It’s a common question asked by both players and spectators alike: which dugout is the home team? In baseball, the home team has traditionally been assigned to the dugout located on the first base side of the field. While this is the case for most Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums, there are some exceptions. This article will discuss the answer to the question ‘which dugout is the home team’ and provide helpful information about the various exceptions to this rule.
Definition of a Dugout
The dugout is a seating area located in the field of play, usually adjacent to the first or third base line. It is typically a low-lying, covered area, and the benches and seating are usually located on the side closest to the foul line. Dugouts are usually the same size, but some stadiums have larger home team dugouts.
What is the Home Team?
The home team is the team playing on their own field or stadium. As such, they are the ones who bat last and occupy the dugout on the first base side of the field. In most cases, the visiting team will occupy the dugout on the third base side.
Major League Baseball Exceptions
While the home team is traditionally assigned to the dugout located on the first base side of the field, there are some notable exceptions in Major League Baseball. These include the following stadiums:
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, has the home team occupying the dugout on the third base side.
Comerica Park
At Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, the home team occupies the dugout on the third base side.
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees, has the home team occupying the dugout on the third base side.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, has the home team occupying the dugout on the first base side.
Why Do Some Stadiums Deviate From The Rule?
There are a few possible explanations as to why some stadiums deviate from the traditional rule and assign the home team to the dugout on the third base side. One possible explanation is that it may be easier for the home team to make coaching and defensive changes when they are closer to their dugout. Another possible explanation is that it may be easier for the home team to communicate with their players and coaches when they are closer to their dugout.
Minor League Baseball
In Minor League Baseball (MiLB), the home team is traditionally assigned to the dugout on the first base side of the field. However, there are some exceptions. For example, in the Pacific Coast League (PCL), the home teams in the Albuquerque Isotopes and Reno Aces stadiums occupy the dugout on the third base side.
International Baseball
In international baseball, the home team is usually assigned to the dugout on the first base side of the field. However, there are exceptions. For example, in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), the home teams in the four stadiums occupy the dugout on the third base side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the home team is traditionally assigned to the dugout located on the first base side of the field in Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball. However, there are some exceptions in Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, as well as in international baseball. It is important to be aware of these exceptions when attending games, as it can help to avoid confusion and ensure that the appropriate teams are on the correct sides of the field.