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Which Dugout Is Home Team In Baseball? (Explained)

Written by Chris 

Published on February 22, 2024

Looking for the home team dugout during a ballgame? You're not alone! As every baseball fan knows, every ballpark features two dugouts, one for the home team and the other for the visitors. But have you ever wondered which team sits in which dugout? The answer may surprise you! In this article, we'll take a look at what side is the home team dugout in baseball and why it's important.

What Is A Dugout In Baseball?

The dugout is the team’s home base on the field, located in foul territory between home plate and either first or third base. Each field has a home and visitor dugout, where players, coaches, and team personnel hang out when they’re not on the field. It’s packed with all the gear players need—bats, gloves, helmets, and catcher's equipment, each usually tucked away in personal cubbies (unless it's Little League, where finding little Jimmy’s helmet before his at-bat can be an adventure!).

 

In the dugout, players come together to share tips from their previous at-bats, cheer each other on, and celebrate every big moment, like a home run or a great defensive play. It’s also a welcome break from the heat or chill, offering some shade and a place to relax with sunflower seeds, sports drinks, and gum as they wait for their next moment on the field.

Home team dugout Side?

While the baseball rulebook features plenty of rules governing the play in and around the dugout, there is no official rule about which team should sit on the first-base side and which on the third-base side. The decision is entirely left to the discretion of the home team.


Despite the lack of an official rule, there is a long-standing tradition of placing the home team dugout on the first-base side. This tradition dates back to the early days of baseball when most players were right-handed. Being on the first base side, allowed coaches to have a clear view of the at bat. This is because the majority of hitters back then were righties.


But while tradition may dictate that the home team sits on the first-base side, it's not uncommon to see them occupying the dugout on the third-base side. Some ballparks, such as Wrigley Field in Chicago, have their home team dugout on the third-base side. This is due to the unique design of the stadium. The third base dugout faces away from the sun during day games whereas the visitors dugout at Wrigley faces direct sunlight during the later innings.


Ultimately, where the home team sits in the dugout is entirely up to them. While there may not be an official rule, the location of the home team dugout can have a significant impact on the game, from strategic advantages to practical considerations such as shade and communication with coaches.

Home Team Dugout Sides In MLB

MLB First Base Side Dugouts

MLB Third Base Side Dugouts

Atlanta Braves

Baltimore Orioles

Boston Red Sox

Cincinnati Reds

Colorado Rockies

Houston Astros

Kansas City Royals

Milwaukee Brewers

Minnesota Twins

New York Mets

New York Yankees

Philadelphia Phillies

Seattle Mariners

St. Louis Cardinals

San Diego Padres

Tampa Bay Rays

Texas Rangers

Washington Nationals

Arizona Diamondbacks

Chicago Cubs

Chicago White Sox

Cleveland Guardians

Detroit Tigers

Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Dodgers

Miami Marlins

Oakland Athletics

Pittsburgh Pirates

San Francisco Giants

Toronto Blue Jays

Why is a baseball dugout underground?

Baseball dugouts are built below ground level for a few reasons. One reason is that it provides a better view of the playing field for players and coaches. This is because it allows them to be closer to ground level and reduces obstructions. Additionally, being below ground level helps keep players and coaches out of the direct line of sight of the spectators, which can minimize distractions during the game. 

 

Until they recently put up the protective nets, fans had to be 100% focused on the game or risk getting hit with a line drive foul ball. Moreover, the dugout's position below ground level also provides better protection from the elements, such as wind and rain and sometimes hard-hit foul balls.

Best Baseball Dugout Celebrations

Whether you are a Little Leaguer or MLB player, baseball is supposed to be fun. Chatter or chants in the dugout were always great as a kid but the elaborate dugout celebrations after home runs is one of the most enjoyable parts of the game. Whether it's completely ignoring a rookie after he hit his first homerun, getting pushed through the dugout in a shopping cart or the new Dong Bong from the Baltimore Orioles, dugout celebrations show that these players are still kids at heart and realize they are playing a kids game for a living. They better have fun with it.
Poster

Final Thoughts On The Home Team Dugout

After all, dugouts are more than just a place for players and coaches to sit during a baseball game. They serve a crucial purpose in the development of team chemistry, the communication of game strategy, and the observation of close plays on the field. While the decision of which dugout to occupy may seem arbitrary, there are several factors that can influence the choice, including the weather, position of the manager and the best view of the game. Whether situated on the first-base or third-base side, the dugout remains a big part of the baseball experience and a key component in the success of any winning team.