What is baseball?
Baseball is a widely known sport played between two teams, each team having 9 players. It includes batting and fielding. The goal of the game is to run around four bases organized in a diamond shape after hitting the thrown ball with a bat. The four bases include first base, second base, third base and home plate.
Some of the key roles on the field include pitcher, infielder, outfielder, batter and catcher. Baseball is divided into Major League Baseball (MLB) Teams, Minor League Teams and Independent League Teams.
Home Team VS Away Team
What Is Home Team?
The home team is the team responsible for game operations such as providing the field, the ball and the scoreboard. It refers to the team that plays in its ground or stadium and is familiar with the surroundings. They often score at the last chance and bat second. This team usually has the support of the local fans. A real-life example of a home team in baseball is the Chicago Cubs when they play at Wrigley Field.
What Is Away Team?
The away team is the opponent team of the home team traveling to play in the stadium or ground of the home team. This team is usually unfamiliar with the surroundings and lacks local fan support. They bat first and have to miss the opportunity to score last. An example of an away team in baseball can be seen when the Los Angeles Dodgers play a game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.
Where Do Baseball Teams Sit?
In baseball teams sit in a specific designated area called a “dugout”. The players that are not on the field or bat usually sit in their designated dugouts.
What are dugouts?
A dugout is a designated bench area located on the side of the fields where coaches and players sit to rest and strategize.
The key features of dug out include:
Dugouts usually contain a sitting area having benches and a storage area for storing the equipment required during the game such as bats balls and gloves. It also manages temperatures to provide a comfortable environment during matches.
Significance:
Dugouts are significant for team meetings and strategizing. They are also significant for fan interactions.
Where Does Home Team Sit In Baseball?
The dugout positions of home teams aren’t cast in bronze so which side is home team in baseball? they vary from first to third base depending on the strategic point of view.
Why do home teams choose first base dugout?
Factors:
1)Tradition: Some teams choose first base home dugout side based on their historical performances, experiences and traditions.
2)Sunlight: Another reason why the first base is chosen as a baseball home team dugout side might have to do with the better angle of sunlight to avoid glare and for better visibility.
3)Field Visibility: One of the main reasons for choosing first base as the baseball home team side is the more favorable view of the field.
4) Bullpen Location: in some stadiums the ballpen, an area where relief pitchers warm up, may be close to the first base.
5)Communication: By choosing the first base dugout the communication of the home team with the umpires becomes easier as they stand near the side of the first base.
Disadvantages:
Choosing first base as a dugout has its own disadvantages some of which include exposure to sun. A first base dugout might have more exposure to the sun compared to other dugouts. Moreover, in some stadiums, the first base dugouts might be farther away from the ballpen location. Secondly, the first base dugout may be packed with fans making communication between teams difficult. The players might not be able to watch the movements of the opponent pitcher from the first base.
Teams that choose first base dugouts:
The teams that often occupy first base dugouts include:
.)Chicago Cubs: The Cubs which is the home team uses the first base dugout at Wrigley Field.
.)Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers which is the home team uses the first base dugout at Dodger Stadium.
.)New York Mets: The Mets which are the home team use the first base dugout at Citi Field.
.)Miami Marlins: The Marlins which is the home team uses the first base dugout At LoanDepot Park.
Now that we know what dugout is the home team and where is home dugout located, another question that pounds the head is where the away team sits.
Where Does Away Team Sit?
Since the first base is occupied by the home team the away team often sits in the third base which can vary depending on the team strategy and traditions however it is the most common system in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Conclusion
Any game requires a strategic plan in order for a desired win. In baseball, the position of dugouts really impacts the strategic planning among the players and coaches throughout the game greatly impacting the game and performance of the team. Choosing a position to sit at during the game might not be that important of a decision however It shows throw major details can leave a significant impact and something as small as choosing the right position of dugout can result in a historical win.
FAQ’S
Can fans approach the dugout?
If you were getting your hopes up let me stop you right there, cause the answer is NO. Dugouts are a restricted area specially designated for staff, coaches, players and team members. Some stadiums do organize special tours of dugouts for fans. However, entry during the game is strictly Constrained.
Are there any specific rules for sitting in the dugout?
Yes, sitting in the dugout does have special rules to ensure professionalism. The rules imply strict restrictions on disturbing behaviors such as arguing with the umpire by coaches and players.
What is a home run?
A home run takes place when a batter runs all bases after hitting the ball out of the field without being put out.
Do dugouts have communication systems?
Dugouts do contain communication systems which may include headsets enabling the communication between coaches and the players.
Are players allowed to leave the dugout during the game?
It is preferable for players to remain in their designated dugouts during the game except when they are not on the field however yes players and coaches do leave dugouts for strategic planning and sometimes due to injuries.
Are dugouts similar in all stadiums?
No, dugouts can vary in size and design depending on different ballparks and stadiums.