ON THE USE OF THE BAT.
All bats and balls used are made regulation size, and the bats of different woods as may suit the striker. For a light bat the English willow is prized by many, as its tough, close fibre recommends it to the heavy batter, as well as the ease with which it can be wielded. With those who prefer a heavier bat the ash and hickory are favorites. A light bat is generally preferred to a heavier one as it meets a swiftly pitched ball with greater promptness. There are nearly as many different modes of handling the bat as there are players. We see some grasping it with the left hand on the handle, and sliding the right swiftly down the bat. Others take the bat near the middle, others swing it with a long sweeping stroke, while still another class hold it as in Cricket, pointing to the ground.
It is not so necessary to strike a powerful blow as to hit with quickness, and at the same time maintain a firm and natural position. It is not the heaviest, who make the most powerful batters. Stand with the foot on the line of the striker’s position, and be prepared to strike as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME.
In order to play the game of Base Ball, nine players of a side are necessary, one side taking the bat and the other the field. Their relative positions are generally determined by tossing a coin. A full game consists of nine innings to each side, an inning lasting until three players are “put out,” either at the bat or while running the bases, as will be seen by referring to the rules. The side scoring the largest number of runs during the game is declared victorious. The list of fielders comprise catcher, pitcher, first, second and third basemen, short stop, right, center and left fieldsmen. When each one is in his appointed place, the captain of the fielding nine calls out “ready,” to which the umpire promptly responds “play!”—and upon the first ball which leaves the pitcher’s hand the game commences.
The batsman or striker stands at the home base on a line drawn through its center, parallel to one extending from first to third base and extending three feet on each side of it. The batsman requires considerable judgment to assist him in effectually striking at balls. He must have a quick eye and ready hand to meet the deceptive pitching of an experienced player. If these qualities are wanting he may find himself suddenly caught out on a “foul tip,” or forced ingloriously to retire on a “three strike.” As soon as the ball is struck, it is the duty of a batsman to run at once for the first base, and should he arrive there before the ball reaches the baseman he is said to have “made his base.” Many players acquire the habit of pausing to watch the course of a ball which may possibly fall within the “foul lines,” or if an “air ball” be struck, waiting to see if it is caught by a fielder, before he starts for his base. This is wrong, as if it prove a “foul,” the umpire will announce it in time for the player to return, and should the “fly ball” be missed or “muffed,” the player is well on his way to the base. Upon reaching his base, the striker is succeeded by the next batsman on the list, and when three of these are “put out,” the fielders take their turn at the bat. A run is scored by a player touching in succession the four bases, avoiding being himself touched by the ball while running. A home run is made by his hitting the ball to such a distance that he makes the four bases before it is returned. In case of a tie at the close of the ninth inning the game may be prolonged until one or the other of the contestants obtain the most runs on even innings.
Should anything occur to put a stop to the game, before five innings have been played by each side the game is declared drawn. For all other necessary particulars in regard to the game, the reader is referred to the preceding rules and regulations.