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Foul Pole Calculations
Below is a sample illustration of using a simple formula for placing your foul poles. For all right triangles, the following formula holds true:
| Let A = 90ft | This is the distance between 2nd & 3rd base. |
| Let B = 240ft | Let's suppose this is the distance you want the foul line to extend from 3rd base to the left field foul pole. This will make the left field foul line 330 ft long on a field with 90 ft baselines. |
Now, let's apply this to a ballfield. Using the right angle formula and the values above, we see that:
A2 = 90 x 90 = 8,100 ft
B2 = 240 x 240 = 57,600 ft
and, since A2 + B2 = C2 then:
C2 = 65,700 ft
To find the value of C, we calculate the square root of 65,700.
Therefore, C = 256.3ft
To convert that decimal into inches, you multiply the number of inches in a foot by 0.3.
12in/ft x 0.3ft = 3.6in
From these calculations, we know the distance from 2nd base to the left field fole pole is:
256 feet 3.6 inches