History of the Dugout

bgray · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 08, 2002, 02:22am

I know this is not specifically an "officiating" topic, but someone may know the answer.

I've looked everywhere for a "definitive" explanation of why the dugout was invented. Obviously, it's called a dugout because the bench area is partially below ground.

But WHY was it originally built that way?

(I've heard two different logical answers, which I'll withhold until some of you have time to respond.)

I'm hoping for a "documented" history as opposed to opinions, but opinions are welcome too. ;-)

Thanks!

- Brent

Gee · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 08, 2002, 09:55am

Opinion.

1. To separate the players from the fans.

2. To give the fans a better view of the game. G.

PAblue87 · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 08, 2002, 12:15pm

Actually, the first "dugouts" were hollowed logs used by Native Americans as boats. Do not know how this translates to baseball. I imagine dugouts were used to keep players in a private area and protection from inclement weather?

bob jenkins · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 08, 2002, 04:24pm

Fact:

Players and coaches are lower than dirt.

Using a dugout just makes them more comfortable - they're closer to their natural environment.

bluezebra · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 08, 2002, 04:33pm

Baseball was a very popular game during the War Between the States (I refuse to call it a "Civil War"). During the war, trenches were used extensively during many battles. When the war ended, soldiers from both sides dug up these trenches and took them home as souvenirs. Not knowing what else to do with them, they installed them in the local ballfields.

Bob

p.s. If you believe that, I have a waterski school for sale on the Mojave River in the Southern California High Desert area.

Rich Ives · #6 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 08, 2002, 10:13pm

Actually, dugouts were installed so the players could look the umpires in the eye . . .

Marty Rogers · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 10, 2002, 07:53am

From the Dickson Baseball Dictionary:
dugout...it gets it's name because dugouts are traditionally dug into the ground, with the bench below the playing field. First known printed use; 1912 (New York Tribune).

I like Bob Jenkins definition better

bgray · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 10, 2002, 10:28am

Great replies! But none answered the real question as to "why" dugouts were dug out.

The semi-official reason (supposely) was so the fans could have a better (less obstructed) view of the game. Another theory was that it would be safer for the players. (Not sure if they had fences and such back then.)

So, can anyone actually document either of these theories?

Was it safety? Or was it the fan's view that made them "dig out" a place for the players to sit?

- Brent