ON THE SELECTION AND MEASURING OF A GROUND.
It is of the greatest importance that a Base Ball ground should be perfectly level and as free as possible from all obstructions in the shape of irregularities, stones, &c., and a fine, short turf will be found to add materially to the comfort of the players. The length of the field should be 600 feet, while the breadth about 400. The home base or batter’s stand, should be 70 feet from the head of the field. The space between the home base and the catcher’s stand, must be firmly packed earth as hard and level as a billiard table. The bases should be square blocks of wood covered with a double thickness of canvas and they are sometimes stuffed with hair to prevent accidents from falling, and here let us suggest that one point be not overlooked in preparing the ground, that is the erection of seats protected by an awning, for the accommodation of the “fair sex,” who manifest great interest in this game, and whose presence never fails to inspire the players with renewed ardor.
The bases should be firmly secured by leathern straps passing completely around them. The simplest method of laying out your ground is to first determine the point of your home base. Then measure down the field 127 feet 4 inches, which will give the position of your second base. Then taking a cord 180 feet in length and fastening either end to the second and home bases, by grasping the center and extending it to the right and left you have the points of your first and third bases. You have now found a square whose sides are 90 feet. Then draw a line from the home to second base, and at a point 45 feet from the former will be the pitcher’s first point, and three feet further on the same line his second point.
Posts painted white, and elevated from the ground so as to be distinctly seen by the umpire, are placed on a line with the home and first base, and home and third base, at least 100 feet from the bases. These are termed “foul ball posts,” and are used by the umpire in his decisions in reference to foul balls.
DIAGRAM OF BASE BALL FIELD.
PITCHER’S POINT AND HOME BASE.
Both the pitcher’s point and the home base are indicated by iron quoits not less than nine inches in diameter and painted white, secured by means of iron spikes from beneath. A plank six feet in length, two inches in width, and inserted in the earth six or eight inches deep, with enough edge above ground so that it may be distinctly seen by the umpire, marks the line of the pitcher’s position.