When you walk into a baseball stadium, have you ever noticed where the home team sits? It might seem like a small detail, but the side of the dugout can make a big difference.
For the team, the dugout side can affect their view of the game, their comfort, and even their strategy. For fans, It’s where you get to see your favorite players up close, catch their interactions.
So, why does the dugout side matter? Let’s explore how this tradition started and why it continues to be an important part of baseball.
The Tradition of the First-Base Dugout
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many baseball fields were constructed with the clubhouses positioned behind the first-base side. This made it more convenient for the home team to access their locker rooms and other facilities.
Additionally, early baseball fields often had unique layouts influenced by the surrounding urban landscape. The first-base side was frequently the more desirable location for the home team because it provided better sightlines and proximity to essential facilities.
Reasons for Choosing the First-Base Side
There are several practical reasons why the first-base side became the preferred dugout location for home teams:
Proximity to Clubhouses: With the clubhouse situated behind the first-base dugout, players and coaches could quickly move between the field and their locker rooms.
Better View of the Field: Coaches sitting on the first-base side have a clearer view of the base runners and the batter’s box.
Communication with Umpires: In most stadiums, the umpire crew chief stands on the first-base side of the field.
Defensive Advantages: From the first-base dugout, the home team can better monitor potential base stealers, who often aim for second base.
Benefits of the First-Base Dugout
Strategic Advantages for the Home Team
One of the main reasons teams prefer the first-base dugout is the strategic benefits it offers. From this position, coaches and players have a better vantage point to observe the game’s critical aspects.
Better View of Base Runners: From the first-base side, coaches can easily keep an eye on runners leading off from first base.
Optimal Angle for Coaches: Coaches have a clearer line of sight to both the batter and the pitcher, which helps in signaling plays.
Enhanced Defensive Positioning: With a direct view of the action at first base, coaches and players can respond more swiftly to steal attempts and other offensive maneuvers by the opposing team.
Improved Communication and Visibility
The first-base dugout also enhances communication and visibility, crucial elements in the fast-paced environment of a baseball game.
Proximity to Umpires: Since the umpire crew chief usually stands on the first-base side, being closer allows the home team to communicate more effectively.
Clearer View for Right-Handed Batters: The majority of batters are right-handed, and they tend to look towards the first-base side when facing the pitcher.
- Quick Access to Facilities: With the clubhouse often located behind the first-base dugout, players can quickly access medical care, equipment, and other facilities.
What Side is the Home Team Dugout in Baseball?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While there is a common tradition, some teams prefer to break away from the norm for various reasons.
In most Major League Baseball (MLB) parks, the home team’s dugout is located on the first-base side. Out of the 30 MLB teams, the majority have chosen the first-base side for their dugout.
But Why Do Some Teams Break Traditions?
Despite the common preference for the first-base dugout, several teams have chosen to place their home dugout on the third-base side. This deviation from the norm is often due to unique circumstances or specific benefits that the third-base side provides.
Stadium Design: Some ballparks are designed in a way that makes the third-base side more advantageous.
Climate Control: In certain stadiums, the third-base dugout offers better protection from the elements.
Historical Reasons: Some teams maintain their third-base dugout due to historical traditions.
Strategic Considerations: In some cases, teams might find strategic advantages on the third-base side.
When the Home Team Chooses the Third-Base Dugout
Several MLB teams have their home dugout on the third-base side, each for their own distinct reasons.
San Francisco Giants (Oracle Park): The third-base dugout offers better protection from the strong winds coming off the San Francisco Bay.
Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field): Wrigley Field’s original design had the clubhouse located near the third-base dugout. Even after renovations, the Cubs have maintained this tradition, honoring the historical layout of their ballpark.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodger Stadium): Dodger Stadium’s orientation and design make the third-base side more practical for the home team.
Cleveland Guardians (Progressive Field): Progressive Field's design and sun exposure patterns make the third-base side more comfortable, especially during day games.
Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre): At Rogers Centre, the third-base dugout is closer to the team's clubhouse and training facilities.
These teams consider various factors, from comfort and convenience to strategic advantages and historical significance.
MLB Teams and Their Dugout Sides
Here's a rundown of where each team sits, along with some interesting facts about different ballparks.
MLB Teams with Home Dugouts on the First-Base Side:
New York Yankees (Yankee Stadium)
Kansas City Royals (Kauffman Stadium)
Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ball Park)
Seattle Mariners (T-Mobile Park)
Atlanta Braves (Truist Park)
Minnesota Twins (Target Field)
Houston Astros (Minute Maid Park)
Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park)
Tampa Bay Rays (Tropicana Field)
Milwaukee Brewers (American Family Field)
Philadelphia Phillies (Citizens Bank Park)
Colorado Rockies (Coors Field)
Washington Nationals (Nationals Park)
Baltimore Orioles (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
New York Mets (Citi Field)
San Diego Padres (Petco Park)
Texas Rangers (Globe Life Field)
St. Louis Cardinals (Busch Stadium)
MLB Teams with Home Dugouts on the Third-Base Side:
San Francisco Giants (Oracle Park)
Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field)
Cleveland Guardians (Progressive Field)
Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodger Stadium)
Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)
Miami Marlins (loanDepot Park)
Oakland Athletics (RingCentral Coliseum)
Pittsburgh Pirates (PNC Park)
Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field)
Detroit Tigers (Comerica Park)
Chicago White Sox (Guaranteed Rate Field)
Los Angeles Angels (Angel Stadium of Anaheim)
In baseball, where the home team’s dugout is placed affects much more than just appearances. As we've discussed, the tradition usually has the home team sitting on the first-base side. This choice is rooted in history and comes with several benefits.
However, some teams, like the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs, choose the third-base side.
So next time you’re at a baseball game, take a moment to notice the dugout. It's a vital part of the game’s fabric, influencing how the game is played and experienced.