THE AMERICAN GAME OF BASE-BALL.
The national game of ball of the American people, though having its origin in the English game of rounders, nevertheless possesses sufficiently marked features to entitle it to the distinction claimed for it. Unlike the schoolboy pastime from which it originated, it requires manly qualities in a high degree to excel in it. In fact, the difference between base-ball as played in America, and rounders as played in England, is as great as the contrast between the graceful and daring movements of an accomplished skater of the present time, and those of the skaters who, with pieces of ivory fastened to their feet, used to strive to glide over the ice in the year 1600. In base-ball, as in rounders, you use a bat and a ball and run round bases; but there all resemblance ceases.
The American game of base-ball, as now played, is not more than ten years old, for its date only extends back to the period just previous to the organization of the National Association of Base-Ball Players, which Association formed the present code of rules, and is the only authorized body having any supervisory power over the game. In fact, the history of the game commences with the formation of the National Association, inasmuch as the rules previously in vogue were crude and irregular, and different in one locality from what they were in another. Since the organization of the National Association and the meeting of the first annual convention, however, the game has spread throughout the country, and entirely superseded every other game of ball as a national pastime. At first the Association consisted of delegates from clubs, but now it is composed of a congregation of representatives from State base-ball associations, governed by the National Association proper, each State association having immediate control of the affairs of its own clubs, and possessing its own judiciary committee to settle disputes, but no supervisory control over the playing rules of the game, that matter being placed in the hands of a committee of rules of the parent Association, to which is also attached a judiciary committee, forming a court of appeal from the decisions of State judiciary committees, and also a court to adjudicate upon disputes between clubs of two States.
At the last convention of the “National Association of Base-Ball Players,” which was held in Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1867, and in which clubs from all sections of the country, from Maine to Iowa, and Michigan to Kentucky, were represented, the following code of rules was adopted to govern the play during the season of 1868:—
RULES AND REGULATIONS
ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASE-BALL PLAYERS.
Rule I.—The Ball, Bat, and Bases.
Sec. 1. The ball must weigh not less than five, nor more than five and one-quarter, ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less than nine and one-quarter, nor more than nine and one-half, 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 become the property of the winning club as a trophy of victory.
Sec. 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 shall not exceed forty-two inches in length.
Sec. 3. The bases must be four in number, placed at equal distances from each other, and securely fastened upon each corner of a square whose sides are respectively thirty yards. They must be so constructed and placed as to be distinctly seen 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 some soft material; the home base and pitcher’s points to be each marked by a flat plate, painted white.
Sec. 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 side, and the third base that upon the left-hand side of the striker, when occupying his position at the home base. And in all match games a line connecting the home and first base, and the home and third base, shall be marked by the use of chalk, or other suitable material, so as to be distinctly seen by the umpire. The base-bag shall be considered the base, and not the post to which it is, or should be, fastened.
Rule II.—The Pitching Department.
Sec. 1. The pitcher’s position shall be designated by two lines two yards in length, drawn at right angles to the line from the home to the second base, having their centres upon that line at two fixed iron plates, placed at points fifteen and sixteen and one-third yards distant from the home-base. The pitcher must stand within these lines, and must deliver the ball as near as possible over the centre of the home base, and fairly for the striker.
Sec. 2. Should the pitcher repeatedly fail to deliver to the striker fair balls, for the apparent purpose of delaying the game, or for any cause, the umpire, after warning him, shall call one ball, and if the pitcher persists in such action, two, and three balls; when three balls shall have been called, the striker shall take the first base; and should any base be occupied at that time each player occupying it or them shall take one base without being put out. All balls delivered by the pitcher, striking the ground in front of the home base, or pitched over the head of the batsman, or pitched to the side opposite to that which the batsman strikes from, shall be considered unfair balls.
Sec. 3. The ball must be pitched, not jerked or thrown, to the bat; and whenever the pitcher moves with the apparent purpose or pretension to deliver the ball, he shall so deliver it, and must have neither foot in advance of the front line at the time of delivering the ball; and if he fails in either of these particulars, then it shall be declared a balk. The ball shall be considered jerked, in the meaning of the rule, if the pitcher’s arm touches his person when the arm is swung forward to deliver the ball; and it shall be regarded as a throw, if the arm be bent at the elbow, at an angle from the body, or horizontally from the shoulder, when it is swung forward to deliver the ball.
Sec. 4. No player shall be put out on any hit ball on which a balk or a ball has been called; and neither shall a strike or a foul ball be called, or a base run on such a hit ball. But bases can be taken on third-“called” balls, and on “balked” balls, in accordance with [Section 2 of Rule II].
Rule III.—The Batting Department.
Sec. 1. The striker, when about to strike the ball, must stand astride of a line drawn through the centre of the home base, not exceeding three feet from either side thereof, and parallel with the front line of the pitcher’s position, and he must not take any backward step when striking at the ball. The penalty for an infringement of this rule shall be the calling of one strike; and when three such strikes have been called, the striker shall be declared out. If a ball on which such a strike is called be hit and caught, either fair or foul, the striker shall be declared out. No base shall be run on any such called strike, and any player running the bases shall be allowed to return to the base he has left, without being put out. As soon as the striker has struck a fair ball, he shall be considered “a player running the bases.”
Sec. 2. Players must strike in regular rotation, and, after the first innings is played, the turn commences with the player who stands on the list next to the one who was the third player out.
Sec. 3. Should a striker stand at the bat without striking at fair balls, for the apparent purpose 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, and the ball be caught, either before touching the ground or upon the first bound, the striker shall be declared out, provided the balls struck at are not those on which balls or balks have been called, or not those struck at for the purpose of wilfully striking out. If three balls are struck at and missed, and the last one is not caught, either flying or upon the first bound, the striker must attempt to make his run, and he can be put out on the bases in the same manner as if he had struck a fair ball.
Sec. 4. The striker is out if a foul ball is caught, either before touching the ground or upon the first bound; or if a fair ball is struck, and the ball be held before touching the ground; or if a fair ball is struck, and the ball be held by an adversary on first base, before the striker touches that base.
Rule IV.—Running the Bases.
Sec. 1. Players must make their bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying, 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 when running to the first base.
Sec. 2. Any player running the bases is out, if at any time he is touched by the ball, while in play, in the hands of an adversary, without some part of his person being on the base.
Sec. 3. No run or base can be made upon a foul ball. Such a ball shall be considered dead, and not in play, until it shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher. In such cases players running bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning, in the same manner as when running to first base. Neither can a run or base be made when a fair ball has been caught without having touched the ground; but such a ball shall be considered alive and in play. In such cases, also, players running bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning, in the same manner as when running to first base; but players, when balls are so caught, may run their bases immediately after the ball has been settled in the hands of the player catching it.
Sec. 4. When a balk is made by the pitcher, every player running the bases is entitled to one base, without being put out.
Sec. 5. A player making the home base shall be entitled to score one run.
Sec. 6. If two hands are already out, no player running home at the time the ball is struck can make a run to count in the score of the game, if the striker is put out.
Sec. 7. Players running bases must touch them, and, so far as possible, keep upon the direct line between them, and must touch them in the following order—first, second, third, and home; and if returning, must reverse this order; and should any player run three feet out of this line, for the purpose of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, he shall be declared out; or if he fail to touch each base he runs to he shall be declared out, unless he return to such base before the ball be held on it.
Sec. 8. If the player is prevented from making a base by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that base, and shall not he put out. Any obstruction that could readily have been avoided shall be considered as intentional.
Rule V.—The Game.
Sec. 1. 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. An innings must be concluded at the time the third hand is put out.
Sec. 2. In playing all matches, nine players from each club shall constitute a full field; and they shall be members of the club which they represent. They also must not have been members of any other club, either in or out of the National Association, for thirty days immediately prior to the match. Positions of players and choice of innings shall be determined by captains previously appointed for that purpose by the respective clubs. Every player taking part in a regular match game, no matter what number of innings are played, shall be, in the meaning of this section of the rules, considered a member of the club he plays with.
Sec. 3. When a club sends a challenge to play a first-nine match game of base-ball, and the same is accepted, the first game shall be played upon the grounds of the challenging club, within fifteen days from the date of the acceptance of the challenge; the second game shall be played upon the grounds of the challenged club within fifteen days thereafter; and if a third game be necessary, it shall be played upon grounds to be mutually agreed upon, within fifteen days from the date of the second game; provided: that the above arrangement may be varied by mutual consent. And when a first-nine match game is to be played, the contestants shall present on the field their recognized first-nines, as far as practicable.
Sec. 4. 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 thirty minutes thereafter, the party so failing shall admit a defeat, and shall deliver the ball before leaving the ground, which ball shall be received by the club who are ready to play, and the same shall be considered as won, and so counted in the list of matches played; and the winning club shall be entitled to a score of nine runs for any game so forfeited, unless the delinquent side fail to play on account of the recent death of one of its members, and sufficient time has not elapsed to enable them to give their opponents due notice before arriving on the ground.
Sec. 5. No person who shall be in arrears to any other club than the one he plays with, shall be competent to take part in any match game.
Sec. 6. No player, not in the nine taking their positions on the field in the third innings of a game, shall be substituted for a player, except for reason of illness or injury.
Sec. 7. No match game shall be commenced when rain is falling; and neither shall any such game be continued after rain has fallen for five minutes. No match game shall be postponed unless by the mutual consent of the contesting clubs.
Sec. 8. Every match game shall be decided by the best two games out of three, unless a single game shall be mutually agreed upon by the contesting clubs; and all matches shall terminate before the close of the season.
Sec. 9. No person who shall be in arrears to any other club, or who shall at any time receive compensation for his services as a player, shall be competent to play in any match. No players, who play base-ball for money, shall take part in any match game; and any club giving any compensation to a player, or having, to their knowledge, a player in their nine playing in a match for compensation, shall be debarred from membership in the National Association; and they shall not be considered by any club belonging to this Association as a proper club to engage in a match with; and should any club so engage with them, they shall forfeit membership.
Rule VI.—Miscellaneous.
Sec. 1. If an adversary stops the ball with his hat or cap, or if a ball be stopped by any person or persons not engaged in the game, no player running the bases can be put out unless the ball shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher while he stands in the line of his position.
Sec. 2. Any player who shall intentionally prevent an adversary from catching or fielding the ball, shall be declared out; or if any player be prevented from making a base by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that base, and shall not be declared out, even if touched with the ball.
Sec. 3. If a fair ball be held by a player before touching the ground, after rebounding from the hands or person of a player, it shall be considered a fair catch. And if a foul ball be similarly held after touching the ground but once, it shall be considered a fair catch.
Sec. 4. If the ball, from the stroke of a bat, first touches the ground, the person of a player, or any other object, behind the line or range of home and the first base, or home and the third base, it shall be termed foul, and must be so declared by the umpire, unasked. If the ball first touches the ground either upon or in front of the line or range of those bases, it shall be considered fair.
Sec. 5. 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 that they are distinctly made known to the umpire previous to the commencement of the game.
Sec. 6. The captains of each nine shall alone be allowed to appeal for the reversal of a decision of the umpire.
Sec. 7. No base can be run, or player be put out, on a dead ball.
Rule VII.—Duties of the Umpire.
Sec. 1. The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting the ball, bats, bases, and the pitcher’s and striker’s positions, are strictly observed, and he shall require the challenging club to furnish a ball, on which the size, weight, and the name of the manufacturer shall be stamped. He shall be the sole judge of fair and unfair play, and shall determine all disputes and differences which may occur during the game. He shall take special care to declare all foul balls and balks, immediately upon their occurrence, in a distinct and audible manner. He shall, in every instance, before leaving the ground, declare the winning club, and shall record his decision in the books of the scorers. The umpire shall also require that the game be recorded by a scorer for each of the contesting clubs. In all matches the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all duties above enumerated.
Sec. 2. The umpire in any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and, if the game cannot be fairly concluded, it shall be decided by the last equal innings, provided five innings have been played; and the party having the greatest number of runs shall be declared the winner.
Sec. 3. When the umpire calls “play,” the game must at once be proceeded with; and the party failing to take their appointed positions in the game within five minutes thereafter shall forfeit the game. When the umpire calls “time,” play shall be suspended until he calls “play” again.
Sec. 4. When the umpire “calls” a game, it shall end; but when he merely suspends play for any stated period, it may be resumed at the point at which it was suspended, provided such suspension does not extend beyond the day of the match.
Sec. 5. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be either directly or indirectly interested in any bet upon the game. Nor shall any person be permitted to act as umpire or scorer in any match unless he shall be a member of the National Association, or of a State branch thereof. Neither shall the umpire or scorer be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both parties, except for reason of illness or injury, or for a violation of the above rules.
Sec. 6. No decision given by the umpire shall be reversed upon the testimony of any player; and no decision whatever shall be reversed, except for a palpable infringement of the rules, and then only on an appeal by the captain.
Sec. 7. 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 special request of the umpire. Any match game played by any club in contravention to the rules adopted by the National Association, shall be considered null and void, and shall not be counted in the list of match games won and lost.
For the information of clubs desirous of joining the National Association, or of organising a State branch thereof, we give below those portions of the constitution of the Association bearing upon the subject:—
Article 3, Section 1. This Association shall be composed of delegates from the several State base-ball associations which have been duly admitted to a representation in the convention forming this constitution, or which may be admitted to a representation in the manner hereinafter provided. Each State association shall be entitled to one delegate for every ten clubs, or fractional part of ten clubs, belonging to such association. No individual club shall be entitled to representation in this Association unless located in a state, territory, or district, where there are not sufficient clubs to form a State association. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote, and no vote by proxy shall be allowed.
Sec. 2. Any State base-ball association desiring to be represented in this Association shall present to the recording secretary, at least thirty days previous to the annual meeting of this Association, a written official certificate, signed by the president and secretary of the State association they represent, giving the names and number of the clubs composing said association, date of their organization, names of their officers, and number of members belonging to each club; also the date of organization of the State association, and the names of their delegates. Territories and the district of Columbia shall be considered as states within the meaning of this section.
Sec. 3. All applications shall be immediately submitted to the committee on nominations; but no such application shall be received by said secretary unless presented thirty days previous to the annual meeting. Said committee shall thereupon ascertain the condition, character, and standing of such State base-ball association, and report the same at the annual meeting, with the said application and their opinion thereon; and a ballot shall thereupon be had at such meeting, upon the admission of such State base-ball association, when, if two-thirds of the members present vote in favour thereof, such State base-ball association 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 thirds vote of the members present at the annual meeting.
Sec. 4. No State association shall be represented in the Association unless composed of ten clubs, numbering at least eighteen active members each, or by any delegate under twenty-one years of age; nor shall any State base-ball association be so represented until its delegates have paid a fee hereinafter designated.
Sec. 5. Any State association organized after the adjournment of the annual meeting of this Association, may be elected probationary members thereof, after conforming to the requirements of sections [second], [third], and [fourth], by the nominating committee. They shall be liable to the payment of dues and assessments, and be eligible to all the privileges of regular members of the Association until the next annual meeting, at which time they must be duly elected in the same manner as all regular members.
THE GAME OF BASE-BALL.
As before asserted, the American game of base-ball requires a high degree of physical ability, and the possession of manly characteristics to excel in it; for although in theory a schoolboy could easily comprehend the system, in practice an amount of manly vigour, courage, and physical endurance is requisite, surprising to those who regard the game in the light only of an improved edition of the old English school-game of rounders.
The theory of base-ball is as simple as that of any field sport in vogue, and therein lies one of its attractive features. But yet to play the game up to its highest point of excellence requires as great a degree of mental ability, and the possession of as many manly physical attributes, as any known game of ball. The theory of base-ball is as follows:—In the first place, a level field for play is selected, about three hundred feet wide and five hundred long. A space of ground is then marked out in the form of a square, with one corner as the position of the home base, and the other corners for the first, second, and third bases, the first base being on the right of the batsman, as he stands at home base, and the third base on the left. The contestants in a game consist of nine players on each side, and these nine players occupy the following positions: catcher, pitcher, first, second, and third basemen, short-stop, and left, centre, and right fielders. The first six players above-named form the “in-fielders,” and the last three the “out-fielders,” the nine taking the field being known as the “out-hand,” or “field.” After the parties toss for the innings, the losing side go to the bat, and the winning party to the field, and each man to his position. The pitcher then delivers the ball to the batsman of the opposite nine, who endeavours to send it out of reach of the opposing field party, and far enough into the field to admit of his running round the four bases, in which case he scores one run, provided he is not put out in the interim. He is followed by his companions, one after the other in regular rotation, until three of the batting side are put out, when the field side take the bat and have their innings. Nine innings constitute a full game, and no game is considered as played unless five full innings have been completed. The ball—the only trophy in a match—goes to the party making the most runs in a full game, or in any number of even innings played not less than five.
In case of a tie at the close of the ninth innings, the game, unless by mutual consent, must be prolonged innings after innings, until one or other of the contesting sides obtains the most runs. And if anything occur to interrupt or put a stop to the game before five innings on each side have been played, the game must be drawn. The rules and regulations of the game define all further particulars in reference to it.
HOW TO PLAY EACH POSITION.
GENERAL RULES.
There are nine positions in a base-ball field, two less than in a field of cricketers in a match. The catcher plays behind the batsman to receive the ball from the pitcher. The pitcher stands near the centre of the in-field, forty-five feet from home base, and he is allowed only to “pitch” the ball to the bat, not to throw it, jerk it, or bowl it. The first base man attends to balls fielded to him on the base, his principal duty being to hold the ball, while having one foot on the base, before the batsman reaches it. The second and third basemen have not only to hold the ball, but also to touch players running to the bases before they can touch the bases. The short-stop attends to the duties of backing up the pitcher and basemen generally, and of stopping balls from the bat, and sending them to the bases, when the ball happens to come within reach. The principal duties of the three out-fielders are to catch long high balls, and to return in ground balls sent to their positions. But the following are special instructions to occupants of each position in the nine:—
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 accurately and swiftly to the bases, and also to keep a bright look-out over the whole field. “Foul balls” are those high balls which are hit so as to fall to the ground back of the line of the bases, from home to first base and home to third. “Tips” are also foul balls, coming sharply from the bat to the catcher.
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 pitcher 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 bounding, 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 throwing to the base 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 running from the second base to the third.
The catcher should have a thorough understanding with the pitcher in regard to a code of signals by means of which he can not only direct the pitcher to throw to a base to catch a player napping off the base—as a wicket-keeper does the batsman when out of his ground in cricket—but also so as to direct him where to send a ball to the bat, high or low, in or out, as the peculiarity of the batsman’s play may require. The catcher needs to be a swift and accurate thrower to the bases, a plucky player in facing and stopping swiftly-pitched balls, and a patient player in his efforts to prevent passed balls from inaccurate pitching. When facing a swift pitcher, his aim should be to stop the ball, and to be on the qui vive for sharp “tips.” Off slow pitching more activity is required, as the chances offered for difficult catches from foul balls are greater.
As the position occupied by the catcher affords him the best view of the field, the person filling it is generally chosen captain, although the pitcher is sometimes selected for that position. We would suggest, however, that some other player than the pitcher be chosen for captain, from the fact that the physical labour 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. The catcher, whenever he sees two or more fielders running to catch a ball, should designate by name the one he deems most likely to catch it, in which case the others should refrain from the attempt to catch the ball on the fly, and strive only to catch it in case of its being otherwise missed.
THE PITCHER.
More skill and judgment is requisite in this position than in any other in the game. In fact, half the battle almost in a contest depends upon the ability of the pitcher; and yet the best man in the position is comparatively useless in a nine unless he be well supported in the field. In cricket a bowler can take wickets when unassisted by a good field party, but in base-ball a pitcher’s skill is entirely thrown away unless well supported in the field, especially by the in-field portion of the nine.
The pitcher’s position is within the lines of a space of ground six feet by four in extent, located on the line between home and second base, the front line of the position being distant forty-five feet from the home base. The pitcher, in delivering the ball to the bat, is prohibited from either throwing, jerking, or bowling the ball, and he is also prohibited from making any motion in his delivery which will admit of a ball being thrown, such as bending his arm outward at the elbow, &c. And if he makes any one of the series of motions he uses in delivering the ball, and fails to deliver it, then he incurs the penalty of a “balk,” in which case players running the bases, but not the striker, are allowed to take one base. The rules governing the delivery of the ball also require the pitcher to deliver the ball over the home base—which is sixteen inches in width—and “fairly for the striker,” viz. within the legitimate reach of the bat, and as near as possible to the point indicated by the batsman, the boundary line in question extending from within a foot of the ground to the height of the batsman’s head. The pitcher in his style of delivery, may adopt any movement he likes, provided he moves to deliver while standing within the lines of his position. It is regarded as throwing the ball, however, if it be delivered in any way except by a straight arm, swinging perpendicularly with the body; and it is considered as “jerked,” if the arm touches the side of the body in delivery. He should remember that the rules define unfairly-pitched balls to be those pitched over the head of the batsman; to the side opposite to that he strikes from; on the ground before reaching the home base, or pitched so as to hit the batsman when he is standing in his legitimate position—viz. astride the line of the home base, and distant one foot from it. The pitcher should be exceedingly cautious, and on the alert in watching the bases when the players are attempting to run, and in such cases should endeavour his utmost to throw a swift and true ball to the basemen. When a player 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 a base on occasions when the proper guardian has left it to field the ball. And in cases where a foul ball has been struck, and the player running a base endeavours to return to the one he has left, he should be ready to receive the ball at the point nearest the base in question, in order to comply with that section of the rules wherein in such cases it is required that the ball be settled in the hands of the pitcher before it is in play. The pitcher has to face the most dangerous balls sent from the bat, and therefore he requires to be a plucky, courageous fellow, not afraid of being hurt. He should also be an accurate thrower at short distances, and a sure catch. But the most important requisite in the position, next to the ability to pitch the ball accurately, is good judgment in pitching according to the skill and peculiarities of his opponents at the bat.
THE BASE PLAYERS.
THE FIRST BASEMAN.
The principal duty of this fielder is to hold the ball in hand, with some part of his person touching the first base, before the batsman reaches it. If held simultaneously with the base runner’s touching the base, the latter is not out. The first baseman’s position, in the beginning of an innings, is about twenty feet back of his base and towards second base, but not too far away from the foul ball line or from his base, as the majority of balls, which come anywhere near enough for him to field, are hit within twenty feet of his base. The moment the ball is struck, and he finds that it does 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 who may have fielded it. As we said before, 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 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.
THE SECOND BASEMAN.
This position requires its occupant to be a very active fielder indeed, and especially a good judge of fly balls, and a sure catch. He should also be a swift and accurate thrower at short distances. His position, in the beginning of an innings, is at “right short,” that is, about twenty or thirty feet back of his position and towards the foul ball line, in fact nearly opposite the short-stop’s position on the other side. But he should take his position according to the known peculiarities of the batsman he faces. 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 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 player can be put out in returning to the base he has left, in the same manner as when running to the first base, viz. by the ball being held by the baseman, with some part of his person on the base, before the base runner reaches it. 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 cannot catch it in time to put out his opponent. He should also promptly return the ball to the pitcher. He should be especially on the look-out for a double play when a base runner is on first base, in which case all that the baseman has to do, to put two players out, is to field the ball from the bat sharply, or receive it from short-stop or the third baseman, and first touching second base with ball in hand, to send the ball to first base in time to cut off the player running there. When a base runner, too, is on first base, and a high ball is hit for the second baseman to catch, if he sees the base runner standing near his first base ready to run back on the catch being made, he should manage to let the ball pass through his hands, partly checked in its progress, but not held, in which case the base runner being thereby forced from his first base can be easily captured at second. Should the second baseman, however, see the base runner trying to get to second, he should hold the fly ball, and return it promptly to first base, thereby putting two players out on a double play—one on the catch, and the other on returning to his base on the catch, as base runners have to do in such cases.
THE THIRD BASEMAN.
This position is the most difficult one, to play skilfully, of any of the three bases, as the throwing to first base from this position requires a stronger arm than that from short-stop or second base, while the third baseman has the most difficult catches to make on foul balls of any in-fielder except the catcher. Besides which, errors in the way of failures to stop balls thrown or batted to this position are more important in their results than at any other base, as an error at third base gives a run, while at first or second only a lost base is the result. The third baseman, after fielding a ball from the bat, has to throw it generally from a hundred and twenty-five to a hundred and fifty feet to the first base, while the short-stop has not to throw it a hundred, and the second base player generally not more than about eighty or ninety. A good third base player can readily play at first or second with comparative ease, but skilful players on the first and second bases cannot as readily play third base. In fact, it is a position requiring more practice to excel in it than that of either of the other bases. This position is no place for a left-handed man, first base being the only suitable place in the infield for such a player. When three men are on the bases, the third baseman frequently has a fine opportunity afforded him for double plays. Suppose, for instance, that each base is occupied, and a ball is sent direct to the third baseman, his point of play is to throw the ball to the pitcher or catcher at home base, and for the player receiving it to return it promptly to third base, and if this is done sharply two players can be readily put out on the one ball. The rule for all basemen is to cut off the player nearest to home base. For instance, if three men are on the bases, and a ball is hit to the first baseman, the latter, instead of putting the striker out, should throw the ball home, unless there was no fielder near enough to take it. So in the case of a ball hit to short-stop, under similar circumstances, unless two men are out, in which case the surest play should be selected.
THE SHORT-STOP.
This is the position in the field for the most active of the six in-fielders. Of course, like all in-fielders, his duties include the stopping of hot ground-balls, and in throwing the same accurately to the base the striker of the ball happens to be running to, generally the first base. But his principal work is to back up all the in-fielders. He should be on the alert the moment the ball is hit, and if it does not come within his reach, he should be ready to get on a base to receive it, or to back up the fielder it is thrown in to; in fact, the short-stop should be the “general utility” man of the nine, and especially active in saving the pitcher from over work in fielding. The short-stop 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 a hurry. His position is generally in the centre 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 be on the alert to take foul balls on the bound, that are missed on the fly by either the third baseman or pitcher, or indeed any other player he can get near enough to be of assistance to 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. 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 issue of a well-contested game.
THE OUT-FIELDERS.
A great deal depends upon the skill of the three out-fielders of a nine, when the pitching is of medium pace, and plenty of chances for catches are offered off the pitching. The principal qualifications of out-fielders are: the power to throw a ball in well nearly a hundred yards, and the ability to judge high fly balls and to catch surely. The three positions require equally good fielders, though, if the nature of the ground requires one man better than another, the best judge of a ball should be placed in the difficult position. Out-fielders should watch the batsman closely, and either lay out well for the heavy hitters, or get closer in for those who strive to hit “safe” balls just over the heads and out of reach of the in-fielders. After the ball has been either caught or stopped, the out-fielder should promptly return it, either to the base requiring it, or to the pitcher. Out-fielders 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. 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.
THE BATSMAN.
The position of the batsman is expressly defined by the rules, which require that the striker, when about to strike the ball, must stand astride the line of the home base. This line is six feet in length, running through the centre of the home base, and parallel with the front line of the pitcher’s position. He can take a step forward, but he is prohibited from taking any backward step. The batsman is known as the “striker,” and so considered in the rules, until he has struck a fair ball, when he immediately becomes “a player running the bases,” and ceases to be the “striker.” When the batsman takes his position at the home base, viz. standing astride the line of the base, and not less than one foot to the left of it, the umpire asks him where he wants a ball, and the batsman responds by saying “knee high,” or “waist high,” or by naming the character of the call he wants pitched to him, the pitcher being required by the rules to deliver to the batsman a ball within the legitimate reach of his bat, and as near the place indicated as he can, and also to pitch over the home base; and if he fails to do this twice, the umpire, after first warning him of the penalty he incurs, is required to call a ball for every unfair ball delivered after the warning has been given, and when three such balls have been called the batsman drops his bat and goes to first base.
In striking at the ball it must be hit fairly to entitle the batsman to run for his first base, and it is only hit “fairly” when sent to the field in front of the lines of the bases reaching from home to first base and home to third base. If the ball from the bat first touches the ground back of these lines, it is considered “foul,” and in that case, though the batsman can be caught out, he cannot run to his base. The moment the batsman hits a fair ball, therefore, he drops his bat and runs to first base, and if he reaches it before the ball is held by the baseman while touching the base, the striker escapes being put out; but if the ball be held by the baseman, while on his base, before the batsman reaches it, the latter is out. The batsman is liable to be put out in the following manner. If the ball he hits “fair” should be caught by any of the fielders before touching the ground; or if a ball he hits “foul” should be caught by any of the fielders either “on the fly” or on the first bound; or if he strikes at the ball three times and fails to hit it each time, and the ball, on the third strike, be held on the bound, or, if not so held, it be held on the first base before the striker reaches it, the batsman is out; and lastly, he is out if he takes a step backward three times when striking at a ball. These are the various ways in which the batsman or striker can be put out. After making his first base, and thereby becoming a “base runner,” he is liable to be put out as follows. If he be touched by any fielder with the ball in hand and in play, when he is off a base, he is out; also, if when running to a base on a foul ball, he fail to get back to the base before the ball, in play, is held by the baseman; or, if in running to a base on a fair fly ball, he be similarly off his base when the ball is held by the base player after being caught; also, if he fail to reach the next base to the one he occupies when a fair ball is hit, and not caught, and the ball be held on the base he is running to before he reaches it, he is out.
BASE-RUNNING.
The moment the striker hits a fair ball he ceases to be the “striker,” and becomes at once “a player running the bases,” and he then becomes liable to be put out in the several ways alluded to under the head of “The Batsman,” viz. by being “forced off” his base; by being “run out;” and by being put out in returning on a fly or foul ball. We will now illustrate more particularly the manner in which the base-runner can be thus put out. When, as above referred to, the striker has made his first base, and become a “base-runner,” and he is occupying the first base when a fair ball is hit, the moment such a ball be struck that moment he ceases to have any right to occupy the first base, he being what is termed “forced off” by the batsman. In such case he must try and make his second base before the ball is held by a fielder on the base. If he fails to do this he is out. When occupying the first base, too, when a fair ball is hit and is held on the fly, he is required to return and touch the base before he can legally run for the next base; but the moment he has touched the base, after the catch has been made, he can then run for the next base. If, however, the ball that is hit be a foul ball, then he must not only return to the base he left when the ball was struck, but he must remain on it until the ball has been settled in the hands of the pitcher before he can again attempt to run to the next base. If at any time, too, when the ball is in play, he be caught off a base, and be touched by the ball in the hands of any fielder, he is also out. If, too, in running round the bases at any time he should fail to touch any of the bases, he must return and touch the base he failed to touch when first running round, and in such case, if the ball be held on the base before he can touch it, he is out; and he must also return to touch the base, in such case, the same way as he ran round, he not being allowed to cross over from home base to second, or from third to first. Base-runners should, however, remember that they have a right to return to the base they have left—except when “forced off” by the batsman—until they touch the next base; and no base-runner, occupying a base, can force another off the next base, unless he himself be forced off by the batsman, or by a base-runner who is forced off by the batsman. That is, a player occupying the second base, when there is no one on the first base, cannot force a base-runner off the third. When all the bases are occupied, and the batsman hits a fair ball which is not caught, then each base-runner is obliged to vacate the base he occupies and run to the next, and in this case all that is necessary to put either base-runner out, is simply for any fielder to hold the ball on the base the base-runner is trying to reach before the latter reaches it. It should be borne in mind that the moment the batsman is put out by a fair fly catch, or put out at first base, that moment the base-runners preceding him cease to be “forced” to leave their bases, and in this case they must be touched by the ball, in the hands of a fielder, before they can be put out. Base-runners, too, when high balls are hit into the outer field, and in such way as to make a catch apparently certain, should stand on their bases in readiness to run to the next base the moment the ball is held by the out-fielder. When a base-runner is on the first base, and a high ball is “popped up,” which looks as if it would surely be caught by the short-stop or pitcher, or indeed by any in-fielder, the base-runner has a double difficulty to escape from, inasmuch as, if the ball is caught on the fly, he has to return to the base he left when the ball was hit; but should the ball, instead, be purposely dropped before being held, he then becomes obliged to run for his second base, and is in such case liable to be easily put out from being forced off his first base. Either horn of the dilemma is bad, but the safest way generally is to anticipate the ball being caught, and to stand ready to get back to first base easily, as the effort to drop the ball for a double play is one not often successful. A base-runner, when on first base at a time when another is on the third, can safely run down to second, except where two hands are out, as the catcher in the former case sacrifices the one base to prevent the player on the third from getting a chance to run home. When two hands are out, however, it does not matter so much, as the catcher can far easier put the third hand out by a throw to second than can the base-runner at the third get home before the third hand be put out. In the position in a game when two hands are out and a base-runner is running home, the run he would otherwise make does not count, if the batsman be put out before he makes his first base; and neither does it count in such case, if the base-runner in question fails to touch the home base before the third hand is put out. Players who desire to become expert as base-runners should not only familiarise themselves with the theory of base-running by attentive study of the rules, but they must realize by practical experience all the points of play above alluded to before they can successfully exemplify their theoretical knowledge, or derive any advantage from it. It is one thing to be thoroughly acquainted with the manner in which any special object in view should be attained, but it is altogether a more difficult matter to practically illustrate your theory; and an afternoon’s experience in running bases against a field of practical experts would soon show you the fallacy of trusting to thorough theoretical knowledge for success.
ON FIELDING GENERALLY.
Skill in fielding is the first requisite of an expert base-ball player. What is called a “muffin” player is one who is a mere tyro in handling the ball. Muffins can bat well, and yet not be anything but “muffins.” Occasionally, too, we find an effective pitcher who is a “muffin” in fielding. But a player who can field well, though he may not be a skilled batsman, or even able to pitch effectively, is nevertheless eligible to a position in the first nine of a club, when a good batsman who is not a good fielder would be very properly ruled out. Among the requisites of a first-class fielder are: first, the moral qualifications of courage, nerve, control of temper and coolness of judgment in emergencies, together with perseverance in the face of difficulties and in contending manfully against large odds. The physical ability necessary consists of the strength to throw a ball a hundred yards; the agility to catch a flying ball close to the ground, or two or three feet above your head; the activity to pick up a ball while running; the quickness of the eye to judge the fall of a high ball, or the rebound of a foul one; and the endurance to stand the fatigue of a long game.
Among the general rules worthy the attention of fielders are the following:—
The most important rule is the one which commands obedience to the directions of the captain of the nine. Fielders should also bear in mind that the captain of the nine is alone the spokesman of the party and the commander of the field.
Secondly. No out-fielder should hold a ball a moment longer than it is necessary for him to handle it in throwing. In the in-field, however, a ball can be sometimes held by the fielder with safety and advantage.
Thirdly. Never stand still in your position simply because the ball happens to go in another direction than the position you occupy, but always be on the move to aid the other fielders or to back them up. Activity in the field, and judgment in being prompt in support, is one of the important requisites of a first-class fielder.
Fourthly. Play earnestly at all times, whether in an ordinary practice game or in a match. Get into the habit of doing your best on all occasions. It is invariably the mark of a vain and conceited ball player to walk on the field and play in a game as if he was conferring a favour by participating in the contest; and players who play with an air of indifference as to the result of the game, or who become despondent when the odds are against them, are no players for a first class nine.
Fifthly. Next to seeing a man field well, the most attractive thing is to see a player take things easily and good-naturedly. If you miss a fly ball, allow an important ball to pass you, or fail to handle a ball in time on a base, nothing is more boyish than to vent your ill-temper on some one who may have balked you in catching it, or thrown it to you badly. Control yourself and take it smilingly, or if you lack the moral courage to do that, keep your tongue still at least. Your good-natured fellows, who play their best all the time, and yet take everything bad or good with a good-natured smile, are as desirable as companions on a ball field as your growlers are to be detested.
Sixthly. When an error of play is committed, do your best at once to remedy the evil by using your best efforts to get at the ball either after “muffing” it, letting it pass you, or failing to hold it. Some players after missing a ball will walk after it like an ill-tempered, sulky ten-year old.
Seventhly. There is no habit fielders have that is more characteristic of school-boys, or which leads to more unpleasantness and ill-feeling in a match, than that of finding fault with those who commit errors of play in the field. Every man in the field tries to do his best for his own credit sake, and if he fails censure but adds to his chagrin without in the least improving his play; on the contrary, fault-finding is only calculated to make him play worse. In no game are the amenities of social life more necessary to a full enjoyment of the pastime than in base-ball. Particularly acceptable are words of commendation for good play and remarks calculated to remove the annoyance arising from errors in the field, to young ball players, and these form some of the strongest incentives to extra exertion on their part, besides promoting kindly feelings on the field and during the game. The fact is, such men as your constitutional grumblers are the nuisances of a ball field, and destroy all the pleasure which would otherwise result from the game. Every manly player will keep silent when he sees an error committed, or if he makes any remark at all, will apologize for it in some way. Those who find fault and growl at errors of play are of the class who prefer to gratify their malice and ill-temper at the expense of the unlucky fielder who happens to “muff” a ball or two in a game.
Lastly. Remember that the winning of the trophy is one of the main objects in view, and as it is not the most important thing in life to win it, or a very great disaster to lose it, the less you act as if it was, the less likelihood of the spectators suspecting you of having some ulterior object in view, such as the winning of a sum of money, for instance. To conclude, however, let it be remembered by every player in a match that a creditable victory abides only with that party who, in winning the match, have marked their play as much by their courtesy of demeanour, liberality of action, and the good-nature they have displayed in the contest, as by their skill in the several departments of the game.
THE UMPIRE AND HIS DUTIES.
The position of an umpire in a base-ball match is one marked by onerous and important duties. Before proceeding to comment on what these duties are particularly, we will first give the rules of the game applicable to the position which are included in Rule VII. of the code of rules and regulations:—
Sec. 1. The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting the ball, bats, bases, and the pitcher’s and striker’s positions, are strictly observed, and he shall require the challenging club to furnish a ball, on which the size, weight, and the name of the manufacturer shall be stamped. He shall be the sole judge of fair and unfair play, and shall determine all disputes and differences which may occur during the game. He shall take special care to declare all foul balls and balks immediately upon their occurrence, in a distinct and audible manner. He shall, in every instance, before leaving the ground, declare the winning club, and shall record his decision in the books of the scorers. The umpire shall also require that the game be recorded by a scorer for each of the contesting clubs. In all matches the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the duties above enumerated.
Sec. 2. The umpire in any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and if the game cannot be fairly concluded, it shall be decided by the last equal innings, provided five innings have been played, and the party having the greatest number of runs shall be declared the winner.
Sec. 3. When the umpire calls “play,” the game must at once be proceeded with; and the party failing to take their appointed positions in the game within five minutes thereafter shall forfeit the game. When the umpire calls “time,” play shall be suspended until he calls “play” again.
Sec. 4. When the umpire “calls” a game, it shall end; but when he merely suspends play for any stated period, it may be resumed at the point at which it was suspended, provided such suspension does not extend beyond the day of the match.
Sec. 5. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be either directly or indirectly interested in any bet upon the game. Nor shall any person be permitted to act as umpire or scorer in any match unless he shall be a member of the National Association, or of a State branch thereof. Neither shall the umpire or scorer be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both parties, except for reason of illness or injury, or for a violation of the above rules.
Sec. 6. No decision given by the umpire shall be reversed upon the testimony of any player; and no decision whatever shall be reversed, except for a palpable infringement of the rules, and then only on an appeal by the captain.
Sec. 7. 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 special request of the umpire. Any match game played by any club in contravention to the rules adopted by the National Association shall be considered null and void, and shall not be counted in the list of match games won and lost.
It will be seen by the above rules, that among the most important are those requiring each player first, to be a member of a club belonging to the National Association, or a State branch thereof. Secondly, that he is to be considered the sole judge of fair and unfair play, and one from whose decision there is no appeal, except in certain instances where the rules are grossly misinterpreted, in which case the injured parties can appeal for redress to the judiciary committee of their State association. Also, that from the time “play” is called until the period the umpire either suspends play by calling “time,” or closes the game by “calling” it, the game must be proceeded with, or otherwise the party failing to play forfeits the ball. Also that the umpire is required to see that the ball played with is one having the maker’s name stamped on it, and likewise the figures indicating the size and weight of the ball.
HINTS TO UMPIRES.
The umpire should invariably render his decision in accordance with the first impressions of the point of play made on his mind. If he hesitates at all, the influence of any particular bias he may have will affect his judgment, and very likely make his decision a partial one. Be prompt, therefore, to decide according to the very first impression made. Promptness in deciding is strong testimony in favour of impartial judgment, and is always satisfactory to contestants. He should also see that the foul ball posts are in position, and especially that the rule requiring chalk lines from home to first base, and home to third, be complied with. He should keep silent when a fair ball is struck, but if asked if it be a fair ball, he can of course say so; but he is not required to call fair balls.
The umpire, before calling “play,” should see that the captains of the contesting sides are mutually agreed upon what the rules of the ground are for the match. Thus, for instance, that a ball going over a fence shall give but one base, or that a ball taken on the fly from a tree, or the roof of a house, or the side of a fence, shall be regarded as a bound catch, and only legitimate in the case of a foul ball; or that a ball passing the catcher, and being stopped by a fence too close to the home base, shall give one base, &c.
One of his most difficult duties is that of calling balls for unfair delivery in pitching, and also in calling strikes on the batsmen for not hitting at fair balls.
The umpire should first instruct himself in regard to the definition of unfair balls, and the following rules will give him the required information:—
Firstly. A ball that strikes the ground in front of the home base is not a fair ball; as, in the first place, by striking the ground before reaching the baseman, it becomes a “bowled” ball, and secondly, because it is not pitched “over the home base,” and “fairly for the striker;” for unless it goes over the home base before touching the ground, it is not “pitched,” but “bowled” over, and unless so pitched, it cannot be “fairly for the striker.”
Secondly. A ball that is pitched on the side opposite to that the batsman habitually strikes from is not a fair ball, because not pitched “for the striker.”
Thirdly. A ball that is pitched so as to hit the striker—provided he is standing in his legitimate position, viz. astride the line of the home base, and one foot to the left of the base—is not a fair one, for the same reason. The striker should, however, stand far enough from the base to admit of the ball being pitched over it without its striking him.
Fourthly. Balls, too, which are pitched beyond the legitimate reach of the batsman, either in front of him or over his head, are, for the same reason, not fair balls.
All of the above balls are “unfair” balls, and must be called when it is legitimate to call a ball at all, that is, first, after two unfair balls have been pitched, and secondly, after the pitcher has then been warned of the penalty—this warning being given in the form of the words, “ball to the bat,” or some exclamation of similar purport.
Should the striker not stand in his position, as required by the rules, or should he hit at balls at a different height to that he calls for, in such case the umpire is not required to call any of the above delivered balls as unfair balls except those out of the batsman’s reach.
We now proceed to close our instructions in the game with a chapter on scoring, which is a part of base-ball requiring a considerable degree of statistical and analytical talent to do it well.
ON SCORING IN BASE-BALL.
The present system of scoring was first introduced by the writer in 1867, and since then has been adopted by every competent scorer in the country. The scorer of a base-ball match has either a simple task to perform, or a duty requiring his close attention to every movement of the players in the field. To record the “outs” and “runs” in a match requires simply the use of the figures 1, 2, 3 for the score of outs in each innings, and dots for each run scored, and at the close of the game these are added up and the total of each placed opposite the name of the batsman making them; the score of runs made each innings being recorded at the foot of each column of the innings. To score a game properly, however, considerable work is necessary, as will be seen by the following.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SCORERS.
The following diagrams show the blank forms of the score-sheets used in recording the play, and also the total result, in a match game of base-ball; and we present these blanks before proceeding with our instructions in scoring:—
No. I.
Diagram of Score Sheet used to record the Movements of the Players in a Match Game.
The Score of the Club of
| Base- running. | Bases on errors. | Bases on hits. | Total score. | Play called. | Played at .............. 186. | Game ended. | Po- si- tion. | Good Plays in the Field. | To- tal put out. | As- sist- ing. | ||||||||||||||||||
| H. | L. | B. | M. | B. | T. | O. | R. | Batsmen. | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | 10. | Fielders. | B. | F. | L. | D. | K. | R. | |||
| 1. | 1. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | 2. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | 3. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | 4. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | 5. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | 6. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | 7. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | 8. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | 9. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grand total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Winning Club | ........................................ | Scorers | ........................................ |
| Umpire | ........................................ | Duration of game | ........................................ |
The letters on the left refer to the batting score, as follows:R, for runs; O, for outs; T, for the number of times the first base is made on hits; B, for number of bases on hits; M, for first base on muffs; B, for first base on called balls; L, for left on bases after clean hits; and H, for home-runs. On the right, the letters refer to the fielding only: B, for outs on bases; F, for fair fly-catches; L, for foul fly-catches; D, for foul bound catches; K, for outs on strikes; R, for run out; the last two columns being for the record of the total number of players put out by each fielder, and the total number of times each assisted in putting out players.
No. I.
Diagram of Score Sheet used to record the Movements of the Players in a Match Game.
The Score of the Club
of
The letters on the left refer to the batting score, as follows:R, for runs; O, for outs; T, for the number of times the first base is made on hits; B, for number of bases on hits; M, for first base on muffs; B, for first base on called balls; L, for left on bases after clean hits; and H, for home-runs. On the right, the letters refer to the fielding only: B, for outs on bases; F, for fair fly-catches; L, for foul fly-catches; D, for foul bound catches; K, for outs on strikes; R, for run out; the last two columns being for the record of the total number of players put out by each fielder, and the total number of times each assisted in putting out players.
The following diagram presents the blank form used to record the particulars of a match game at its close:—
No. II. Batting Score.
| Club. | Club. | ||||||||
| Players. | Pos. | O. | R. | B. | Players. | Pos. | O. | R. | B. |
| 1. | 1. | ||||||||
| 2. | 2. | ||||||||
| 3. | 3. | ||||||||
| 4. | 4. | ||||||||
| 5. | 5. | ||||||||
| 6. | 6. | ||||||||
| 7. | 7. | ||||||||
| 8. | 8. | ||||||||
| 9. | 9. | ||||||||
| Totals | Totals | ||||||||
Innings.
| Clubs. | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | Totals. | |
| Home runs | |||||||||
| No. of times first base on hits | times | times. | |||||||
| No. of times first base by errors | times | times. | |||||||
| No. of times first base on three balls | times | times. | |||||||
| Total bases on hits | |||||||||
| Times left on bases after clean hits | |||||||||
Fielding Score.
| Base play—put out by | ||||||||||||||||
| Fly catches | ||||||||||||||||
| Foul bound catches | ||||||||||||||||
| Catches on strikes | ||||||||||||||||
| Double plays | ||||||||||||||||
| Outs on bases | times | times. | ||||||||||||||
| Outs on foul balls | times | times. | ||||||||||||||
| Total errors of play | ||||||||||||||||
| Umpire, Mr. | of the | Club, of | ||||||||||||||
| Owners, Messrs. | and | |||||||||||||||
| Time of game | hours | minutes. | ||||||||||||||
In recording a game on score-sheet No. 1 we proceed as follows:—Under the heading of “Batsmen” we place the names of the batting nine, and under the heading of “Fielders” we place the names of the opposing nine. These names are recorded on the two score-sheets of the score-book; the names of the two nines thus appearing on the book twice, once as batsmen and once as fielders. Over the heading “Batsmen” we record the time of commencing the game, and this is done only on the page of the nine who first go to the bat; the figures of the hour of closing the game being recorded over the heading “Fielders,” on the page of the nine who last go to the bat; and over the figures of the “innings” we record the name of the grounds the match was played on, and the date of the game.
Each fielder is numbered from 1 to 9, and in recording by whom players are put out these figures are used to indicate the name of the fielder. In recording the positions of the fielders we simply use the initials of the words of the position, thus C for “catcher,” P for “pitcher,” &c. Instead of using C for “centre field,” we use M for “middle field,” as C is used for “catcher.” The figures 1, 2, 3 are used to indicate the outs of each innings, and a dot thus (.) for each run. Dots only are used in recording the details of the batting on the left hand of the score-sheet, and also for recording the particulars of the fielding on the left. Thus, if the batsman secures his first base by a “clean hit”—that is, not by means of a wild throw, a dropped fly ball, or a palpably muffed ball—we place a dot in the square of the column of “times bases on hits” opposite the batsman’s name; and if instead he be put out on the fly, we place a dot in the square of the column headed “fly catches,” on the right, and opposite the fielder’s name. Now the above score only gives the data for estimating the skill of the batsman as far as his score of bases on hits, or on muffs, &c. is concerned, and of the skill of the fielder as far as the record of the totals of his work in the field is concerned. To complete the score, however, something more has to be done, and that is, to record how and by whom each batsman is put out; and how this is to be done we now proceed to show.
The scorer must first make himself familiar with the following abbreviations of words used to indicate the various movements and actions of the fielders, and these abbreviations will be found very easy to commit to memory. They are as follows:—
| A | Put out at | first base. |
| B | „ | second base. |
| C | „ | third base. |
| H | „ | home base. |
| F | Put out on | fly catch. |
| K | „ | three strikes. |
| R O | Put out | between bases. |
| L F | „ | on foul fly. |
| L D | „ | on foul bound. |
| T F | „ | on tip fly. |
| T D | „ | on tip bound. |
| H R | „ | for home run. |
As before stated, the figures 1, 2, 3 are used for recording the outs, and dots for runs; with small figures thus, 1st, 2d, 3d, to indicate being left on the bases.
The key to the above abbreviations is as follows. The first three letters of the alphabet indicate the first three bases, and we use the initial letters of the words Home, Fly, Run Out, and Tip, and the last letter of the words Struck, Foul, and Bound. Thus L stands for foul and F for fly, and both together for “foul fly.” The above system will be found to include everything necessary in recording the important details of a game, to the extent of showing the good plays made at the bat and in the field. In “reporting” the details of a match, however, we necessarily require a still more elaborate system, and our short-hand system for the use of reporters will be found in detail in our “Book of Reference,” published in New York.
In order to illustrate fully the working of the system of scoring above described, we will proceed to score an imaginary game as follows:—
Suppose the fielders in their places and the batsman in his, and the scorers ready to record the game. “Play” is called, and the time of beginning the game at once recorded. The first striker then hits a ball, which is caught on the fly by the left-fielder, who is the seventh striker, we will say, on the other side. On the square of the first innings opposite the name of the first striker you first write down the figure 1, indicating the first hand out, and above it write the figure 7 and the letter F, and your record will then appear thus: 7 F
1
the 7 representing the name of the fielder, and the letter F the initial of the word fly, showing by whom and in what manner the player was put out. Opposite the name of the seventh fielder, too, under the head of “On fair fly,” you write down a dot, which gives him credit for the fly catch in the score of good plays. The second striker now takes the bat, and, hitting a low grounder to centre-field, makes his second base just before the ball is well fielded in to the second baseman. To record this properly you place a dot opposite the batsman’s name to the left under the head of “number of times” bases are made on hits; and in the next column you place two dots, showing the number of bases made on the hit; or, if you like to be more particular, you can write the figure 2 in place of the two dots, and then you will know the bases he made on each hit. The third striker now comes to the bat, and hits a ball to short-stop, who passes it to the first baseman in time to put the player out. You now have to record the second hand out, and you do it thus: first, the figure 2 for second hand out, and the figure 3 for the name of the short-stop, who is the third striker on the list of names on the other side, and then 4 for the first baseman, who is the fourth striker. The square will then appear thus: 3-4 A
2
thereby showing that the batsman was the second hand out by a ball fielded to the first base player by the short-stop. You then, opposite the fielders’ names to the right, under the head of “number of times assisting,” place a dot opposite the third fielder’s name, and under the head of “on bases,” a dot opposite the name of the fourth fielder, thus crediting the short-stop with the assistance rendered and the first baseman with putting the batsman out. The fourth striker now takes the bat and strikes out, and you then record the out by the figure 3 for the third hand out, and the letter K for struck out (in this instance, as in one or two others, as we have shown, we use the last letter of the word), and under the head of “on third strike,” opposite the fielder’s name acting as catcher, we place a dot. This closes the innings. When the game is closed, we add up the total outs and runs charged and credited to each batsman, and place the totals under the heading of “Outs and Runs” to the left of the batsmen’s names. The above will suffice to show the general plan of scoring we adopt in this system. The statistics of the batsman’s play, to the left of the batsmen’s names, include his total score of outs and runs, the total number of times the first base is made, and the number of bases made on clean hits; and a similar record of bases made on “muffed” and wildly thrown balls, and on balked and called balls, together with the number of times base-runners are left on bases, and the number of clean home runs. The statistics of the fielding, to the right of the fielders’ names, include the totals of outs on bases, on fair fly catches, on foul fly and foul bound catches, on three strikes, from being run out, the totals of the players put out, and of times assisting to put them out.
The American game of base-ball will be found an excellent substitute for cricket in England, for those who have not the leisure time for the English game, as a full game of nine innings a side can be played in three hours at most. It is a more vigorous exercise than cricket, and in a closely contested match, fully as exciting to spectators, when understood. For boys, after school hours, it is far better than cricket, owing to the short time required to play a game.