Pitching Rubbers

The official pitching rubber, or pitcher's plate, measures 24" x 6", the size used in adult baseball, fastpitch and slowpitch. Youth pitching rubbers are smaller, usually 18" x 4", made for younger divisions. We carry adult models like the Rawlings Official Pitchers Plate and 24" 4-Sided Professional Pitching Rubber, and youth models like the Rawlings 18" Youth Pitching Rubber and Youth Pitchers Plate. Check your league's requirements, and complete your field with a home plate and bases.

The distance is measured from the front edge of the pitching rubber to the back point of home plate, and it depends on the level of play. In adult and high-level baseball it's 60 feet 6 inches, while Little League and many young divisions use 46 feet, with intermediate distances as players grow. Adult fastpitch is usually 43 feet, with shorter distances for younger players, and most adult slowpitch leagues pitch from 50 feet. Always confirm the distances with your association. For practice on turf or indoors, see the portable mound in our home plates and mats collection.

It depends on how permanent your mound is. Spiked rubbers, like the Rawlings Spiked Pitching Rubber and 18" Youth Pitching Rubber with 3 spikes, push into the ground and can be removed, ideal for temporary and shared fields. The Rawlings Official Pin Down Pitchers Rubber is held in place with pins for a more secure fit. The 24" 4-Sided Professional Pitching Rubber is buried in the mound for permanent fields, and can be turned to a fresh side as the top wears, which makes it last much longer.

Yes. Fastpitch and slowpitch softball use a 24" x 6" pitcher's plate, the same size as adult baseball. The difference is the field itself: softball pitchers throw from a flat circle instead of a raised mound, and from a shorter distance. A spiked or pin-down rubber works well on softball diamonds, which are often shared with other teams. See all field equipment, including double first bases for softball.

First, measure the correct distance from the back point of home plate to where the front edge of the rubber will sit, using a long measuring tape. Make sure the rubber is centred on the line from home plate to second base and set square to home plate. For spiked or pin-down rubbers, press or pin them firmly into the ground. For a permanent mound, bury the rubber so its top sits level with the mound surface and pack clay tightly around it. A measuring tape and mound tools are in our field and base maintenance collection.

Replace a pitching rubber when it's cracked, worn uneven, loose in the ground, or when the edges have broken down enough to affect a pitcher's footing. Pitchers also dig holes in front of the rubber over time, so fill and tamp those spots with clay regularly using the tools in our field and base maintenance collection. With a 4-sided rubber, you can simply turn it to a fresh side before replacing it. Shop all pitching rubbers.