What must the distance be from home plate to the pitcher's rubber?

The correct distance from home plate to the pitcher's rubber is 60 feet 6 inches. This measurement is standardized in baseball, as governed by NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) rules, ensuring uniformity in the game at high school levels.

This specific distance is critical because it impacts the dynamics of how the game is played. A pitcher must deliver the ball from this predetermined distance to maintain fairness and consistency across all fields and games. Having this uniform distance allows players to develop their skills under the same physical conditions, which is essential in a sport that requires both precision and power.

The other distances provided do not align with the established rules of baseball, making them incorrect. For instance, 60 feet would be too short for effective pitching at the high school level, altering the game's pace and mechanics significantly. Similarly, 50 feet and 70 feet are not recognized measurements for this space in baseball, further underscoring the importance of adhering to the standardized distance of 60 feet 6 inches.