<P> Third base is the third of four bases a base runner must touch in a counterclockwise succession in order to score a run . Many batted balls that result in the batter being put out (such as a sacrifice fly) may nevertheless allow a runner to reach home plate and score a run from third base, provided that the third and final out is not recorded before he can do so . A runner on third base is therefore particularly valuable to the batting team when fewer than two outs have been recorded . The runner cannot be tagged out if he is touching the base with any part of his body . </P> <P> The third baseman is the defensive player whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base . A third baseman ideally possesses quick reaction to batted balls and a strong arm to make the long throw to first base . The distance from 3rd to 1st is about 127 feet . In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the third baseman is assigned the number 5 . </P> <P> Home plate, formally designated home base in the rules, is the final base that a player must touch to score . Unlike the other bases, home plate is a five - sided slab of whitened rubber that is set at ground level . The use of rubber was developed by Robert Keating, who pitched one game for the 1887 Baltimore Orioles . Previously--and more dangerously--the plate was made of stone, iron, or wood . </P> <P> The dimensions of home plate are 17 inches (43 cm) across the front, 8.5 inches (22 cm) down each side, with a triangular rear of two sides of 12 inches (30 cm). The rear edges are at 45 degrees to the sides, making a point at the back . The plate is white and surrounded by a black strip ⁄ inch (1.9 cm) in width . The plate sits entirely in "fair" territory, with the two rear edges aligned with the right and left field foul lines . The length and angle requirements for home plate mandate that it is not a regular pentagon; it is a 17 by 8.5 inches (43 by 22 centimeters) rectangle with an isosceles triangle of base 17 inches (43 cm) and equal sides of 12 inches (30 cm) attached to the back . </P>

How far is the pitchers mound from home plate for little league