Chapter 14

RULE 45. The Base Runner must touch each Base in regular order, viz.: First, Second, Third and Home Bases; and when obliged to return (except on a foul hit) must retouch the base or bases in reverse order. He shall only be considered as holding a base after touching it, and shall then be entitled to hold such base until he has legally touched the next base in order, or has been legally forced to vacate it for a succeeding Base Runner.

ENTITLED TO BASES.

RULE 46. The Base Runner shall be entitled, without being put out, to take one Base in the following cases:

SEC. 1. If, while he was Batsman, the Umpire called four Balls.

SEC. 2. If the Umpire awards a succeeding Batsman a base on four balls, or for being hit with a pitched ball, or in case of an illegal delivery-- as in Rule 44, Sec. 5--and the Base Runner is thereby forced to vacate the base held by him.

SEC. 3. If the Umpire calls a "balk."

SEC. 4. If a ball delivered by the Pitcher pass the Catcher and touch the Umpire or any fence or building within ninety feet of the Home Base.

SEC. 5. If upon a fair hit the Ball strikes the person or clothing of the Umpire on fair ground.

SEC. 6. If he be prevented from making a base by the obstruction of an adversary.

SEC. 7. If the Fielder stop or catch a batted ball with his hat or any part of his dress.

RETURNING TO BASES.

RULE 47. The Base Runner shall return to his Base, and shall be entitled to so return without being put out.

SEC. 1. If the Umpire declares a Foul Tip (as defined in Rule 38) or any other Foul Hit not legally caught by a Fielder.

SEC. 2. If the Umpire declares a Foul Strike.

SEC. 3. If the Umpire declares a Dead Ball, unless it be also the fourth Unfair Ball, and he be thereby forced to take the next base, as provided in Rule 46, Sec. 2.

SEC. 4. If the person or clothing of the Umpire is struck by a ball thrown by the Catcher to intercept a Base Runner.

WHEN BASE RUNNERS ARE OUT.

RULE 48. The Base Runner is out:

SEC. 1. If, after three strikes have been declared against him while Batsman, and the Catcher fail to catch the third strike ball, he plainly attempts to hinder the Catcher from fielding the ball.

SEC. 2. If, having made a Fair Hit while Batsman, such fair hit ball be momentarily held by a Fielder, before touching the ground or any object other than a Fielder. _Provided_, it be not caught in a Fielder's hat or cap.

SEC. 3. If, when the Umpire has declared three strikes on him, while batsman, the third strike ball be momentarily held by a Fielder before touching the ground. _Provided_, it be not caught in a Fielder's hat or cap, or touch some object other than a Fielder before being caught.

SEC. 4. If, after Three Strikes or a Fair Hit, he be touched with the ball in the hand of a Fielder before such Base Runner touches First Base.

SEC. 5. If, after Three Strikes or a Fair Hit, the ball be securely held by a Fielder, while touching First Base with any part of his person, before such Base Runner touches First Base.

SEC. 6. If, in running the last half of the distance from Home Base to First Base, he runs outside the Three Feet Lines, as defined in Rule 10; except that he must do so if necessary to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, and in such case shall not be declared out.

SEC. 7. If, in running from First to Second Base, from Second to Third Base, or from Third to Home Base, he runs more than three feet from a direct line between such bases to avoid being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder; but in case a Fielder be occupying the Base Runner's proper path, attempting to field a batted ball, then the Base Runner shall run out of the path and behind said Fielder, and shall not be declared out for so doing.

SEC. 8. If he fails to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, in the manner prescribed in Sections 6 and 7 of this Rule; or if he, in any way, obstructs a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball: _Provided_, That if two or more Fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the Base Runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the Umpire shall determine which Fielder is entitled to the benefit of this Rule, and shall not decide the Base Runner out for coming in contact with any other Fielder.

SEC. 9. If, at any time while the ball is in play, he be touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder, unless some part of his person is touching a base he is entitled to occupy: _Provided_, The ball be held by the Fielder after touching him; but (exception as to First Base), in running to First Base, he may overrun said base without being put out for being off said base, after first touching it, provided he returns at once and retouches the base, after which he may be put out as at any other base. If, in overrunning First Base, he also attempts to run to Second Base, or, after passing the base he turns to his left from the foul line, he shall forfeit such exemption from being put out.

SEC. 10. If, when a Fair or Foul Hit ball, other than a foul tip as referred to in Rule 38, is legally caught by a Fielder, such ball is legally held by a Fielder on the base occupied by the Base Runner when such ball was struck (or the Base Runner be touched with the ball in the hands of a Fielder), before he retouches said base after such Fair or Foul Hit ball was so caught. _Provided_, That the Base Runner shall not be out in such case, if, after the ball was legally caught as above, it be delivered to the bat by the Pitcher before the Fielder holds it on said base, or touches the Base Runner with it; but if the Base Runner in attempting to reach a base, detaches it before being touched or forced out he shall be declared safe.

SEC. 11. If, when a Batsman becomes a Base Runner, the First Base, or the First and Second Bases, or the First, Second and Third Bases, be occupied, any Base Runner so occupying a base shall cease to be entitled to hold it, until any following Base Runner is put out and may be put out at the next base or by being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder in the same manner as in running to First Base, at any time before any following Base Runner is put out.

SEC. 12. If a Fair Hit ball strike him _before touching the fielder_ and in such case no base shall be run unless forced by the Batsman becoming a Base Runner, and no run shall be scored.

SEC. 13. If when running to a base or forced to return to a base, he fail to touch the intervening base or bases, if any, in the order prescribed in Rule 45, he may be put out at the base he fails to touch, or by being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder, in the same manner as in running to First Base.

SEC. 14. If, when the Umpire calls "Play," after any suspension of a game, he fails to return to and touch the base he occupied when "Time" was called before touching the next base.

WHEN BATSMAN OR BASE RUNNER IS OUT.

RULE 49. The Umpire shall declare the Batsman or Base Runner out, without waiting for an appeal for such decision, in all cases where such player is put out in accordance with these rules, except as provided in Rule 48, Sections 10 and 14.

COACHING RULES.

RULE 50. The Captains and Coachers are restricted in coaching to the Base Runner only, and are not allowed to address any remarks except to the Base Runner, and then only in words of necessary direction; and no player shall use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon a player of the opposing club, or the audience. To enforce the above, the Captain of the opposite side may call the attention of the Umpire to the offence, and upon a repetition of the same the club shall be debarred from further coaching during the game.

THE UMPIRE.

RULE 51. The Umpire shall not be changed during the progress of a game, except for reasons of illness or injury.

HIS POWERS AND JURISDICTION.

RULE 52. SEC. 1. The Umpire is master of the Field from the commencement to the termination of the game, and is entitled to the respect of the spectators, and any person offering any insult or indignity to him must be promptly ejected from the grounds.

SEC. 2. He must compel the players to observe the provisions of all the Playing Rules, and he is hereby invested with authority to order any player to do or omit to do any act as he may deem necessary, to give force and effect to any and all of such provisions.

SPECIAL DUTIES.

RULE 53. The Umpire's duties shall be as follows:

SEC. 1. The Umpire is the sole and absolute judge of play. In no instance shall any person be allowed to question the correctness of any decision made by him except the Captains of the contending nines, and no other player shall at such time leave his position in the field, his place at the bat, on the bases or players' bench, to approach or address the Umpire in word or act upon such disputed decision. Neither shall any Manager or other officers of either club--except the Captains as before mentioned-- be permitted to go upon the field or address the Umpire in regard to such disputed decision, under a penalty of a forfeiture of the game to the opposing club. The Umpire shall in no case appeal to any spectator for information in regard to any case, and shall not reverse his decision on any point of play on the testimony of any player or bystander.

SEC. 2. Before the commencement of a Game, the Umpire shall see that the rules governing all the materials of the game are strictly observed. He shall ask the Captain of the Home Club whether there are any special ground rules to be enforced, and if there are, he shall see that they are duly enforced, provided they do not conflict with any of these Rules. He shall also ascertain whether the fence in the rear of the Catcher's position is distant ninety feet from the Home Base.

SEC. 3. The Umpire must keep the contesting nines playing constantly from the commencement of the game to its termination, allowing such delays only as are rendered unavoidable by accident, injury or rain. He must, until the completion of the game, require the players of each side to promptly take their positions in the field as soon as the the third man is put out, and must require the first striker of the opposite side to be in his position at the bat as soon as the fielders are in their places.

SEC. 4. The Umpire shall count and call every "unfair ball" delivered by the Pitcher, and every "dead ball," if also an unfair ball, as a "ball," and he shall also count and call every "strike." Neither a "ball" nor a "strike" shall be counted or called until the ball has passed the home base. He shall also declare every "Dead Ball," "Block," "Foul Hit," "Foul Strike," and "Balk."

RULE 54. For the special benefit of the patrons of the game, and because the offences specified are under his immediate jurisdiction, and not subject to appeal by players, the attention of the Umpire is particularly directed to possible violations of the purpose and spirit of the Rules of the following character:

SEC. 1. Laziness or loafing of players in taking their places in the field, or those allotted them by the Rules when their side is at the bat, and especially any failure to keep the bats in the racks provided for them; to be ready (two men) to take position as Batsmen, and to remain upon the Players' Bench, except when otherwise required by the Rules.

SEC. 2. Any attempt by players of the side at bat, by calling to a Fielder, other than the one designated by his Captain, to field a ball, or by any other equally disreputable means seeking to disconcert a Fielder.

SEC. 3. The Rules make a marked distinction between hindrance of an adversary in fielding a batted or thrown ball. This has been done to rid the game of the childish excuses and claims formerly made by a Fielder failing to hold a ball to put out a Base Runner. But there may be cases of a Base Runner so flagrantly violating the spirit of the Rules and of the Game in obstructing a Fielder from fielding a thrown ball that it would become the duty of the Umpire, not only to declare the Base Runner "out" (and to compel any succeeding Base Runners to hold their bases), but also to impose a heavy fine upon him. For example: If the Base Runner plainly strike at the ball while passing him, to prevent its being caught by a Fielder; if he holds a Fielder's arms so as to disable him from catching the ball, or if he run against or knock the Fielder down for the same purpose.

CALLING "PLAY" AND "TIME."

RULE 55. The Umpire must call "Play," promptly at the hour designated by the Home Club, and on the call of "Play" the game must immediately begin. When he calls "Time," play shall be suspended until he calls "Play" again, and during the interim no player shall be put out, base be run, or run be scored. The Umpire shall suspend play only for an accident to himself or a player (but in case of accident to a Fielder, "Time" shall not be called until the ball be returned to, and held by the Pitcher, standing in his position), or in case rain falls so heavily that the spectators are compelled, by the severity of the storm, to seek shelter, in which case he shall note the time of suspension, and should such rain continue to fall thirty minutes thereafter, he shall terminate the game; or to enforce order in case of annoyance from spectators.

RULE 56. The Umpire is only allowed, by the Rules, to call "Time" in case of an accident to himself or a player, a "Block," as referred to in Rule 35, Sec. 3, or in case of rain, as defined by the Rules. The practice of players suspending the game to discuss or contest a discussion with the Umpire, is a gross violation of the Rules, and the Umpire must promptly fine any player who interrupts the game in this manner.

INFLICTING FINES.

RULE 57. The Umpire is empowered to inflict fines of not less than $5.00 nor more than $25.00 for the first offence on players during the progress of a game, as follows:

SEC 1. For indecent or improper language addressed to the audience, the Umpire or any player.

SEC. 2. For the Captain or Coacher willfully failing to remain within the legal bounds of his position, except upon an appeal by the Captain from the Umpire's decision upon a misinterpretation of the rules.

SEC. 3. For the disobedience by a player of any other of his orders, or for any other violation of these Rules.

SEC. 4. In case the Umpire imposes a fine on a player, he shall at once notify the Captain of the offending player's side, and shall transmit a written notice thereof to the President of the Association or League within twenty-four hours thereafter, under the penalty of having said fine taken from his own salary.

SEC. 5. A repetition of any of the above offences shall, at the discretion of the Umpire, subject the offender either to a repetition of the fine or to removal from the field and the immediate substitution of another player then in uniform.

FIELD RULES.

RULE 58. No Club shall allow open betting or pool selling upon its grounds, nor in any building owned or occupied by it.

RULE 59. No person shall be allowed upon any part of the field during the progress of the game, in addition to the players in uniform, the Manager on each side and the Umpire; except such officers of the law as may be present in uniform, and such officials of the Home Club as may be necessary to preserve the peace.

RULE 60. No Umpire, Manager, Captain or Player shall address the audience during the progress of a game, except in case of necessary explanation.

RULE 61. Every Club shall furnish sufficient police force upon its own grounds to preserve order, and in the event of a crowd entering the field during the progress of a game, and interfering with the play in any manner, the Visiting Club may refuse to play further until the field be cleared. If the ground be not cleared within fifteen minutes thereafter, the Visiting Club may claim, and shall be entitled to, the game by a score of nine runs to none (no matter what number of innings have been played).

GENERAL DEFINITIONS.

RULE 62. "Play" is the order of the Umpire to begin the game or to resume play after its suspension.

RULE 63. "Time" is the order of the Umpire to suspend play. Such suspension must not extend beyond the day of the game.

RULE 64. "Game" is the announcement by the Umpire that the game is terminated.

RULE 65. "An Inning" is the term at bat of the nine players representing a Club in a game, and is completed when three of such players have been put out as provided in these Rules.

RULE 66. "A Time at Bat" is the term at bat of a Batsman. It begins when he takes his position, and continues until he is put out or becomes a Base Runner; except when, because of being hit by a pitched ball, or in case of an illegal delivery by the Pitcher, as in Rule 44.

RULE 67. "Legal" or "Legally" signifies as required by these Rules.

SCORING.

RULE 68. In order to promote Uniformity in Scoring Championship Games, the following instructions, suggestions and definitions are made for the benefit of scorers, and they are required to make all scores in accordance therewith.

BATTING.

SEC. 1. The first item in the tabulated score, after the player's name and position, shall be the number of times he has been at bat during the game. The time or times where the player has been sent to base by being hit by a pitched ball, by the pitcher's illegal delivery, or by a base on balls shall not be included in this column.

SEC. 2. In the second column should be set down the runs made by each player.

SEC. 3. In the third column should be placed the first base hits made by each player. A base hit should be scored in the following cases:

When the ball from the bat strikes the ground within the foul lines, and out of reach of the fielders.

When a hit ball is partially or wholly stopped by a fielder in motion, but such player cannot recover himself in time to handle the ball before the striker reaches First Base.

When a hit ball is hit so sharply to an infielder that he cannot handle it in time to put out the batsman. In case of doubt over this class of hits, score a base hit, and exempt the fielder from the charge of an error.

When a ball is hit so slowly towards a fielder that he cannot handle it in time to put out the batsman.

That in all cases where a base runner is retired by being hit by a batted ball, the batsman should be credited with a base hit.

When a batted ball hits the person or clothing of the Umpire, as defined in Rule 37.

SEC. 4. In the fourth column shall be placed Sacrifice Hits, which shall be credited to the batsman, who when but one man is out advances a runner a base on a fly to the outfield or a ground hit, which results in putting out the batsman, or would so result if handled without error.

FIELDING.

SEC. 5. The number of opponents put out by each player shall be set down in the fifth column. Where a striker is given out by the Umpire for a foul strike, or because he struck out of his turn, the put-out shall be scored to the Catcher.

SEC. 6. The number of times the player assists shall be set down in the sixth column. An assist should be given to each player who handles the ball in assisting a run out or other play of the kind.

An assist should be given to a player who makes a play in time to put a runner out, even if the player who should complete the play fails, through no fault of the player assisting.

And generally an assist should be given to each player who handles the ball from the time it leaves the bat until it reaches the player who makes the put out, or in case of a thrown ball, to each player who throws or handles it cleanly and in such a way that a put-out results, or would result if no error were made by the receiver.

ERRORS.

SEC. 7. An error shall be given in the seventh column for each misplay which allows the striker or base runner to make one or more bases when perfect play would have insured his being put out, except that "wild pitches," "bases on balls," "bases on the batsman being struck by a pitched ball," or case of illegal pitched ball, balks and passed balls, shall not be included in said column. In scoring errors of batted balls see Section 3 of this Rule.

STOLEN BASES.

SEC. 8. Stolen bases shall be scored as follows:

Any attempt to steal a base must go to the credit of the base runner, whether the ball is thrown wild or muffed by the fielder, but any manifest error is to be charged to the fielder making the same. If the base runner advances another base he shall not be credited with a stolen base, and the fielder allowing the advancement is also to be charged with an error. If a base runner makes a start and a battery error is made, the runner secures the credit of a stolen base, and the battery error is scored against the player making it. Should a base runner overrun a base and then be put out, he should receive the credit for the stolen base.

EARNED RUNS.

SEC. 9. An earned run shall be scored every time the player reaches the home base unaided by errors before chances have been offered to retire the side.

THE SUMMARY.

RULE 69. The Summary shall contain:

SEC. 1. The number of earned runs made by each side.

SEC. 2. The number of two-base hits made by each player.

SEC. 3. The number of three-base hits made by each player.

SEC. 4. The number of home runs made by each player.

SEC. 5. The number of bases stolen by each player.

SEC. 6. The number of double and triple plays made by each side, with the names of the players assisting in the same.

SEC. 7. The number of men given bases on called balls, by each Pitcher.

SEC. 8. The number of men given bases from being hit by pitched balls.

SEC. 9. The number of men struck out.

SEC. 10. The number of passed balls by each Catcher.

SEC. 11. The number of wild pitches by each Pitcher.

SEC. 12. The time of game.

SEC. 13. The name of the Umpire.

AMENDMENTS.

RULE 70. No Amendment or change of any of these National Playing Rules shall be made, except by a joint committee on rules, consisting of three members from the National League and three members from the American Association. Such committee to be appointed at the annual meetings of each of said bodies to serve one year from the twentieth day of December of each year. Such committee shall have full power to act, provided that such amendments shall be made only by an affirmative vote of the majority of each delegation.

Henry Chadwick, the veteran journalist, upon whom the honored sobriquet of "Father of Base Ball" rests so happily and well, appears in portraiture, and so well preserved in his physical manhood that his sixty-three years rest lightly upon his well timed life. Since the age of thirteen he has resided in Brooklyn, New York, and is an honored member of the distinguished society of old Brooklynites. He entered upon the journalistic career in which he has attained eminent distinction in 1856, his first work finding a ready field on the New York _Times_. In 1857 he associated himself with the New York _Clipper_, and was identified with that journal steadily for thirty-one years. After twenty-nine years of remarkable devotion to the interests of morning journalism in the metropolis Mr. Chadwick retired in 1886 to accept an editorial position on the _Outing Magazine_, which, together with his work on the Brooklyn _Eagle_, keeps his ready pen busy. He is one of the most valued contributors on _The Sporting Life_ staff, and his work in other journals has made his name a household word as the "Father of Base Ball." He comes from a famous family of English birth, his brother, Mr. Edwin Chadwick, being the noted sanitary philosopher of England. Mr. Chadwick has edited our League GUIDE since 1880.

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., Chicago and New York.

AN EXPLANATORY APPENDIX TO THE NEW CODE OF RULES FOR 1889.