MLB's base size changes, explained: Why the bases are bigger in 2023 and get 'pizza box' comparisons | Sporting News (2024)

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MLB's base size changes, explained: Why the bases are bigger in 2023 and get 'pizza box' comparisons | Sporting News? ›

Beginning this year, the bases will be 18-inch squares, up from 15 inches. MLB's press release touted the distance between bases will be decreased by 4.5 inches, “thereby encouraging offensive Clubs to attempt to steal bases more frequently and generally to be more aggressive on the basepaths.”

MLB is increasing base sizes in order to promote player safety and make bang-bang plays less dangerous for defenders and runners. There is slightly less distance between bases now, so there may be more stolen bases, but that would not necessarily be a "feature" of the new sizes.

Starting in the 2023 season, MLB bases will measure 18 inches on each side instead of 15 inches. The size change is meant to “reduce injuries around them while increasing stolen base attempts,” ESPN reported.

The bigger bases also mean that there will be a 4 1/2-inch reduction in the distance between first and second base and between second and third base. 'They look like a pizza box': Red Sox manager Alex Cora makes quip about size of new MLB bases.

The truth is, most of us had no idea the bases were 15 inches on each side before MLB expanded them to 18 inches. Even fewer of us understood the intricate nuances of how the distances down the lines and around the infield are measured.

“It was a human decision,” Thorn says. “And the prior distances of 55 feet, 6 inches or 50 feet or 45 feet were all human decisions made to balance the offense and defense in the game so that it would produce a pleasing entertainment product. That's what this is all about.

After the 2022 season, the MLB approved rule changes that changed the bases from 15 inches on each side to 18 inches on each side. The idea was that it would allow for more stolen bases. Research shows they were right but that is not the only rule change that impacted those numbers.

According to MLB the rule states that “pitchers must face a minimum of three batters in an appearance or pitch to the end of a half-inning, with exceptions for injuries and illnesses.

The rules were adopted after extensive testing at the Minor League level over a several-year period and with feedback from MLB player and umpire representatives.. One of the rule changes covers the size of the bases, which traditionally have been 15 inches square, but will now be 18 inches square.

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What is pizza base made of? ›

Crust: Traditional pizza crust is similar to bread dough. It's a combination of flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and oil. The dough is mixed, kneaded, and allowed to rise. Once it's ready, it can be pulled or rolled flat.

There are two main types of pizza crust: yeasted and flatbread. However, within those two categories, there are various styles of pizza crust, each with its own style of cooking, slicing, and toppings.

Why did MLB increase base sizes? MLB is increasing base sizes in order to promote player safety and make bang-bang plays less dangerous for defenders and runners. There is slightly less distance between bases now, so there may be more stolen bases, but that would not necessarily be a "feature" of the new sizes.

The size of the bases has changed, but it's still 90 feet between bases. This is true. Seriously, MLB legally changed the length of a foot so the sacred 90 feet between bases would remain intact.

1857: New set of rules adopted at first convention of baseball players. The sides of the infield square are 30 yards. First, second, and third bases must each cover a square foot in area and are canvas bags filled with sawdust or sand.

Though the base-size change may have a modest impact on stolen-base success rate, the modification's primary goal is to give players more room to operate and to avoid collisions.

30 yards (90 feet) between the bases was first explicitly prescribed by the NABBP Convention of 1857. Through trial and error, 90 feet had been settled upon as the optimal distance. 100 feet would have given too much advantage to the defense, and 80 feet too much to the offense.

The distance between first base and third base is 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches. All measurements from home base shall be taken from the point where first- and third-base lines intersect.

To promote and improve player safety, the MLB has changed the size of the bases from 15 inches to 18 inches. The increased base size will lower the likelihood a player hustling down to first base will have a collision with the first baseman.