2007-06-07 00:09:46 · 8 answers · asked by nofear_intrepid40 1 in Sports ➔ Baseball
So the pitcher has an orientation of his position on the mound, also can be used to push off from - added friction.
2007-06-07 00:13:38 · answer #1 · answered by Kit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before 1893, the pitcher's area was a chalked box 4 feet wide by 5 1/2 feet long with the back line of the box 55 1/2 feet from home plate. The pitcher was allowed to start his delivery with his back foot placed anywhere along that four foot line. In 1893, to increase offense, the box was replaced by a raised mound and a rubber slab that was 60 1/2 feet from home plate and 12 inches in length. The rubber was designated as the starting point for a pitcher to begin his delivery.
2007-06-07 20:56:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Additional history of the pitching mound comes from statistician Bill Deane, who informs, "The first mention of the mound in the official baseball rules appears in 1903. Installed "to prevent trickery," Rule 1, Section 2 required that "the pitcher's plate shall not be more than 15 inches higher than the base lines or home plate." The height was reduced to ten inches in 1969. Obviously, mounds were in use before they were standardized. Speculation is that they evolved as a matter of groundskeeping practice, for better drainage and water absorption. After overhand pitching was legislated in 1884, pitchers undoubtedly found the mounds to be an advantage: the downward weight-shift and momentum enable them to generate greater velocity on their pitches. John Montgomery Ward, who pitched in the major leagues 1878-84, supposedly took credit in later years for the innovation of the pitchers' mound."
2007-06-07 12:14:51 · answer #3 · answered by gopats_1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pitcher get leverage pushing off the rubber using the legs to suppor the pitch.
2007-06-07 08:11:04 · answer #4 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To keep the pitcher the proper distance away from home plate and the other bases.
2007-06-07 07:29:55 · answer #5 · answered by Richard F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main reason is that is marks the distance from home plate.. as a bonus it provides something to push off of.
2007-06-07 08:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by John L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It marks the place where pitchers must stand when pitching.
2007-06-09 18:51:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To give the pitcher something to push off of.
2007-06-07 07:57:03 · answer #8 · answered by JT-24 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋