made of stone, iron or wood. Must have been quite an adventure.

In the case of home plate, I believe it is at ground level for safety reasons, as well as, at ground level, home plate isn't a detriment to the speed of the game.

A plate set above ground would be susceptible to being hit with pitches, and baseballs always having to be chased down.

It would also be a detriment to batters as they attempt to run out of the batter's box.

Those would be the main reasons I could come up with.

Switching the bases out every 3 innings is a fairly new concept. Mostly for show I believe.

Possibly having clean bases provides better traction for runners and a better look for the spectators.


Yours in baseball,

Rick

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