Why is the home plate called the home plate?

by Aydlett
(Elizabeth City NC)

Aydlett asked: My 7 yr old thinks it is because it is shaped like a house with a roof....what is the real reason it is called home plate?

Rick answered: Aydlett, thank you for your question.

Home plate was formally designated as "home base" in the rules.

It is thought to be so because originally it was a round metal plate, thus referred to as home plate.

Another theory out there is that it was called home because a batter starts out there, with the hope of touching first, second, third and then home and is rewarded for his return to "home" with a run.

Yours in baseball,

Rick