1st base dugout over 3rd base dugout?

Is there any reason that one dugout would be better than another? I say yes. Here's why.

I have always suggested that I would rather have the 1st base dugout because if a batter strikes out and is not tagged out by the catcher he can casually walk towards the dugout and then sprint to 1B. Although his path was not direct, he should not be called out. A batter may advance to 1B until he steps into the dugout. If the dugout was on the 3B side, he would effectively give up his opportunity as it is behind the catcher.

Another advantage to sitting on the 1B side is you get to watch pitcher's pickoff moves on a regular basis. If you are a team that is trying to read a pitcher's pickoff move(especially a lefty) there is no substitute for seeing it. If you have the 1B dugout you could have your runners go down the line and watch as the pitcher attempts to pick the runner off of 1st. This is something that you would not be allowed to do if you were on the third base side.

Now, is it that big of a deal? No.

Could it give you an advantage? Yes. For evidence of that- please see the "around the horn" blog.