home plate
What Is The Definition Of Home Plate In Baseball?
1. Home plate is the fourth and final location a baserunner must touch safely in order to score a run. While first, second and third base are square in shape and is usually a thicker bag, home plate is an irregular pentagon that is flat in nature and flush with the surface of the ground. Since pitchers have to throw over home plate to gain a strike, keeping it flush with the ground is to prevent any obstruction and interference with the pitch.
Before a baserunner touches home plate, the runner must touch first, second and third base (and in that sequence) safely in order for the run to count. Home plate is located directly in front of the pitcher’s mound.
The catcher is the player who is tasked with receiving the pitch from the pitcher behind home plate and for defending home plate.
Example Of How Home Plate Is Used In Commentary
1. Molina attempts to block home plate, but Utley slides wide and is able to get his hand in under the tag.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Baseball
2. Softball