the difference was because that's the size of the rubber, or perhaps it was due to the height of the mound, but according to Wikipedia (I was curious enough to look):
- MLB began in the 1870s with the pitcher confined to a box whose front edge was 45' from the plate.
- In 1881, to "increase the batting" ('cause pitchers were getting too good), the box was moved back by 5' (50' from the plate at this point).
- By 1887, the box was set at 5'6", but the pitcher had to have his back foot on the rear line of the box, effectively making the distance 55'6".
- In 1893, again to make the game more interesting, the line was moved back another 5', and the box itself was eliminated.
The result of all this, 60'6".
Another baseball question: What occurs if the batter refuses to properly stand in the batter's box? (MLB official rules) |
