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Batter’s Box & Catcher’s Box
Batter’s Box & Catcher’s Box | DIMENSIONS & SETUP
Like mounds, there are a few layout options for batter’s and
catcher’s boxes. Each governing body establishes the protocol for layout of the home plate area. Check the list of governing bodies with each batter’s box diagram to find your league.
The depth of clay needed for fortification is dependent on the type of cleats that will be used on that field. Rubber or plastic cleats can use a shallow depth of clay or brick, while metal cleats need the deeper depth.
BOX A (each batter’s box 6' x 3', catcher’s box 5' x 5') For Dixie baseball (all divisions); Dixie softball (Sweetees, Darlings, Angels & Ponytails); Little League baseball (T-ball, Minor, Major); Little League softball (T-ball, Minor, Major); Pony baseball (local option, all levels).
Keys for clay fortification.
There are three keys to successfully using clay as fortification in your batter's and catcher's boxes. These will drastically reduce wear.
1 Repair worn areas in the clay regularly (preferably with new clay).
2 Add water to the clay areas as needed. Anytime these areas are exposed to the open air, evaporation is occurring. Whatever moisture Mother Nature has taken away, put that back into the clay.
3 During practices, use artificial turf mats over the clay areas to hold moisture in and keep wear to a minimum. Whenever the home plate area is not in use, keep it covered with a tarp. This will manage the moisture and minimize evaporation, and limit potential overwetting from rain or irrigation.
3'
3' 4" 3'
6'
9'
APPROXIMATE VOLUME of DuraEdge blocks or DuraPitch / Blackstick clay
DE ProLoc Blocks Bagged Mound Clay
Area 2.5"D 4"D 3"D 4"D
Batter’s Boxes (2) 36 sq ft 162 blocks 260 blocks 27 bags 36 bags
Catcher’s Box 25 sq ft 113 blocks 180 blocks 19 bags 25 bags
Total Area 61 sq ft 275 blocks 440 blocks 46 bags 61 bags
BOX B (each batter’s box 6' x 4', catcher’s box 5' x 6') For WBSC; MLB / MiLB; NCAA; NFHS; Babe Ruth baseball (all levels); Cal Ripken (all levels – 4" offset from home plage and 6' x 3'); Little League baseball (Intermediate 50/70, Junior & Senior); Pony baseball (local option, all levels).
BOX C (each batter’s box 7' x 3', catcher’s box 6' x 6') For WBSC; NCAA; NFHS; Babe Ruth softball (all divisions); Dixie softball (Belles & Debs); Little League softball (Junior & Senior); Pony (all divisions); USSSA (all divisions). BATTER’S BOXES
3'
3' 6" 4'
8' 6'
43"
APPROXIMATE VOLUME of DuraEdge blocks or DuraPitch / Blackstick clay
DE ProLoc Blocks Bagged Mound Clay
Area 2.5"D 4"D 3"D 4"D
Batter’s Boxes (2) 48 sq ft 216 blocks 346 blocks 36 bags 48 bags
Catcher’s Box 30 sq ft 135 blocks 216 blocks 23 bags 30 bags
Total Area 78 sq ft 451 blocks 562 blocks 59 bags 78 bags
4'
3' 6" 3'
7'
10'
8' 5"
APPROXIMATE VOLUME of DuraEdge blocks or DuraPitch / Blackstick clay
DE ProLoc Blocks Bagged Mound Clay
Area 2.5"D 4"D 3"D 4"D
Batter’s Boxes (2) 42 sq ft 189 blocks 303 blocks 32 bags 42 bags
Catcher’s Box 36 sq ft 162 blocks 260 blocks 27 bags 36 bags