Another odd one for you wise folks:

Is there an actual rule that states what side the home team bench is supposed to be on ??

Did some net searching today, and see a lot of "home team bench is on 1st base side". I always thought the home
team was supposed to sit on the 3rd base side.

SO:

1) Is there a rule ?

2) How is being on the first base side more of an advantage
than sitting on the 3rd base side ???

1) No

2) All depends on where the sun is

None of the books I have, ASA, AFA, USSSA, NSA, OR NFHS, specify which side
is to be whose. However when playing at home, home usually wants the
side in the shade. Let the visitors suffer. :D

glen

If I remember correctly, ASA's code (championship play) notes which dugout should be occupied by the home team, but usually expediency and common sense dictates. In other words, they are not going to move a team out of a dugout just because they may have lost the flip.

In H.S. ball the home dugout is determined when the field is constructed. The home dugout often has an equipment storage room built in, plus having the controls for the scoreboard. The home team is always going to occupy that one, even in a tournament.

If the sun is not a major issue, then the 3rd base dugout is closer. Its a few steps closer for the majority of players to the RH batter's box. (And if she takes a called 3rd strike it is quicker back into the dugout to hide!) The head coach typically takes the 3rd base coaching box and that is only a couple steps from the bench.

Besides that - it is tradition. Has there ever been any MLB parks with the home team on the 1st base side?

WMB

Most MLB parks have the home team on the 1st base side. I think there may be 2 that do not.

Most MLB parks have the home team on the 1st base side

I know that! Go easy on me, guys. Must be brain-dead this morning. Too early to think!

WMB

I know Wrigley and I believe the Metrodome have the home team on third base. Any others?

The Diamondbacks are on the third base side at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix.

at least one Northern League team, Winnipeg Goldeyes,
has their bench on the 3rd base side

excluding the 'sun in their eyes' issue (i should have thought of that one myself !!!) it seems to me the advantage is, as someone has already said, that the head coach is often the 3rd base coach (in minor ball at least)

great replies ... all !!