<P> The bullpen (sometimes referred to as simply "the pen") is the area where pitchers warm up before entering a game . Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence . Relief pitchers usually wait in the bullpen when they have yet to play in a game, rather than in the dugout with the rest of the team . The starting pitcher also makes his final pregame warmups in the bullpen . Managers can call coaches in the bullpen on an in - house telephone from the dugout to tell a certain pitcher to begin his warmup tosses . "Bullpen" is also used metonymically to describe a team's collection of relief pitchers . </P> <P> There are two on - deck circles in the field, one for each team, positioned in foul ground between home plate and the respective teams' benches . They are technically known as next - batter's boxes . The on - deck circle is where the next scheduled batter, or "on - deck" batter, warms up while waiting for the current batter to finish his turn . The on - deck circle is either an area composed of bare dirt; a plain circle painted onto artificial turf; or often, especially at the professional level, a mat made from artificial material, with the team or league logo painted onto it . </P> <P> The coach's boxes, located behind first and third base, are where the first and third base coaches are supposed to stand, although coaches often stand outside the box . This is permissible as long as the coach does not interfere with play and the opposing team does not object (in which case the umpire shall ensure that all coaches on both teams must abide by the boundaries of the coach's boxes). The coach's boxes are marked with chalk or paint . In the early days of baseball, the term "coacher's box" was used, as "coach" was taken to be a verb . As the term "coach" evolved into a noun, the name of the box also changed . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (May 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

How many feet is it from foul pole to foul pole