South Coast Vintage Base Ball

The Base Ball Player’s

Pocket Companion:

CONTAINING

Rules and Regulations for Forming Clubs,

DIRECTIONS FOR PLAYING THE

“MASSACHUSETTS GAME,”

AND THE

“NEW YORK GAME,”

FROM OFFICAL REPORTS.

ILLUSTRATED CLOTH.

BOSTON:

MAYHEW & BAKER, 208 WASHINGTON STREET,

1859.

OFFICERS OF THE

Massachusetts Association of Base Ball Players

FOR 1859.

President,

P.R. Johnson, of Winthrop Club, Holliston.

Vice President,

E.E. Nelson, of Excelsior Club, Upton.

Secretary,

A.S. Flye, of Olympic Club, Boston.

Treasurer,

A.S. Harding of Union Club, Medway.

Names of Clubs belonging to the Association. 1859.

APLPH CLUB, Ashland.

AMERICAN CLUB, South Dedham.

ANNAWAM CLUB, Mansfield.

BAY STATE CLUB, Boston.

BUNKER HILL CLUB, Charlestown.

EAGLE CLUB, Westboro’.

EXCELSIOR CLUB, Upton.

FORREST CLUB, East Cambridge.

MASSAPOAG CLUB, Sharon.

MECHANICS CLUB, Waltham.

NEPONSET CLUB, Walpole Centre.

OLYMPIC CLUB, Boston.

ROUGH AND READY CLUB, S. Walpole.

UNION CLUB, Boston.

WADAQUODOCK CLUB, Bolton.

WARREN CLUB, Roxbury.

WINTHROP CLUB, Holliston.

WOPOWAGE CLUB, Milford.

YANKEE CLUB, Natick.

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAME

OF

BASE BALL.

The Game of Base Ball, as adopted by the “Massachusetts 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 activity, and deservedly holds the first place in the estimation of all 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, s the leading game of out-door sports. The popularity of, and the increasing interest in, this game, is mainly to be attributed to the public journals, which have supported and encourage 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 annexed rules and regulations of the game. The ball is composed 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 distances of 30 feet from the thrower’s to the striker’s stand, as explained by the following diagram:– The four corners of the square (A, B, C and D,) are the bases. The square (S,) of four feet, at equal distance between 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 batsman, he is obliged to run the bases, commencing at A, so on to B, C, 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, ho should give strict attention to the game, and be prepared to receive the ball at any time, in order to “put out” an opposite player, while passing from one base to the other. One or two players 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 different parts of the filed, to pass the ball to the thrower when it has been knocked by the striker.

The Rules and Regulations contained in this book, govern 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 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 manifested 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 opening of the season of 1858, there was a general movement in favor of calling a convention of delegates from the several Clubs, for the purpose of establishing a code of regulations to govern all matches between them; and according 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., A resolution 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 Convention adopted the Constitution and By-Laws, and was duly organized under the name of the “Massachusetts Association of Base Ball Players.” The Rules and Regulations of the game were then adopted by the Association, and the Chairman of the

CONSTITUTION.

This Association shall be known by the name of the “Massachusetts Association of Base Ball Players.”

ARTICLE I.

The object of the Association shall be to improve and foster the Massachusetts game of Base Ball, and the cultivation of kindly feelings among the different members of Base Ball Clubs in this State.

ARTICLE II. – Members.

Sec. 1. The Association shall be composed of two delegates from each of the Base Ball Clubs in this State which have been duly admitted to a representation in the Convention forming this Constitution.

Sec. 2. Any Base Ball club, desiring to be represented in this Association, shall present to the Secretary, at least two weeks before the annual meeting of the Association, a written application, signed by its President and Secretary, setting forth the name of the Club, its officers and delegates, and such club shall be declared duly entitled to representation in this Association by paying to the Treasurere the sum of one dollar.

Sec. 3. No Club shall be represented in this Association until its delegates have signed this Constitution.

ARTICLE III. – Officers.

Sec. 1. The officers of this Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Sec. 2. The first election of officers shall be held immediately upon the adoption of this Constituion, and the officers then elected shall respectively hold office until the next annual meeting, and thereafter all officers shall be elected by written ballot and general ticket, a plurality of votes election.

Sec. 3. Each officer shall hold his office of appointment for one year.

Sec. 4. Any vacany in either of the offices may be filled at any meeting of the Association regulary organized.

ARTICLE IV. – Duties of Officers.

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Association, to preserve order, and see that the laws are carried into effect. He shall have no vote, except in the election of officers, and except in cases of an equal division of the members on any question, when he shall give the casting vote.

Sec. 2. The President shall have power to call special meetings of the Association whenever he may deem it expedient, and he shall authorize the Secretary to call a special meeting whenever requested to do so, in writing, by five Clubs. He shall appoint all Committees unless otherwise ordered.

Sec. 3. The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall be invested with the power of that office, and perform all the duties of the office.

Sec. 4. The Secretary shall be a medium of communication with other Associations, and the public. He shall affix his name to all advertisements and notices of the Association, unless otherwise ordered. He shall attend all meetings of the Association, and, in the absence of the President and Vice President, he shall call the same to order. He shall accurately record the proceedings of all meetings in the journal of the Association, also notify Clubs of their election, and issue all notices of meetings. He shall deliver to his successor in office, all books or other property belonging to the Association, in his possession.

Sec. 5. The Treasurer shall receive and hold all the funds of the Association. He shall keep a correct account of all money received and disbursed by him, in a book to be provided for that purpose. He shall pay no bills unless approved by the President or a majority of members; he shall have power to assess each Club their proportionate part of any sum paid out by him, when authorized to do so by a vote of the Association. He shall be prepared to report the amount of funds in his possession at the annual meeting, and whenever requested by a vote of the Association.

ARTICLE V. – Meetings.

Sec. 1. The annual meeting of the Association shall be held on the first Saturday in April, at such hour and place in the city of Boston as the President shall select.

Sec. 2. All meetings of the Association shall be advertised in one or more of the daily journals of the city of Boston, at least one week previous to that of the meeting; and, when a special meeting is called, its nature shall be stated in the announcement of the meeting.

Sec. 3. At all meetings of the Association, fifteen delegates shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE VI. – Rules.

The Rules and Regulations herewith annexed shall govern all match games of Base Ball played between Clubs belonging to this Association.

ARTICLE VII. – Amendments.

No alterations, additions of amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws, or the Rules and Regulations, shall be adopted, unless the same shall be submitted to the annual meeting, nor unless the same shall be adopted by a vote of a majority of all the members present as such meeting.

BY-LAWS.

Sec. 1. The order of business at all meetings shall be as follows : — 1^st. Reading the Report of Previous Meetings. 2d. Election of Officers. 3d. Report of Committees in order of their appointment. 4^th. Report of Officers. 5^th. Unfinished business. 6^th. New business.

Sec. 2. No member shall be allowed to discuss any question under debate without rising and addressing the Chair; nor shall he speak more than twice on any question, nor more that five minutes at any time, unless by unanimous consent.

Sec. 3. Every member present, shall be required to vote on questions, unless he is directly or personally interested, or excused by the vote of a majority of members present.

Sec. 4. Any member may at any time call for the reading of any article of the Constitution of By-Laws, or minutes, or any other paper relating to the question then under consideration.

Sec.5. The yeas and nays shall be taken on any question, at the request of five members.

Sec. 6. any member belonging to this Association, behaving in an ungentlemanly manner, or rendering himself obnoxious to the Association, may, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, be expelled.

Sec. 7. All charges against any member or Club must be submitted in writing, and notice of such charges furnished such members or Clubs so charged, who shall be entitled to submit a written defence.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Of the Game of Base Ball, adopted by the “Massachusetts Association

of Base Ball Players,” held in Dedham, May 13^th, 1858.

1. The Ball must 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.

3. 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 players succeeding the one who lost on the previous innings.

11. The Ball being struck at three times and missed, and caught each time by a player on the opposite side, the Striker shall be considered out. Or, if the Ball be ticked or knocked, and caught on the opposite side, the Striker shall be considered out. 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.

12. Should the Striker stand at Bat without striking at good balls thrown repeatedly at him, for the apparent purpose of delaying the game, or of giving advantage to players, the referees, 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 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 considered out.

15. A player, after 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 made from some Club belonging to this Association, if possible. Their decision shall be final, and binding upon both parties.

21. The Tallymen shall be chosen in the same manner as the Referees.

THE NEW YORK GAME

OF

BASE BALL.

The game of Base Ball is fast becoming, in this country, what Cricket is to England, a national game, combining, as it does, exciting sport and healthful exercise at a trifling expense. It has a decided advantage over the monotonous routine of the Gynmasium or other modes of exercise.The rules adopted by the national Association of Base Ball Players, who meet annually in New York, are rapidly being adopted by players in all parts of the country, they having been found superior to all others as giving a more equal share in the game to all the players engaged, as the game, when properly played, requires close attention, courage and activity; and the victory in a match depends as much upon the excellence of the fielding as on that of players in more prominent positions. The first Club formed in New England, under these rules, was organized June 16^th, 1857, under the name of the “Tri-Mountain Base Ball Club of Boston,” and for a long period was the only one in this section of the country. Like all new ideas not thoroughly understood, this innovation upon the “old style” of play met with decided and marked opposition, and it was only with the most determined pluck and perseverance that the founders kept the club together, and sustained the claims of the game adopted by the National Association as superior to all others. But, in the Spring and summer of 1858, many new clubs were formed, among which were the Portland and Forrest City Clubs, of Portland, Me.; the pioneer, of Springfield, Mass.; the Atwater, of Westfield; the Nonotuck, Union and Excelsior of Northampton, the Lawrence and Independent, of Cambridge; and in the Spring of 1859, the Bowdoin, of Boston. An exciting match played in Boston in the Summer of 1858, between the Portland Club and the Tri-Mountain, did much to remove the prejudices of many of the opponents of the game, and produced a marked change of opinion in its favor; it may now be considered as firmly established in New England, and we trust the day is not far distant when the rules of the National Association will govern all matches played in the country.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

OF

THE GAME OF BASE BALL,

ADOPTED BY THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATON OF BASE BALL PLAYERS,

HELD IN NEW-YORK, MARCH 19, 1859

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 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 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 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 sand or sawdust; the home base and pitcher’s point to be each marked with a flat circular iron plate, painted or enameled white.

Sec. 4 The base from which the ball is struck shall be designated the Home Base, and must be directly opposite the second base; the first base must always be that upon the right hand, and the third base that upon the left hand side of the striker, when occupying the position at the home base.

Sec. 5 The pitcher’s position shall be designated by a line four yards in length, drawn at right angles to a line from home to the second base, having its centre upon that line, at a fixed iron plate placed at a point fifteen yards distant from the home base. The pitcher must deliver the ball as near as possible over the centre of said base, and for the striker.

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 must have neither foot in advance of the line at the time of delivering the ball; and if he fails in either of these particulars, then it shall be declared a baulk.

Sec. 7 When a baulk is made by the pitcher, every player running the bases is entitled to one base, without being put out.

Sec. 8 If the ball, from a stroke of the bat, is caught behind 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 touching the ground, either upon or in front of the range of those bases, it shall be considered fair.

Sec. 9 A player making the home base, shall be entitled to score one run.

Sec. 10 If three balls are struck at and missed, and the last one is not caught, either flying or upon the first bound, it shall be considered fair, and the striker must attempt to make his run.

Sec. 11 The striker is out if a foul 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 caught either before touching the ground or upon the first bound:

Sec. 13. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is caught without having touched the ground or upon the first bound:

Sec. 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:

Sec. 15. Or 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 a base.

Sec. 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 considered dead, and not in play, until it shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher; in either case the players running the bases shall return to them.

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 occupied by the pitcher. He shall be considered the striker until he has made the first base. Players must strike in regular rotation, and, after the first inning is played, the turn commences with the player who stands on the list next to the one who lost the third hand.

Sec. 18. Players must make their bases in order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying nor 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 at any base, under these circumstances, in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base.

Sec. 19. Players running the bases must, so far as possible, keep upon the direct line between bases; and should any player run three feet out of this line, for purpose of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, he shall be declared out.

Sec. 20. Any player who shall intentionally prevent an adversary from catching or fielding the ball, shall be declared out.

Sec. 21. If a player is prevented making a base, by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that base, and not be put out.

Sec. 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 game, no player can be put out unless the ball shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher.

Sec. 23. If a ball, from the stroke of the bat, is held under any other circumstances than as enumerated in Section 22, and without having touched the ground more than once, the striker is out.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 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 regular members of the club which they represent, and of no other club, for thirty days prior to the match. No change or substitution shall be made after the game has been commenced, unless for a reason of illness or injury. Position of players and choice of innings shall be determined by captains, previously appointed for that purpose by the respective clubs.

Sec. 28. The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting the ball, 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 disputes 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 distinct and audible manner.

Sec. 29. In all matches, the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, 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 appointed by each of the contending clubs.

Sec. 30. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be directly or indirectly interested in any bet upon the game. Neither umpire, scorer, nor player shall be changed during a match, unless with the consent both parties, except for a violation of this law, and except as provided in Section 27, and then the umpire may dismiss any transgressor.

Sec. 31. The umpire in any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and if game cannot be concluded, 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.

Sec. 32. 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 every player and umpire previous to the commencement of the game.

[For plan of Laying out the grounds for this Game, see Diagram, Frontispiece.]

Uniform with Base Ball Player’s Companion.

THE

CRICKET PLAYER’S

POCKET COMPANION.

CONTAING

Plans for Laying Out the Grounds,

FORMING CLUBS, &c., &c.,

TO WHICH ARE ADDED

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CRICKET,

ADOPTED BY THE

MARY-LE-BONE CLUB.

BOSTON :

MAYHEW & BAKER, 208 WASHINGTON STREET.

1859.