Different divisions and leagues may require varying field dimensions, which directly influences the size of the outfield fence you need. If your facility has multiple leagues for different age divisions, you'll want fencing that can fit all your requirements. Grand Slam Safety offers adjustable fencing options. Here's a look at how you can measure an outfield fence.
Field Size According to Leagues & Division
When you're designing a baseball field for different leagues and divisions, there are several considerations to keep in mind to ensure you have suitable dimensions for each group. You have to consider the distance between base paths, including the distance between the home plate to the mound and the necessary size of the foul pole.
There are some common dimensions for youth leagues such as foul lines having to be a minimum of 200 feet to the outfield fence and 275 feet to the center field fence for a little league baseball field. Pinto baseball field dimensions consist of foul lines that are 125 feet to the fence and 175 feet to the center field fence.
Steps to Mapping Out the Field
Follow these steps to design your own field from scratch:
Position home plate so it's centered in the middle of the backstop. Run a tape measure from one corner of the backstop in the direction of where home plate will go. Repeat this step with the opposite corner of the backstop. The start of home plate (the side closest to the backstop) will act as an apex. The left and right corners of the backstop should create an invisible triangle with the bottom of home plate.
Position a stake at the back of the home plate. You'll use this as a point of reference later.
Trace a line from the back of the home plate over the pitcher's mound and to the center of the second base. The distance should be based on the appropriate league.
Locate the first and third bases by running a tape measure from the second base to each base separately. This distance will depend on the league. The corners of the first and third bases should create an arc with the back of the home plate and the center of the second base.
Draw lines from the foul-side corners of first and third base to the back of home plate. This can help you determine the correct angles of the first and third bases.
Locate the pitching rubber by referencing the back of home plate and the center of second base. The rubber mound should be equidistant from these two points. Align the outer sides of the pitching rubber with the outer sides of the home plate.
Length of the Outfield Fence
There are several variations and types of outfield fences. The size of the field and the types of leagues usually determine the length. Outfield fences grow gradually in size at each level to match the players' development and experience. Here are the common outfield fence length sizes for different divisions:
Pinto: This is a transitional division where children between the ages of 7 and 8 can play baseball at a competitive and instructional level. The length of the outfield fence for this division is 200 plus feet.
Little League: This is a division in baseball for boys and girls 8 to 12 years old. The length of the outfield fence for the little league is 225 plus feet.
Bronco: The Bronco division is for 11 and 12-year-old players who play at a competitive level. The outfield fence length for Bronco is 250 plus feet.
Pony: The Pony division is for 13 to 14-year-old players preparing for high school baseball. The outfield fence length for this division is 300 plus feet.
High School, College and Pro: These divisions feature players who compete in a professional setting at an advanced level of play. The outfield length for these divisions is 400 plus feet.
Height of the Outfield Fence
The different levels of play also determine the height of the outfield fence. For divisions such as Pinto, Little League, Bronco and Pony, the fence should be at least 4 feet high with foul poles that extend at least 6 feet above the baseball outfield fence length. For high school, college and pro divisions, an outfield fence that is at least 6 feet tall is the recommended height, and 8 feet is the preference. You can use an outfield fence calculator to calculate the size of the fence you need.
Contact Grand Slam Safety for Your Fencing Needs
At Grand Slam Safety, we offer a range of baseball outline fencing. Our fences can be temporary or permanent, and they are customizable to meet your specific needs. We can help you find durable and safe fencing that is perfect for you.
Contact us today to get a quote.