Beadle's Dime Base Ball Player (no. 1) (1860)
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-- COMPENDIUM tf Tit we, COMPRISING ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS ‘i OF THIS If AMERIOAN GAME OF BALL: i Together with the Revised Rules and Regulations: for eek? Vi. Rules for the, ormation of Clubs; Names of the Officers Th and Delegates to the General. Convention, &e. BY HENRY CHADWICK. Hay SA ay ° RK: Bre IRWIN P. BEADLE, & CO., PUBLISHERS, 14] Wiittaw Sr., corner or Futon.
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DELEGATES TO NATIONAL CONVENTION, 1860, a a 0 The following are the names of the clubs belonging to the Association, and the names of their delegates at the Convention held March, 1860. We place-them according to localitg and date of organization. The nathes of those delegates who voted in favor of the’ catch on the fly are in italics, CLUBS. Knickerbocker, N. Gotham, Eagle, Empire, Baltic, Harlem, Independent, Metropolitan, Champion, St Nicholas, Asbland, Mutual, Monument, Stuyvesant, Manhattan, Katy Did, . Jefferson, Lexington, Chelsea, - Socials i xeelsior, Putnam, Nekford, Continental, Enterprise, Atlantic, ILamilton, “Star, Pastime, Hawatha, Wseulapian, Independent, Charter Oak, Y., ac Brooklyn, i Ploribus Unum,“ "(Continued on third page of cover.) 4 DELEGATES J. Foss, 5. Burns. D, C. Mershutt, J. A. Lucas. W. L. Walton, W. Brower. EF. J. Tuoimey, J. Ross Postley. A. J. Clark, W. I. Brooks. G. Tyson, B. F. Okie. 5. Cheshire, O. R. Phenes. P. D. Brower, J. M. Terwilliger. ©. B. Durgin, J. Butterworth. Dr, J. B. Jones, J. B. Leggett. Thos. 8. Dakin, Theo. vi F. Pidgeon, G. Lamphies. T. Waltington, W. Z. Wood. D. A. Sutton, W. H. Davis, Thomas Tassie, S. A. Mann. E.R. Wilbur, J. M. Crowell. W. C. Condit, Rk. B. Lawrence. . G. Quevedo, W. Barre. S. C. Baldwin, B. Van Veit, W. E. Otterson, J. L. Farley. J. F. Pearson, H. H. Beadle. N. Shourman, J. Shields. Dr. F. V. Dayton, G. W. Martin. Jackson. -
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BEADLE’S BASE-BALL PLAYER: COMPENDIUM OF THE GAME, COM PRISING : HLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS OF THIS AMERICAN GAME OF BALL: Together with the Revised Rules and Regulations for 1860; . Rules for the Formation of Clubs ; Names of the Officers and Delegates to the General Convention, &c, BY HENRY CHADWICK. NEW YORK: IRWIN PP. BHADLE & CO. 141 Wixiram Sr., Cor. Funron. 7 x
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7 ry re 7 At tt Ae D4 qi. \ oy ™» ‘Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, By IRWIN, P. BEADLE & CO., in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. Pe ee ee ee Ce ee ee Pe Ue ee eee
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INTRODUCTORY. In presenting this work to our readers, we claim for it* the merit of being the first publication of its Kind yet is- sued, as all previous works on Base Ball—and there are but very few published—have been confined to the history of the game as contained in the proceedings of the Nation- al Convention of Base-Ball Players, together with the rules and regulations of the game adopted by the National As- sociation. We, therefore, introduce this book to our readers, feeling confident that it will be interesting to all, and beneficial to many, especially to those who have but a limited practical knowledge of the game. In arranging our instructions on the most important points of the game, we take pleasure in acknowledging our indebtedness to several prominent members of the Base-Ball fraternity, among whom we are specially indebied for favors to Mr. Jas. B. Bache and Dr. Jones of the Excelsior Club of Brooklyn, and to Dr. Adams of the veteran Knickerbock- er of New York. As our object is to promote the interests and popularity of our American Game of Ball, if we have failed in any one instance in the furtherance of our views in this respect, we shall not solicit in vain, we trust, for indulgence at the hands of our many friends in the ball- playing community. With these prefatory remarks, we at once place before our readers the instructions we have carefully prepared for them.
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® Scorer’s Position. Catcher. >» Umpire’s Position. Pitcher. Bh 4 : f 7 Virst Base. ss Third Base. 76 Short Field, & Second Base, Right ® Field. Left ® Field, Centre ® Field. DraGRAM OF A Basm Bauu Frenp, AND POSITIONS OF THE VIETLDERS.
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BEADLE’S DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. ml 0 4 > > 0 Tuts invigorating exercise and manly pastime may now be justly termed the American Game of Ball, for though of English origin, it has been so modified and improved of late years in this country, as almost to deprive it of any - of its original features beyond the mere groundwork of the game. As we propose briefly to note the progress of Base Ball from its origin, we deem it appropriate to intro- duce the rules for playing the English Game of Rounders, from which Base Ball is derived. We therefore quote as follows from an English work on out-door sports: Rounders.—This game is played with a ball and bats, or sticks something of the form of a policeman’s trun- cheon. A hole is first made, about a foot acrossand half a foot deep. Four other stations are marked with pegs stuck into the ground, topped with a piece of paper, so as to be yreadily seen. Sides are thea chosen, one of which goes in. There may be five or more players on each side. Suppose that there are five. One player, on the side that is out, stands in ‘the middle of the five-sided space, and pitches the baJl toward the hole. He is called the feeder, The batsman hits it off, if he can; in which case he drops the stick, and runs to the nearest station, thence to the third, and all round if the hit has been a far one. The other side are scouting, and trying to put him out, either by hitting the batsman as he is running, or by sending the bal® into the hole, which is called ‘‘ grounding.” The player at the hole may decline to strike the ball, but if he hits at it, and misses twice running, he is out. Whena player makes the round of the stations back to the hole, his side counts one toward the game. When all the play- ers are out, either by being hit or the ball being grounded, the other side get their innings. When there are only two players left, a chance is given of prolonging the in- nings, by one of them getting three balls from the feeder;
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6 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. and if he can give a hit such a8 to enable him to run the whole round, all his side come in again, and the counting is resumed. The feeder is generally the best player on his side, much depending on his skill and art. The scouts should seldom aim at the runners from a distance, but throw the hall up to the feeder or to some one near; who will try to hit or to ground, as seems the most advisable. A caught ball also puts the striker out. The above is a very simple game, and one designed only for relaxation during the intervals from study in schools, and is entirely devoid of the manly features that characterize Base Ball as played in this country. Boys and even girls can play Rounders without difficulty ; but Base Ball, to be played thoroughly, requires the possession of muscular strength, great agility, quickness of eye, read- iness of hand; and many other faculties of mind and body that mark the man of nerve. But it is needless further to comment on the meritorious features of our American game, suffice it to say that it is a recreation that any one may be proud to excel in, as in order to do so, he must possess the characteristics of true manhood to a considerable degree. The history of Base Ball commences at a date anterior to the one we propose to start from; but our present pur- pose will be fully answered by tracing its progress from the organization of the Knickerbocker Club of New York, which started into existence in the autumn of 1845. There was a Club called the New York Club, which existed be- fore the Knickerbocker, but we shall not be far wrong if we award to the latter club the honor of being the pio- neer of the present game of Base Ball. Before the organization of the Knickerbocker Club, the rule of play, in ‘reference to putting a player out with the ball, was to throw it at him; but one or two severe acci- dents o¢eurred from the practice of this plan, and the fules were changed to those placing men on each base, and making it requisite for a player to be touched by the ball while in the hands of an adversary. This latter rule was the first innovation on the primitive rules of the game famil- iar to every school-boy in the Eastern and Middle States. The following are the first regular rules of Base Ball we have any record of. They are ‘those adopted by the Knick- erbocker Club in 1845, and by which—with one or two exceptions—they played up to the period of the first eon- vention of Base Ball players.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. q Wirst Rules of Base Ball. Sxction 1. The bases shall be from ‘*Home” to second base 42 paces; from first to third base 42 paces equidis- tant. ; Szcrion 2. The game to consist of 21 counts or aces, but at the conclusion an equal number of -hands must be played. » Section 8. The ball must be pitched and not thrown for the bat. Srcrron 4. A ball knocked outside the range of the first or third base is foul. Section 5. Three balls being struck at and missed, and the last one caught, is a hand out; if not caught, is consid- ered fair, and the striker bound to run. Section 6. A ball being struck or tipped, and caught either flying or on the first bound, is a hand ott. Section 7, A player, running the bases, shall be out, if the ball is in the hands of an adversary on the base, as the runner is touched by it before he makes his base—it being understood, however, that in no instance is a ball to be thrown at him. Section 8. A player running, who shall prevent an ad- wersary from catching or getting the ball before making his base, is a hand out. Secrion 9. If two hands are already out, a player run- ning home at the time a ball is struck, can not make an ace if the striker is caught out. : Sxcrron 10. Three hands out, all out. Secrion 11, Players must take their strike in regular turn. Sxcrron 12, Noace or base can be made ona foul strike. Secrion 13. A runner can not be put out in making one base, when a baulk is made by the pitcher. Section 14. But one base allowed when the ball bounds out of the field when struck. It will be at once perceptible to all who will contrast the above rules with those at present in force, that the game of Base Ball at that period, was not to be compared to the systematic and, to a certain extent, scientific game that is now such an attractive feature of our American sports and pastimes, The example afforded by-the successful operation of the Knickerbocker Club, was soon followed by the formation
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8 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. of others, and in the course of a few years the Gotham, Eagle, and Empire clubs successively appeared on the ball grounds at Hoboken, as competitors for the enviable notoriety the Knickerbockers had by that time attained by means of the many interesting contests they had inaugurated. The Gotham Club was the next organization to that of the Knickerbocker, and the senior members of many of the clubs now'in existence will doubtless long remember the interest and excitement attendant upon the ,prominent contests between these rival clubs. In fact, it is to this source, in connection with the many attractive features of the game itself, that we may mainly attribute its rapid prog- ress in popularity; for it is well known that where a lively, well-contested, and exciting game is in progress, there will ever be found crowds of interested spectators. We at first designed giving the scores of several of the most prominent of these matches, but we find that such a course will require far more space than we propose oceu- pying in a work like this, which is intended more as a com- pendium of Base Ball rather than a complete and compre- hensive work on the subject. We, therefore, continue our brief reference to the points of special interest in the his- tory of the game, by giving the date of organization of eaclx club that now belong to the National Association, up to the time of the first Convention of Base-Ball Players, which was held in New York, in May, 1857. Clubs. Organized. Location of Ground. Knickerbocker, Sept., 1845, Hoboken, otham, 1850, he Eagle, April, 1852, ss Empire, Oct. 12, 1854, se : Excelsior, Dec. 8, 1854, South Brooklyn, Putnam, May, 1855, Williamsburgh, Newark, May 1, 1855, Newark, Baltic, June 4, 1855, New York, Eckford, June 27, 1855, Greenpoint, Union, July 17, 1855, — Morrisania, Continental, Oct., 1855, Williamsburgh, Atlantic, 1855, Jamaica, L. L, Harlem, March, 1856, New York, Enterprise, June 28,1856, Bedford, Atlantic, Aug. 14, 1856, # Star, Oct., 1856, South Brooklyn, Independent, Jan., 1857, New York,
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 9 Liberty, March, 1857, New Brunswick, N, J., Metropotitan, March 4, 1857, New York, Champion, March 14, 1857, Hamilton, March 23, 1857, Brooklyn, St. Nicholas, April 28, 1857, Hoboken. As will be seen from the above record, the years 1855 and 1856 were prolific of new clubs, and, of course, a_great number of exciting centests took place, the result of which was the creation of a thorough furore for the game, and the manifestation of a great degree of interest in the wel- fare and progress of this manly pastime, by the rapidly in- creasing numbers of the advocates of out-door sports. At the close of the season of 1856, a review of the many contests that had taken place, led to the knowledge of the benefit that would accrue to the game, if a proper revision of the rules were to be had, and a new code established. After several preliminary meetings had been held by the prominent clubs among themselves, it was decided to call a convention of delegates from each of the clubs, for the , purpose of establishing a permanent code of rules by which all could, in future, be governed. In pursuance of this re- solve, a call, signed by the officers of the Knickerbocker Club—as the serfior organization of the kind, was issued, and the ultimate result was the assembling of the dele- gates to the first Convention of Base-Ball Players, which convention was held in New York City, in May, 1857. At this convention a series of rules and reglautions were adopted, by which the various clubs, who were represented in the convention, were governed during the season of 1857. In March, 1858, the second convention was held, and at this meeting the annual convention was declared a permanent organization, and the requisite constitution and by-laws having been formed, the ‘‘NarronaL AssocrlaTIon or Basr-Batt Prayers” sprang into existence, and com- menced its useful career, which has thus far been one as beneficial to the interests of the game, as it has been cred- itable to its respective members. The first annual meeting of this Association was held at the Cooper Institute, March 9, 1859, at which convention the rules and regulations were again revised and amended, in accordance with the improvements the experience of the previous season’s play had rendered necessary. The officers of the Association, too, were re-elected. It was ~
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10 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. at this convention that the abolition of the custom of fur- nishing refreshments on the oceasion of matches, was unani- mously recommended. This custom, which originated in a desire to promote friendly intercourse between the mem- bers of the several clubs, had degenerated into one, seri- ously detrimental to the interests of the game, owing to the spirit of emulation that arose among the clubs, each aspiring to excel each other in the expense and splendor of these entertainments. It almost led to the dismember- ment of three or four of the leading clubs, and the abolish- ing of the custom was as desirable as it was prudent. Since then it has never exceeded the bounds of moderation, and therefore has lost allits objectionable features. For the benefit of those clubs desirous of belonging to the National Association—as all should that have the in- terest and welfare of the game at heart—we present the following articles of the Constitution which refer to the admission of clubs, ete. We would premise that the ob- jects of the Association are to improve, foster, and perpet- uate the American game of Base Ball, and the cultivation of kindly feelings among the different members of Base- Ball Clubs. ArticLE 8, Section 1, of the Constitution reads as fol- lows: This Association shall be composed of two dele- gates from each of the Base-Ball Clubs which have been duly admitted to a representation in the Convention form- ing this Constitution, and from each of the clubs which may be admitted to a representation in the manner herein- after provided, Section 2. Any Base-Ball Club desiring to be represent- ed in this Association, shall present to the Recording Secretary (J. Ross Postley, 24 North William-st., New York, for 1860), at least thirty days previous to the annual meeting of this Association (which takes place the second Wednesday in December of each year), a written applica- tion, signed by its President and Secretary, setting forth the name of the club, date of its organization, days and places of playing, names of its officers and delegates, and the number of members composing it, which shall be im- mediately submitted to the Committee on Nominations ; but no such application shall be received by said Secretary unless presented thirty,days previous to the annual meet- ing. Said Committee shall, thereupon, ascertain the con-
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 11 dition, character, and standing of such club, and report the same to the annual meeting, together with the said application, and their written opinion thereon; and a bal- lot shall thereupon be had at such meeting upon the ad- mission of such club, when, if two-thirds of the members present vote in favor thereof, such club shall“be declared duly entitled to representation in this Association. Any informality or irregularity in the form or substance of the application, may be waived by a two-third vote of the members present at the annual meeting. Section 8. No Club shall be represented in this Associ- ation by any delegate under twenty-one years of age; nor shall any Club be so represented until its delegates have signed the Constitution and paid the fee hereafter desig- nated. (The fees are five dollars initiation fee, and five dollars annual dues.) : It is also requisite that delegates have certificates of their election, signed by the President and Secretary of the club they represent. RULES AND REGULATIONS GAME OF BASE BALL, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASE-BALL PLAYERS, Held in New York, March 14, 1860, Sec. 1. The ball must weigh not less than five and three- fourths, nor more=than six ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less than nine and three-fourths, nor more than ten inches in circumference. It. must be composed of india- rubber and yarn, and covered with leather, and, in all match games, shall be furnished by the challenging club, and be- come the property of the winning club, as a trophy of victory. Src. 2. The bat must be round, and must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of wood, and may be of any length to suit the striker. Sec. 3. The bases must be four in number, placed at equal distances from each other, and securely fastened upon the four corners of a square, whose sides are respectively thirty yards, They must be so constructed as to be Aistinclly seen
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12 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. by the umpire, and must cover a space equal to one square foot of surface. ‘The first, second, and third bases shall be canvas bags, painted white, and filled with sand or sawdust ; the home base and pitcher’s point to be each marked by a flat circular iron plate, painted or enameled white. Suc. 4. The base from which the ball is struck shall be designated the Home Base, and must be directly opposite to the second base, the first base must always be that upon the right-hand, and the third base that upon the left-hand ch of the striker, when occupying his position at the Home ase. Seo. 5. The pitcher’s position shall be designated by a tine four yards in length, drawn at right angles to a lne from home to the sséoudh base, having its center upon that lne, at a fixed iron plate, placed at a point fifteen yards distant from the home base. ithe pitcher must deliver the ball as near as possible over the center of the home base, and for the striker. It will be seen that the rule requires the ball to be pitched as near as possible over the home base, and for the striker; the pitcher, therefore, has no right to pitch the » ball to the catcher especially, as is often done when a player is on the first base, and umpires should.see that the rule is enforced. Sec. 6. The ball must be pitched, not jerked nor thrown to the bat; and whenever the pitcher draws back his hand, or moves with the apparent purpose or pretension to deliver the ball, he shall so deliver it, and he must have neither foot in advanee of the line at the time of delivering the ball; and if hee in either of these particulars, then it shalkbe declared a baulk. Sec. 7. When a baulk is made by the pitcher, every player eee the bases is entitled to one base, without being put out. According to Section 6, the pitcher makes a baulk when he either jerks a ball to the bat, has either foot in advance of the line of his position, or moves his hand or arm with the apparent purpose of pitching, without actually deliver- ing the ball. * Suc. 8. If the ball, from a stroke of the bat, is caught be- hind the range of home and the first base, or home and the third, base, without having touched the ground, or first touches the ground behind those bases, it shall be termed foul, and must be so declared by the umpire, unasked. If the ball first touches the ground, or is caught without havin touched the ground, either upon, or in front of the range o those bases, it shall be considered fair,
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER, 13 Nothing is mentioned in section 8 in reference to any ball that is caught, either on the fly or first bound, after touching the side of a building, a fence, or a tree. In such cases a special rule is requisite before beginning a match. Sec. 9. A player making the home base, shall be entitled to score one run. J Src. 10. If three balls are struck at, and missed, and the last one is not caught, cither ne or upon the first bound, it shall be considered fair, and the striker must attempt to make his run. Suc. 11. The striker is out if afoul ball is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound. ~ Sec. 12. Or, if three balls are struck at and missed, and the last is expt either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound ; Suc. 13. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is caught cee without having touched the ground, or upon the first bound; . Suo. 14. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is held by an adversary on the first base, before the striker touches that base. Suc. 15. Any player running the bases is out, if at any time he is touched by the ball while in play in the hands of : adversary, without some part of his person being on a ase. Sxc. 16. No ace nor base can be made upon a foul ball, nor when a fair ball has been caught without having touched the ground; and the ball shall, in the former instance, be .con- sidered dead, and not in play until it shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher; in either case the players running bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base. Sec. 17. The striker must stand on a line drawn through the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three feet from either side thereof, and parallel with the line oceu- oS by the pitcher. He shall be considered the striker until 1¢e has made the first base. Players must strike in regular rotation, and, after the first innings is played, the turn com- mences with the player who stands on the list next to the one who lost the third hand. The line referred to, in the above rule, is one parallel to a line extending from the first to the third base. The striker should keep one foot on this line; as, if he stands back of the base, a ball striking the ground perpendicularly from his bat, will be considered a fair ball—if the umpire
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14 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER, strictly enforces the rule—though it actually strikes the ground behind the home base. If this rule be not strictly enforeed, many a ball that ought to be a fair one will be declared foul. Sec. 18. Players must make their bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught fly- ing (or on the first bound), the first base must be vacated, as also the second and third bases, if they are occupied at the same time. Players may be put out on any base, under these circumstances, in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base. Suc. 19. Players running the bases must, so far as possible, keep upon the direct line between the bases; and, should any player run three feet out of this line, for the purpose of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, be shall be declared out. Sec. 20. Any player, who shall intentionally Sethi an adversary from catching or fielding the ball, shall be de- clared out. Sec. 21. If the player is prevented from making a base, by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be en- titled to that base, and not be put out. These two latter sections are, of course, intended solely for any willful and unnecessary obstruction, It is impossi- ble that a player, while in the act of fielding a swiftly-sent ball, can always be on the look-out as to where his adver- sary is running; or that a player running the bases can always be equally careful in regard to his preventing an adversary from getting to his base. The umpire must alone decide this difficult question, and he should never hesitate to put a stop to any tendency to infringe the rules in this respect. Suc. 22. If an adversary stops the ball with his hat or cap, or takes it from the hands of a party not engaged in the ame, no player can be put out unless the ball shall first ave been’ settled in the hands of the pitcher. ‘ It would be as well for the umpire to warn the spectators, previous to the commencement of the game, of the fact that any stoppage of the ball, such as referred to in the above rule, will ‘act equally against both parties, and re- quest them to let the ball pass in every case. Sno. 23. If a ball, from the stroke of a bat, is held under any other cireumstantes than as enumerated in Section 22d, and without having touched the ground more than once, the striker is out.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 15 Suc. 24. If two hands are already out, no player running home at the time.a ball is struck, can make an ace if the striker is put out. Sc. 25. An innings must be concluded at the time the third hand is put out. Sec. 26. The game shall consist of nine innings to each side, when, should the number of runs be equal, the play shall be continued until a majority of runs, upon an equal number of innings, shall be declared, which shall conclude the game. . Sec. 27. In playing all matches, nine players from each club shall constitute a full field, and they must have been pei lig members of the club which they répresent, and of no other club, for thirty days Bisse to the match. No change or substitution shall be made after the game has been com- menced, unless for reason of illness or injury. Position of players and choice of innings shall be determined by captains peerienaly appointed for that purpose by the respective clubs. Suc. 28. The umpire “shall take care that the regulations respecting balls, bats, bases, and the pitcher’s and striker’s positions, are strictly observed. He shall keep a record of the game, in a book prepared for the purpose; he shall be the judge of fair and unfair play, and shall determine all dis- putes and differences which may occur during the game; he shall take especial care to declare all foul balls and baulks, immediately upon their occurrence, unasked, and in a dis- tinct and audible manner. Suc. 29. In all matches the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the ‘duties enumerated in Section 28, except recording the game, which shall be done by two scorers, one of whom shall be poe by each of the contending clubs, uc. 80. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be, either directly or mdirectly, inter- ested in any bet upon the game. Neither umpire, scorer, nor player shall be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both parties (acon for a violation of this law), except as provided in section 27, and then the umpire may dismiss any transgressor. ; Sec. 81. The umpire in any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and if the game can not be conelud- ed, it shall be decided by the last even innings, provided five innings have been played, and the party having the greatest number of runs shall be declared the winner, Src. 82. Clubs may adopt such rules respecting balls_ knocked beyond or outside of the bounds of the field, as the circumstances of the ground may demand; and these rules shall govern all matches played upon the ground, provided
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16 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. that they are distinctly made known to every player and umpire, previous to the commencement of the game. Src. 33. No person shall be permitted to approach or to speak with the umpire, scorers, or players, or in any manner to interrupt or interfere during the progress of the game, unless by speci request of the umpire. Suc. 54. No person shall be permitted to act as umpire or scorer in any match, unless he shall be a member of a Base- Ball Club governed by these rules. Sec. 35. Whenever a match shall have been determined upon between two clubs, play shall be called at the exact hour appointed ; and should either party fail to produce their players within fifteen minutes thereafter, the party so failing shall admit a defeat. Src. 86. No person who shall be in arrears to any other club, or who shall at any time receive rit tenon, for his services as a player, shall be competent to play in any match. Sec. 37. Should a striker stand at the bat without striking at good balls repeatedly pitched to hig gfor the apparent pur- pose of delaying the game, or of giving advantage to a player, the umpire, after warning him, shall call one strike, and if he persists in such action, two and three strikes. When three strikes are called, he shall be subject to the same rules as if he had struck at three fair balls. So. 88. Every match hereafter made shall be decided by a single game, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the contesting clubs. Section 87 is a rule that should be strictly enforced, as it refers to a point of the game that is oft-times a very tedious and annoying feature. How often do we see the’ striker—the moment his predecessor has made his first base—stand still at the home base, and await the moment when the player on the first base can avail himself of the first failure of the pitcher and catcher to hold the ball, while tossing it backward and forward to each other. Some catchers—chiefly among boys however—actually stand to the right of the home base purposely for this style of game; and oven when the pitcher and catcher are inclined to do their duty, the batsman is not, and the latter is frequently allowed to stop the progress and inter- est of the game, by his refusal to strike at good balls, under the plea that they do not suit him, when, it is apparent to all that he simply wants to allow his partner to get to his second base. In tvery respect it is preferable to play the game manfully and without resorting to any such trickery —for it is little else—as this, which not only tires the spectator, but detracts from the merit of the game itself.
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DIME BASH-BALL PLAYER. 17 Selection of a Ground. In selecting a suitable ground, there are many points to be taken into consideration. The ground should be level, and the surface free from all irregularities, and, if possible, covered with fine turf; if the latter can not be done, and the soil is gravelly, a loamy soil should be laid down around the bases, and all the gravel removed therefrom, because, at the bases frequent falls occur, and on gravelly soil in- jury, in such cases, will surely result to both the clothes and body of the player, in the shape of scraped hands, arms, knees, etc. The ground should be well rolled, as it adds greatly to the pleasure of playing to have the whole field smooth and in good order; it will be found that such a course will fully compensate for the trouble and expense attending it. The proper size for a ground is about six hundred feet in length, by four hundred in breadth, although a small- er field will answer. The home base must be full seventy feet from the head of the field. The space of ground im- mediately behind the home base, and occupied by the catcher, should be not only free from turf, but the ground should be packed hard and smooth, and free from gravel. To mark the position for the bases, square blocks of wood or stone should be placed in the ground, low enough to be level with the surface, at the base points, to each of which strong iron staple should be attached. Ifthe blocks are of stone, have the staples inserted with lead; and if made of wood, let the staples be screwed in, not driven, for in the latter case they will either become loose, or ultimately driven into the wood altogether ; in either case, becoming entirely useless. Measuring the Ground. There are several methods by which the ground may be correctly measured; the following is as simple as any. Having determined on the point of the home base, measure from that point, down the field, one hundred and twenty- seven feet four inches, and the end will indicate the posi- tion of the second base; then take a cord one hundred and eighty feet long, fasten one end at the home base, and the other at the second, and then grasp it in the center and extend it first to the right side, which will give the point * *
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18 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. of the first base, and then to the left, which will indicate the position of the third; this will give the exact measure- ment, as the string will thus form the sides of a square whose side is ninety fect. Ona line from the home to the second base, and distant from the former forty-five feet, 18 the pitcher’s point. The foul ball posts are placed on a line with the home and first base, and home and second, and should be at least one hundred feet from the bases. As these posts are intended solely to assist. the umpire in his decisions in reference to foul balls, they should be high enough from the ground, and painted, so as to be distinetly seen from the umpire’s position. The Bases. The bases should be made of the best heavy canvas, and of double thickness, as there will be much jumping on them with spiked shoes, and if the best material be not used, it soon wears out. Cotton or sawdust will be the most suitable filling for the bases, as they will be lighter than if filled with sand, and consequently easier to carry to and from the field. The proper size of a base is about fourteen inches by seventeen; but as long as it covers one square foot of ground, when secured to the base post, the requirements of the rules will be fulfilled. The straps with which the bases are held in position, should be made of harness leather, about one and a half inches wide. They must pass entirely around the bases, and securely fastened to them. New bases filled with hair and with patent fast- enings have recently been introduced. Pitcher’s Point and Elome Base. — The location of the pitcher’s point and the home base are indicated by means of iron quoits painted white, and not less-than nine inches in diameter. They should be cast with iron spikes running from the under side to keep them in place. The line of the pitcher’s position should be marked by the insertion in the ground of a piece of hard wood, six feet long, about two inches wide, and from six to eight deep, It should be inserted so as the umpire can see it. oa The Bat. The rule regulating the form and dimensions of the bat is as follows; ‘‘Section 2. The bat must be round, and
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. Rec | must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of wood, and may be of any length to suit the striker.” While all are limited toa particular size in diameter, it will be observed that no ob- jection is made as to’any particular length or weight. Bats are from thirty to forty invhes in length, and from two to three pounds in weight, the former weight being most de- sirable. The deseription of wood most in use is ash, but maple, white and pitch pine, and also hickory bats are in common use, weight for the size governing the selection. Yor a bat of medium weight, ash is preferable, as its fiber is tough and elastic. The English willow has recent- ly been used, and is favorably regarded by many. This latter wood is very light and closein fiber, and answers the purpose better than any other wood for a light bat. In the choice of a bat, select a light one, as it can be wielded better, and in match games it is desirable that the player be able to strike quick enough to meet the rapid pitching that has recently come in vogue. We would not. recommend a bat much under two pounds in weight, as some weight is required to overcome the resistance of the ball. On Batting. Players have different modes, and adopt different styles of batting; some take the bat with the left hand on the handle, and slide the right from the large end toward the handle; others grasp it nearly one-third of the distance from the small end, so that both hands appear near the middle of the bat; others again take hold with both hands well down on the handle, and swing the bat with a natural and free stroke, while great force is given to the hit: all give good reasons for their several styles. Practice with one bat, as a player thereby becomes more sure of striking than he would were he constantly to change his bat. In striking at the ball, do not try to hit itso hard that you throw yourself off your balance, but plant your feet firmly on the ground, and swing the bat in as natural a manner as possible. The secret of hard-hitting lies in the quick stroke and firm position of the bitsman the moment the ball is struck. This will account for some small and light men being hard hitters. Let the left foot be placed on the
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de 20 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. line indicated as the striker’s positi®n, and then every ball that comes perpendicularly from the bat to the ground will be a foul ball;-but should you stand back of the line, it will not. The Ball. The rule states that the ball must be composed of India rubber and yarn, covered with leather, the proper weight being five and three-quarter ounces avoirdupols, and its circumference nine and three-quarter inches. The balls are easily made, but it would be advisable to obtain them from some well-known maker, as there will then be no chance of their being wrong in size or weight. The cov: ering is usually sheepskin, and on a turf ground this cov- ering will last some time, The Game. Base Pall is played by nine players on a side: one side taking the bat, and the other the field. The latter oceupy th® following positions in the field: Catcher, Pitcher, First Second and Third Basemen, Short Stop, and Right Left and Center Fieldsman, The side that wins the toss, have the choice of taking the bat or the field at their option. . The batsman stands at the home base, on a line os drawn through its center—parallel to one extending from first to third base—and extending three feet on each side of it. When he hits the ball, he starts for the first base, and is succeeded by player after player until three are put out, at which time the side occupying the field take their places at the bat, and, in like manner, play their innings. When the batsman succeeds in reaching the home base, untouched by the ball in the hands of an adversary, and after successively touching the first, second, and third bases, he is entitled to score one run ; and when he hits the ball far enough to admit of his making the four bases be- fore it is returned, he makes what is termed a home run. Nine innings are played on each side, and the party mak- ing the greatest number of runs win the match. In case of a tie, at the close of the ninth inning, the game, by mu- tual consent, can"be prolonged innings after innings until one or other of the contesting sides obtain the most runs. And if any thing occur to interrupt or put a stop to thé game before five innings on each side have been played,
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DIME BASE-BALL. PLAYER. 24 the game must be drawn. The rules and regulations of the game define all further particulars in reference to it. TIL POSITIONS ON PIM HINLD. The Catcher. This player is expected to catch or stop all balls pitched or thrown to the home base. He must be fully prepared to catch all foul balls, especially tips, and be able to throw the ball swiftly and accurately to the bases, and also keep a bright look-out over the whole field. When a player has made his first base, the Catcher should take a position nearer the striker, in order to take the ball from the pitch- er before it bounds; and the moment the ball is delivered by the pitcher, and the player runs from the first to the second base, the Catcher should take the ball before bound- ing, and send it to the second base as swiftly as possible, in time to cut off the player before he can touch the base ; in the latter case it would be‘as well, in the majority of cases, to send the ball a little to the right of the base. The same advice holds good in reference to a player run- ning from the second base to the third. As the position occupied by the Catcher affords him the best view of the field, the person filling it is generally chosen captain, al- though the pitcher is sometimes selected for that honor, We would suggest, however, that some other player than the pitcher be selected as captain, from the fact that the physical labor attached to that position tends to increase the player’s excitement, especially if the contest is a close one, and it is requisite that the captain should be as cool and collected as possible. We would suggest to the Catcher the avoidance of the boyish practice of passing the ball to and from the pitcher when a player is on the first base ; let the discredit of this style of game fall on the batsman, if any one, as then the umpire can act in the matter; we have referred to this matter elsewhere, as it is a feature of the game that is a tiresome one. The Catcher, whenever he sees several fielders running to catch a ball, should designate the one he deems most sure of taking it, by name, in which case the others should refrain from the attempt to catch the ball on the fly, and strive only to take it on the bound in case of its being otherwise. missed,
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22 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. The Pitcher. This player’s position is be! nla line four yards in length, drawn at right angles tou line from home to see- ond base, and having its center upon that line at a point distant forty five feet from the former base. He should be a good player at all points, but it is especially requisite that he should be an excellent fielder, and a swift and ac- curate thrower. He must pitch the ball, not jerk or throw it; and he must deliver the ball as near as possible over the home base, and for the striker, and sufficiently high to prevent its bounding before it passes the base. When in the act of delivering the ball, the Pitcher must avoid having either foot in advance of the line of his position, or otherwise a baulk will be declared ; this penalty is also inflicted when he moves his arm with the apparent purpose of delivering the ball, and fails so to do. He should be exceedingly cautious and on the alert in watching the bases when the players are attempting to run, and in such cases should endeavor his utmost to throw a swift and true ball to the basemen. When aplayer attempts to run in to the home base: while he is pitching, he should follow the ball to the home base as soon as it leaves his hand, and be ready at the base to take it from the catcher. The Pitcher. will frequently have to occupy the bases on occasions when the proper guardian has left it to field the ball. And in eases where a foul ball has been struck, and the player running a base endeavors to return to the one he has left, he should be ready to reccive the ball at the point nearest the base in question, in order to comply with Section 16 of the rules, wherein, in such eases, it is required that the ball be settled in the hands of the Pitcher before it is in play. The Pitcher, who can combine a high degree of speed with an even delivery, and at the same, time can, at pleasure, impart a bias or twist to the ball, is the most ef: fective player in that position. We would remind him that in cases where a player has reached his first base after. - striking, it is the Pitcher’s duty to pitch the ball to the bat, and not to the catcher; and should the batsman re« fuse to strike at good balls repeatedly pitched to him, it will be the umpire’s duty to call one strike, ete., according to Section 87 of the rules.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 23 Short Stop. This position on the field is a very important one, for on the activity and judgment of the Short Stop depends he greater part of the in-fielding. THis duties are to stop wt balls that come within his reach, and pass them to what- ever base the striker may be running to—generally, how- ever, the first base. In each case his arm must be sure, and the ball sent in swiftly, and rather low than high. He must back up the pitcher, and, when occasion requires, cover the third base when the catcher throws to it; also back up the second and third bases when the ball is thrown in from the field. He should be a fearless fielder, and one ready and able to stop a swift ground-ball; and if he can throw swiftly and accurately, it would be as well to be a little deliberate in sending the ball to the first base, as it is better to be sure and just in time, than to risk a wild throw by being in too great @ hurry. His position is generally in the center of the triangle formed by the second and third bases and the pitcher’s position, but he should change it according to his knowledge of the striker’s style of batting. He must also be on the alert to take foul balls on the bound that are missed on the fly by either the third base-- man or pitcher, or indeed any other player he can get near enough to to be effective in this respect. In doing this, however, he should be careful not to interfere with the fielder who is about catching the ball; so as to prevent him doing so, the catcher will call to that fielder who he thinks will best take a ball on the fly. An effective Short Stop and a good first base player, especially if they are familiar with each other’s play, will materially contribute to the successful result of a well-contested game. Hirst Base. The First Baseman should play a little below his base’ and inside the line of the foul-ball post, as he will then get within reach of balls that would otherwise pass him. The moment the ball is struck, and he finds that it doeg not come near him, he should promptly return to his base, and stand in readiness, with one foot on the base, to receive the ball from any player that may have fielded it. The striker can be put out at this base without being touched by the ball, provided the fielder, with the ball in hand, touches the base with any part of his person before the
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24. DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. striker reaches it. The player will find it good practice to stand with one foot on the base, and see how far he can reach and take the ball from the fielder ; this practice will prepare him for balls that are thrown short of the base. In the same manner he should learn to jump up and take high balls. This position requires the player filling it to be the very best of catchers, as he will be required to hold very swiftly-thrown balls. The moment he has held the ball, he should promptly return it to the pitcher, or to either of the other bases a player is running to, as in some instances two and sometimes three players are put out by promptitude in this respect. For instance, we will suppose a player to be on each of the first, second, and third bases, and the striker hits the ball to short field, the latter sends it to First Base, (he should, however, send it to the catch- er, that being the proper play), in time to cut off the striker running to it; the First Baseman seeing the player on the third base running home, immediately sends the ball to the catcher, who, in turn, sends it to the third base; and if this be done rapidly in each ease, all three players will | put out, as it is only requisite, under such circumstance for the ball to be held—not the player to be touched witu it—for each player to be put out. Should, however, there only be players on the second and third bases when the striker is put out at the first, and the ball is sent to the catcher as above, and by him to the third baseman, it will be requisite that each player be touched with the ball, as in the first case they are forced from their bases, but in the latter they are not. We give this as an illustration of a very pretty point of the game. For the rule in réference to it, see Sections 15 and 16. = Second Base. This position is considered by many to be the key of the field, and therefore requires an excellent player to occupy it. He should be an accurate and swift thrower, a sure catcher, and a thorough fielder. He should play a little back of his base, and to the right or left of it, according to the habitual play of the striker, but generally to the left, as most balls pass in that direction, He should back up the pitcher well, allowing no balls to pass both that player and himself too. When the striker reaches the first base, the Second Baseman should immediately return to his base
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DIME BASH-BALL PLAYER. 25 and stand prepared to receive the ball from the catcher, and put out his opponent by touching him with the ball, which it is requisite to do on this base as well as on the third and home bases, except in the cases of balls caught on the fly, or foul balls, in both of which instances a play- er can be put out in returning to the base he has left, in the same manner as when running to the first base,—see rule 16. When the catcher fails to throw the ball with accuracy to the Second Baseman, the latter should by all means manage to stop the ball, if he can not catch it, in time to put out his opponent. He should also promptly return the ball to the pitcher. Third Base. The Third Base is not quite as important a position as the others, but it nevertheless requires its occupant to be a good player, as some very pretty play is frequently shown on this base. Its importance, lrowever, depends in a great measure upon the ability displayed by the catcher, who, if ‘he is not particularly active, will generally sacrifice this base by giving’ his principal attention to the second. A player who catches with his left hand will generally make a good Third Baseman. The same advice in regard to the proper method of practice for the first base, is equally ap- plicable to the second and third, but it is not quite as ne- cessary to the two latter as to the former. Should a player be caught between the bases, in running from one to the other, it is the surest plan to run in and put the player out at once, instead of passing the ball backward and forward, as a wild throw, or a ball missed, will almost invariably give the player the base. All three of the basemen should avoid, by all fair means, obstructing the striker from reach- ing the base, as the penalty for any willful obstruction is the giving of the base to the striker. We scarcely need to remind each of the basemen that whenever they ask for judgment from the umpire, on any point of play, that they should forbear from commenting on the same, be it good or bad, but receive it in entire silence. Such is the course a gentleman will always pursue. Left Wield. This position requires the fielder who oecupies it to be a good runner, a fine thrower, and an excellent and sure ~~
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26 : DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. catcher; as probably three out of every six balls hit are sent toward the left field. Center WMield. The same qualities are requisite also in this position, as necessary in the left field, but not to the extent required by the latter fielder. The Center Fielder should always be in readiness to back up the second base, and should only go to long field in cases where a hard-hitter is at the bat. .Right Field. This is the position that the poorest player of the nine— if there be any such—should occupy ; not that the position does not require as good a player to occupy it as the oth- ers, but that it is only occasionally, in comparison to other portions of the field, that balls are sent in this direction. * On Wielding. In all cages, the above fielders should be able to throw the ball from long field to the home base, and after they have either caught or stopped the ball, they should promptly return it, either to the base requiring it, or to the pitcher, but they should never hold the ball a moment longer than is necessary to throw it. Another point of their fielding should be to start the moment the ball is hit, and try their utmost to take it on the fly, and not wait until it is about touching the ground, and then, boy-like, try to take it on the bound. Nothing disappoints the spectator, or dissatisfies the batsman so much, as to see a fine hit to the long field caught on the bound in this sim- ple, childish manner. If the ball, in such a case, be taken on the fly, or even on the bound, after a good run for it, the catch being a difficult one, none will regret it, but on the contrary, applaud the skill that has been so success- fully displayed,—it is only the simple catch on the bound that we object to. Bear in mind that it is easier to run forward. to take a ball, than, by being too eager, to try and take it by running.backward; remember, however, that a ball hit high to long field invariably appears to be coming further than it really does, as after it has reached, its height, it falls at a far more acute angle than it arose with; it, therefore, requires considerable judgment to .
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. Q7 measure the precise distance it will fall. ‘We need not im- press on all fielders the propriety of endeavoring to take every ball they can on the fly. In many instances it is really easier and a surer method than waiting for the bound, and unquestionably is the prettiest mode of catching, for though we occasionally see some exceeding difficult and skillful catches on the bound, they are few and far between, be- sides a fielder has two chances in attempting a catch on the fly, for should he fail in the first. instance, he has the resource of the catch on the bound afterward. We would not envy the position of the fielder who mars the beauty of a fine hit by waiting until the force of the ball is spent on the ground, and then catching it on the rebound,—a feat a boy ten years of age would scarcely be proud of. The Batsman. This player must take his position on a line drawn through the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three feet from either side thereof, and parallel with the line of the pitcher’s position. He can await the coming of a suitable ball for him to strike, but he should not be too fastidious in this respect, or otherwise he will be liable to incur the penalty attached to a violation of Section 37 of the rules. Some Batsmen are in the habit of waiting until the player, who has previously reached the first base, can make his second, but a good Batsman strikes at the first good ball pitched to him, and this is decidedly the fairest and best method to be adopted, as it is the most likely to lead to a successful result, and keeps the game lively and interesting. It is exceedingly annoying to the spectators, and creates a bad impression of the merits of the game on those not familiar with it, to see good balls repeatedly sent to the Batsman without being hit, or the ball passed to and from the pitcher and catcher, while the Batsman stands still, awaiting the movements of the player on the first base. No good players resort to this style of play, except in very rare instances, and it would therefore be desirable to avoid it as much ag possi- ble. The Batsman, when he has hit the ball, should drop his bat, not throw it behind him, and run for the first base, not waiting to hear whether the ball has been declared foul or not, as if it be a foul ball, he can easily return to the base, but should it be fair, he will be well on his way ~
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28 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. to the base. The umpire will call all foul balls immedi- ately they are struck, but will keep silent when the ball is a fair one. Although the rules expressly state what the Batsman is to do, it will be as well to refer here to the rulés applicable to the striker, as they can not be too familiar to him. The Batsman is out if he strikes at the ball three times without hitting it, and the third time the ball is caught by the catcher either on the fly or first bound ; or, if the ball be fielded to the first base before the striker reaches it; or, if he runs from any base, except the home base, on a foul ball, and the ball reaches the base before he can return to it; or, if a fair ball be caught on the fly or first bound; or, if at any time while running the bases, he be touched by the ball while in play in the hands of an adversary, without some part of his person being on the base. He is also out if he try to make either the second, third, or home bases after the ball has been struck, and caught on the fly, and he fails to return to the base he has left before the ball reaches it. 1f, however, he should succeed in this case in reaching the base before the ball, he can immediately re-endeayor to make the base he was running to without being obliged to return to the base he has left. Inthe case where he is running for a base on a foul ball, he should see that the ball has been settled in the hands of the piteher—who need not be in his position to receive it—before it reaches the base, or otherwise he can not be put out without being touched by the ball. In run- ning the bases, he should use his own judgment as to the proper time to make a base, unless the captain calls to him to run, in which case he should obey the call; but it will be as well not to mind the suggestion of any other person on the field, as the captain is the only proper person to direct a player in his movements. — Umpires and their Duties. The Umpire should be a player familiar with every point of the game. The position of an Umpire is an honorable one, but its duties are,any thing but agreeable, as it is next to an impossibility to give entire satisfaction to all parties concerned in a match. It is almost unnecessary to re- mark that the first duty of an Umpire is, to enforce the rules of the game with the strictest impartiality; and in order to do so, it would be as well for him, the moment *.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 29 he assumes his position on the ground, to close his eyes to the fact of there being any one player, among the contest- ants, that is not an entire stranger to him; by this means he will free his mind from any friendly bias. He should also be as prompt as possible in rendering his decisions, as promptitude, in this. respect, implies good judgment, whereas hesitancy gives rise to dissatisfaction, even where the decision is a correct one. Whenever a point is to be decided upon, rest the decision upon the first impression, for however incorrect it, at times, may be, it is invariably the most impartial one. When the point, on which judg- ment is required, is a doubtful one, the rule is to give the decision in favor of the ball. The Umpire should avoid conversation with any party during a match game, and also “turn a deaf ear to all outside comments on his de- cisions, remembering that no gentleman, especially if a player, will be guilty of such rudeness, and none others are worthy of notice. He should give all hfs decisions in a loud tone of voice, especially in cases of foul balls, keep- ing silent when a fair ball is struck. When a striker per- sists in refusing to hit at good balls, in order to allow the player who has reached his first base, to make his second, the Umpire should not hesitate to enforce Section 87 of the rules, by calling out ‘one strike,” and then two and three strikes, if such conduct is continued. <A few in- stances of prompt enforcement of this rule, in such cases, would soon puta stop to this objectionable habit. The Umpire should keep a strict watch on the movements of the pitcher in delivering the ball, being careful to notice, firstly, that he has neither foot in advance of the line of his position ; secondly, that his arm, in the act of deliver- ing, does not touch his side, and thereby cause the ball to be jerked instead of being pitched; and, thirdly, that he does not move his arm with any apparent purpose of deliy- ering the ball, unless he does actually deliver it; in either case his failure to abide by the rules, renders him liable to the penalty of a baulk. The Umpire should also require the batsman to stand on a line, running through the cen- ter of the home base, parallel to a line from the first to the third base, and extending three feet on each side thereof. Should the striker fail to do so, and in consequence, the ball, when struck, fall behind the base, the Umpire should consider it a fair ball, as, had Section 17 of the rules been ‘ ~
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30 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. strictly adhered to, the same ball would have been legiti- mately a fair one. Whenever the ball is caught after re- bounding from the side of a building, a fence, or a tree, provided it has touched the ground but once, it should be considered a fair*catch, unless a special agreement to the contrary be made previous to the commencement of the match. This rule will also hold good in the case of a catch without touching the ground at all. The Umpire should see that the spectators are not allowed to stand near, and especially within, the line of the foul-ball posts, or in any way interfere with or crowd upon the scorers, His posi- tion is to the right of, and between, the striker and catcher, in a line with the home and third base; in the case of a left-handed striker, he should stand on the left of the striker. Whenever a disposition is evinced on the part of, either side of the contestants ina match to prolong the game until darkness puts a stop to it, in order to secure an advantage obtained, but which, by fair play, would in all probability be lost, the Umpire should decide the game either by the last innings that had been fairly played, or draw the game. There has been one or two instances where this contemptible conduct has been resorted to, and” as it is a course that is discreditable to all concerned in it, it can not be too much condemned. The Umpire should constantly bear in mind that upon his manly, fearless, and impartial conduct in a match mainly depends the pleasure that all, more or less, will derive from it. The Scorer. The same person should invariably be appointed to keep the score of all match games, and he should be one whose familiarity with the game will admit of his recording every point of it that occurs ina match. He should be one also whose gentlemanly conduct will render him acceptable to all who are liable to make inquiries of him relative to the score of the game. The position occupied by the scorers should be kept entirely clear of all persons, except those who are regularly engaged to report matches for the press ; for the latter are entitled to every attention under -such circumstances, in return for their efforts to promote the interests of the game by giving publicity to the many con- tests that take place. To avoid annoyance to the scorers, the reporters should furnish the scorers with blank sheets
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 81 eontaining the requisite headings only, for them to fill up at the close of the game. Every regular reporter should, however, be fully competent to record every point of. the game himself, for unless he does so, his report can never be either an accurate or impartial one. THE MASSACHUSETTS GAME or BASE BALL. Ta pe ge Tur Game of Base Ball, as adopted by the “* Massachu- setts Association of Base-Ball Players,” May, 1858, which has ever been the favorite and principal game played throughout New England, differs, in many points, from the New York game, though it requires equal skill and ac- tivity, and deservedly holds the first place in-the estima- tion ofall ball players and the public. It is only within the last few years that match games have become popular, and that this game of Base Ball has taken the high position which it now occupies, as the leading game of out-door sports. The popularity of, and the increasing interest in, this game, is mainly to be at- ributed to the public journals, which have supported and encouraged its participants, by reporting their matches, and advocating their claims to public favor, as important and necessary as a branch of physical education, The only essential materials used in playing the game, besides a ball, are a bat-stick and four wooden stakes for bases, the form and sizes of which are described in the an- nexed rules and regulations of the game. The ball is com- posed of woolen yarn and strips of india-rubber wound tightly, forming a complete sphere, and covered with buck or calf skin. The game is commenced by staking off a square of 60 feet for the bases, and measuring the distance of 80 feet from the thrower’s to the striker’s stand, as explained by the following diagram :— ~
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82 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. C A | g | D 3 : : r : B 60 feet. C + The four corners of the square (A, B, ©, and D), are the bases. The square (5), of four feet, at equal distance be- tween the first and fourth base (A and D), is the striker’s stand. Outside of this square and the line between the first and fourth base, is the catcher’s stand. In the center of the square (T), the thrower is stationed, who delivers the ball to the striker, which, if not struck, should be caught by the catcher behind; but, if struck by the bats- man, he is obliged to run the bases, commencing at A, so on to B, 0, and D; when arriving at D, or the home base, he is entitled to one tally. After the first player strikes the ball and runs to the base, he is immediately succeeded by the next “in” player, who takes his turn in the order in which he is chosen. The “out” party, besides the thrower and catcher, should be stationed as follows: One player on or within a few feet from each base, who should give strict attention to the game, and be prepared to re- ceive the ball at any time, in order to ‘‘ put out” an op- posite player, while passing from one base to the other. One or two playerg.should be stationed a few yards behind the catcher, to stop the ball in case the catcher should fail to do so. The other players should be stationed at differ- ent parts of the field, to pass the ball to the thrower when it has been knocked by the striker.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 83 The Rules and Regulations contained in this book, gov- ern all match games, and are the only standard in the New England States. The Olympic Club, of Boston, established in 1854, was the first regularly organized Club in the State, and for over a year the only one in the field. Its first match game was in the summer of 1855, with the Elm-Tree Club. The ‘“Elm-Trees” only existed for a short time, many of its branches taking part in the formation of other Clubs. In 1856, the Green Mountain Club was established in Boston, and, during the season, several exciting match games were played on the Common, between them and the Olympics. During the season of 1857, many Clubs were organized in the vicinity of Boston, among which were the Bay State, Tri-Mountain, Bunker Hill, American, Rough and Ready, Massapoag, Union, and Winthrop. A large number of matches were played, and a great degree of interest mani- fested among ball players; and in course of the season, the Olympics framed a code of Rules and Regulations which was adopted by several other Clubs. At the open- ing of the season of 1858, there was a general movement * in favor of calling a convention of delegates from the sev- eral Clubs, for the purpose of establishing a code of regu- lations to govern all matches between them; and accord- ing to a call signed by the Presidents of six of the senior Clubs, a Convention was held in Dedham, May 13, 1858, at which ten Clubs were represented by two delegates each. Aresolution was adopted, declaring the Convention a permanent organization, and a committee of five was appointed to prepare and submit a Constitution and By- Laws for its government; also Rules and Regulations for playing Base Ball. The committee reported, and the Con- vention adopted the Constitution and By-Laws, and was duly organized under the name of the ‘ Massacuuserrs Association oF Base-Batn Prayers.” The Rules and Regulations of the game were then adopted by the Asso- ciation, and the Chairman of the Committee was appointed to superintend the publishing of the same, ~~
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84 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. RULES AND REGULATIONS Of the Game of Base Ball, adopted by the ‘‘ Massachusetts Association of Base-Ball Players,” held in Dedham, May 18, 1858, : 1. The Ball nmst weigh not less than two, nor more than two and three-quarter ounces, avoirdupois. It must measure not less than six and a half, nor more than eight and a half inches in circumference, and must be covered with leather 2. The Bat must be round, and must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of wood, and may be of any length to suit the striker. 8. Four Bases or Bounds shall constitute a round; the distance from each Base shall be sixty feet. 4. The Bases shall be wooden stakes, projecting four feet from the ground. 5. The Striker shall stand inside of a space of four feet in diameter, at equal distance between the first and fourth bases. 6. The Thrower shall stand thirty-five feet from and on a parallel line with the Striker. 7. The Catcher shall not enter within the space occupied by the Striker, and must remain upon his feet in all cases while catching the Ball. 8. The Ball must be thrown, not pitched or tossed, to the Bat, on the side preferred by the Striker, and within reach of his Bat. ; 9. The Ball must be caught flying in all cases, 10. Players must take their knocks in the order in which they are numbered; and after the first innings is played, the turn will commence with the player succeeding the one who lost on the previous innings. 11, The Ball being struck at three times and missed, f and ¢aught each time by a player on the opposite side, the Striker shall be considered out. Or, if the Baill be ticked or knocked, and caught on the opposite side, the Striker shall be considered ott. But if the Ball is not caught after being struck at three times, it shall be considered a knock, and the Striker obliged to run. at good balls thrown wepeatedly at him, for the apparent st 12, Should the Striker stand at the Bat without stfilei we Ad
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— DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 85 purpose of delaying the gamie, or of giving advantage to players, the referees, after warning him, shall call one stroke, and if he persists in such action, two and three strikes ; when three strikes are called, he shall be subject to the ‘same rules asif he struck at three fair balls. 13. A player, having possession of the first base, when the Ball is struck by the succeeding player, must vacate the base, even at the risk of being put out; and when two players get on one base, either by accident or otherwise, the player who arrived last is entitled to the base. 14. If a player, while running the bases, be hit with the Ball thrown by one of the opposite side, before he has touched the home bound, while off a base, he shall be con sidered out. : j 15. A player, affer running the four bases, on making the home bound, shall be entitled to one tally. 16. In playing all match games, when one is out, the side shall be considered out, 17, In playing all match games, one hundred tallies shall constitute the game, the making of which by either Club, that Club shall be judged the winner. 18. Not less than ten nor more than fourteen players from each Club, shall constitute a match in all games. ~ 19. A person engaged on either side, shall not withdraw during the progress of the match, unless he be disabled, or by the consent of the opposite party. . 20. The Referees shall be chosen as follows :—One from each Club, who shall agree upon a third man from some Club belonging to this Association, if possible. Their de- cision shall be final, and binding upon both parties, 91. The Tallymen shall be chosen in the same manner as the Referees. ~
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36 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. RULES FOR THE FORMATION OF" A CLUB. Before forming a club, it would be well to ascertain how many there are, of those desirous of becoming members of such an organization, who will be sufficiently interested in the club as to place it on a permanent footing; and especially is it requisite that a majority of the members should be those able to devote a portion of their time to the necessary prac- tice of the game, and at the same time be fully alive to the welfare of the club they join. Being satisfied in these re- spects, the next proceeding is to adopt an appropriate name, and one indicative of the locality of the club. In this matter care should be taken to avoid, if possible, the selection of a name already adopted. In framing the Constitution and By- Laws of the club, avoid having any rule that can not or will not be enforced, as it will otherwise lead to a laxity of disci- ie that will injuriously affect those rules that are absolute- y necessary for the existence of the club. The fines, if any, should be light, being thereby easier of collection, and fully as effective as if of great amount. CONSTITUTION. Article I. Srcrron 1. This club shall be known as the ———-—— Bage- Ball Club of —————— and shall consist of not more than — regular members. Article II. Src. 1. Those desirous of becoming members, can be pro- posed at any meeting, but must be balloted for at the ensuing _ meeting. Sec. 2. Proposals for membership must be seconded hy some member of the club other than the one proposing. Sec. 3. At a ballot for membership ———— negative votes shall exclude the candidate. Sec. 4. All persons who are elected members, must -sub- scribe to the Constitution and By-Laws, pay their initiation fee and regular dues, and furnish their address to the Secre- tary of the club, within —— days notice of election, or forfeit all claim of membership. Sxc. 5. Honorary members must be elected by a unani- mous vote of the members present at a oe | meeting. They are not required to pay either initiation fee or dues, but are to be subject to the laws of the club. : Sec. 6. Any member desirous of withdrawing from the elub, must tender his resignation in writing at a regular meeting ; no resignation shall be accepted from any member who is in arrears for dues to the club.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 8 Article III. Sx¢. 1. The officers of this club shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Directors, whose term of office shall be one year. Sec. 2. The election of officers shall be by ballot, and shall take place at the first regular meeting in ——. They shall be balloted for separately, and must receive a majority of all the votes polled, to entitle them to an election, and shall enter upon their respective duties immediately thereafter. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings; to enforce a proper observance of the Consti- tution and By-Laws of the club; to piaigeas all committees, not otherwise provided for, and have the casting vote in case of a tie upon any question. Sno. 4, The duties of the Vice-President shall be to per- form those of the President, in the absence of that officer. Suc. 5. The duties of the Secretary shall be to keep all the books of the club, except those of the Treasurer, attend to all correspondence, call all meetings of the club, keep a roll of the members, which he shall call at the openiag of ever meeting; and such other duties as may be found in the fol- lowing articles, Sec. 6. The duties of the Treasurer shall be, to receive and disburse all the funds of the club; keep a book of individual accounts; pay all bills made or approved by the President, and render vouchers for the same; and at each regular meet- ing, when called upon to do so, report to the presiding officer the financial condition of the club. Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Directors to take charge of the necessary implements of the club; determine the time to commence and close the season for field exercise; and at- tend to all miscellaneous duties not otherwise provided for. Src. 8. In case of any office becoming vacant, the vacancy shall be immediately filled by a new election, Article IV. Src. 1. The stated meetings of the club shall be held monthly, at 8 o’clock, p. M. é Sec. 2. members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at regular meetings. Src. 8. The President stall call extra meetings for busi- ness, at the written request of a regular quorum of members, or when he may deem it expedient. ’ Sec. 4. The days for field exercise shall be such as may be appointed from time to time at the regular meetings of the club. Sec. 5. All committees shall report at the next meeting after their appointment, except when the nature of their business requires a longer time.
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88 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER, Article V. Sec. 1. Every alteration, amendment, or addition to the Constitution or By-Laws, shall be delivered to the President in writing, who shall publish the same to the club, and at the next regular meeting it shall be considered and adopted, if two-thirds of the members present concur. BY-LAW 5. is Article I. At the regular meetings of the club, the following order of business shall be observed: 1st, calling the roll; 2d, reading the minutes of the previous meeting; 3d, collection of dues and fines; 4th, proposing members, and election thereof; 5th, reports of committees; and 6th, miscellaneous business. A motion for adjournment shall always be in order. Article II. All persons elected members of this club shall pay an initi- ation fee of —— dollars, and each member shall pay a—— due of —— dollars. Article ITI. No a bet for refreshments on match days shall be paid out of the funds of this club. All such expenses to be de- frayed by individual mpeg) ap only. And all assessments levied on the members of this club, shall be paid or not, at the option of each member assessed. : Article IV. Src. 1. Any member who shall use profane language, eithe at a meeting of the club, or during field exercise, shall be fined —— cents. Src. 2. Any member disputing the decision of the Umpire during field exercise, shall be fined —— cents. Sec. 8. Any member refusing obedience to the Captain during field exercise, and while he has lawful authority, shall pay a fine of —— cents. Sec. 4. Any member who shall absent himself from a bus- pe 2 meeting without a sufficient excuse, shall be fined —— cents. ¥ Suc. 5. Any member, either at a meeting for business, or field exercise, not coming to arder when called upon to do so by the President or Captain, shall be fined —— cents. _ Suc. 6. Any member refusing to pay the fines and dues im- osed by these By-Laws, or who shall absent himself from field exercise for the space of three months, may be suspend- of the members present at ed or expelled by a vote of a regular meeting.
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DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. 39 Sc. 7. Any member under suspension, is subject to dues, but can not either vote or participate in field exercise. Article V. Members when assembled for field exercise will be directed by two Captains, who shall be designated by the presiding officer of the club present. The Captains are to have abso- lute control of the game, and shall designate each position the player is to rine cf in the field, which position can not be changed without the consent of the respective Captains. The presiding officer will also designate some member to act as Umpire, whose duty, on such occasions, shall be to keep the game in a book, reserved for that purpose, and also note all violations of the By-Laws. He shall decide all disputes relative to the game, and shall collect the fines incurred dur. ing the game, and pay the same to the Treasurer. If there be not a sufficient number of the members of the club pres- ent when a match be made up, others, not members, may be chosen to make up agame, which game shall not be broken up to admit members arriving on the ground later than the time appointed for commencing play. In all other cases, members shall have the preference. Article V1. Any alteration, addition, or amendment of these By-Laws shall be made in the same manner as provided in Article ——, Section ——, of the Constitution. Our readers will perceive that the Constitution and By- Laws just given contain no fines for non-appearanee on practice days, experience haying shown that such are al- most useless, partly from the difficulty attending the col- lection of such small amounts, but principally from the valid excuses rendered by the absentees. The officers of the club should be men of influence with the members thereof, and such as can always be. present on the occasions appointed either for meetings or for field exercise. It is not necessary that they should be good players, beyond the requisite ability to properly represent the club on all occasions. In admitting new members, be sure they are persons of good habits and character. A person of a quarrelsome disposition should never be allowed to enter or remain in any ball club,’as he will not only destroy the harmony that should exist in such an association, but will also deter good men from joining, who would make, perhaps, fine players, as well ag firm supporters of the club, ie
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40 DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER. THe number of clubs represented at the Convention of 1857, was sixteen; in 1858, twenty-five; in 1859, forty- nine, and in March, 1860, there were present, delegates from no less than sixty-two clubs. The date of organiza- tion, and days, and places of play, of seventy-five clubs, are recorded on the books of the Association, | all of which are members thereof. The following are the names of the offi- cers of the Association for 1860: PRESIDENT, J. B. JONES, Excelsior Club, of Brooklyn. FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT, THOS. 8. DAKIN, Putnam Club, of HiDCR VMS . SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT, HERVEY SHRIVER, Excelsior Club, of Balaggees RECORDING SECRETARY, J. ROSS POSTLEY, Manhattan Club, of New York. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY, THEO. F, JACKSON, Putnam Club, of Brooklyn. TREASURER, E. H. BROWN, Metropolitan Club, of New York. STANDING COMMITTEES. ON RULES AND REGULATIONS. D. L. ADAMS, Knickerbocker Club, of New York. A. J; BIXBY, Eagle T. G. VOORHIS, Empire a My J. B. LEGGETT, Excelsior : Brooklyn. T. S. DAKIN, Putnam Se bu T. TASSIE, ~ Atlantic “ € F. PIDGEON, Eckford te oe Z. VOORHIS, — Brooklyn ue ene W.CAULDWELL, Union ss Morrisania. , ON NOMINATION. D. MILLIKEN, Union . Club, of Morrisania. J. H. HULL, St. Nicholas ne New York. | N. SHAURMAN, Charter Oak “ Brooklyn.
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DELEGATES TO NATIONAL CONVENTION, 1860. (Continued from second page of cover.) CLUBS. DELEGATES. Olympic, Brooklyn, R. B, Dawson, H. J. Brandige. Exercise, % C. H. Raymond, G. Furman. Vigilant, is W. W. Overall, J. F. Tandy. Morphy, af E. B. Cadley, Hl. Ross. Marion, ee A. C, De Meritt, Wm. Scherer, Brooklyn, vs a Voorhis, J. B. Ryan. Newark, Newark, N., J., Dodd, H. Dusenbery. Union, Morrisama, N. Y., J. Miliken, W. Cauldwell. Atlantic, Jamaica, L. 1, T. Rogers, R. Brush, Jr. Liberty, New Brunswick, J. Van Nest, R. C. Helm. Niagara, Buffalo, N. Y., IW. 2B Miller, Quinnipiack, New Haven, J. A. Punderford, A. McAllister. Hamilton, Jersey City, H. A. Coursen, I. C. Shaffer. Hoboken, Hoboken, N. J., W. R. Harrison, A. O. Evans. Astoria, Astoria, L. 1, H. H. Lee, 2 Mason. Neasho, New Utrecht, RJ. Berry, T. C. Van Pelt. Good Intent, ‘“ ' J.P. Moore, 5. Morris. Union, Elizabeth, N J., D. Chetwood, Dr. 8. W. Oakley. Champion, Albany, N. Y., “ P. Olcott, E. Donohue, Jr. Bowdoin, Boston, Mass., Frank Rhoner. Hudson River, Newburgh, J. W. Miller, Jr: Detroit, Detroit, Mich., J. W. Toms, G. E. Jarvis. Excelsior, Baltimore, Md., H. Shriver, J. F. Beam. Vietory, Troy, N. Y., KE. Curtis, W. H. Hegeman. Poughkeepsie, P’hkeepsie, E, Marshall, J. H. Cogswell. Potomac, Washington, A. Stears : ie. 2) ‘ay Leah : Eureka, Newark, N. J., Thomas Price, H. Van Houten,
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