The pitcher’s mound is the area from where the pitchers pitch balls to the batters. It is a circular area with an 18-foot diameter, a pitching rubber inside it. We will be discussing how to build a pitcher’s mound throughout the post.
The pitcher’s mound is the most important place for the defensive team as a position. Because a properly built pitcher’s mound will help your pitchers to prevent injuries. It will also bring home field advantage for your team as well.
The pitcher’s mound has a 60 feet 6 inches distance from the home plate. It is also 10 inches higher than the home plate. However, the baseball field overview will help you to understand a baseball field layout though.
By the way, here is the information for the way of making a perfect pitcher’s mound for your pitchers.
Tools You Needs For Construction The Mound
For the construction of the pitcher’s mound, first, you have to ensure some necessary tools. However, you have to remember that it’s a professional task to construct a pitcher’s mound.
The following tools are needed for the entire construction process.
● Shovel and spade.
● Water source and hose pipes.
● Plate compactor.
● Rake for landscape.
● Tape measure: 100 feet.
● Spikes of steel made.
● Utility vehicle.
● Hand tamps.
● Packing clay.
● Level and square for the carpenter.
● Pitching rubber, block-type.
Give Importance About The Clay
Clay is one of the most crucial facts to give attention to. We prefer to use two types of clay for the plateau and the side of the mound.
The harder clay for the plateau and the landing area. On the other hand, the regular mix of clay for the back and the side of the mound.
By the way, you will be needing around 10 tons of clay. 2 tons of harder clay, and the rest of the regular mix.
Ensure the Right Orientation
You may use a string line to ensure the accurate alignment of the home plate, second base, and the pitcher’s mound.
Set the distance of the front of the mound 60 feet 6 inches from the back of the home plate.
Now, establish a string line of 59-foot from the back of the home-plate toward the mound. In the 59-foot point, put a pin and stretch a 9-foot line from it.
Now, mark the 18-foot circle area of the mound. Place another pin on the place of the pitching rubber. Mark the place 10-inch higher than the home plate.
Start Building The Mound
Construct the base of the mound with the hard clay. Keep the right moisture content in the clay mix.
Make the mound at the 1-inch level. Utilize the clamp to compact each level. Make sure the depth of the hard clay is around 8-inch.
If you are finished with the sub-base, distanced 60 feet 6 inches, and 10-inch higher than the home plate, now you can start making the plateau. The dimension of the plateau will be 5-foot wide and 34-inch deep.
Ensure the position of the pitching rubber is set on the plateau 60-foot 6-inch away from the home plate. After completing the placement of the pitching rubber, now start making the slope.
Slope Making
An accurate slope down is needed for comfortable and efficient pitching. So, make sure you build the slope with accurate measurement. Because mismeasurement may injure your pitchers.
Start the slope 6-inch front of the toe plate. Build a drop in every 1-foot by 1 inch. You can use a string line to keep the accuracy measurement.
As we mentioned before, for the outer mound, use the regular infield clay mixture. Use the previous process used in making plateau. Keep the 1-inch increment for each layer.
After you’ve finished building the whole mound, it should resemble a continuous circle. On the other hand, there is no indication of the various materials that you employed in the construction of the mound.
Use a ⅛ inches infield conditioner for the finishing touch, which will prevent the stick to the tamp. Now, cover up the mound to prevent drying and cracking due to the extra sun.
Last Words
As we mentioned before, building a perfect mound is important for the health and performance of the pitchers, you just made a perfect mound now. It is important to properly manage the moisture level of the pitcher’s mound regularly.
So, ensure ongoing management for the proper maintenance of the mound. Now, keep practicing on the mound, and properly maintain the mound after regular use of it.
