Chapter 23

RULE 35. SECTION 1. A Block is a batted or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by any person not engaged in the game.

SECTION. 2. Whenever a Block occurs the Umpire shall declare it, and Base Runners may run the bases without being put out until the ball has been returned to and held by the pitcher standing in his position.

SECTION. 3. In the case of a Block, if the person not engaged in the game should retain possession of the ball, or throw or kick it beyond the reach of the Fielders, the Umpire should call "Time," and require each Base Runner to stop at the last base touched by him until the ball be returned to the pitcher standing in his position, and the Umpire shall have called play.

THE BATSMAN'S POSITION--ORDER OF BATTING.

RULE 36. The Batsmen must take their positions within the Batsmen's Lines, as defined in Rule 10, in the order in which they are named in the batting order, which batting order must be submitted by the Captains of the opposing teams to the Umpire before the game, and this batting order must be followed except in the case of a substitute player, in which case the substitute must take the place of the original player in the batting order. After the first inning the first striker in each inning shall be the batsman whose name follows that of the last man who has completed his turn--time at bat--in the preceding inning.

RULE 37. SECTION 1. When their side goes to the bat the players must immediately return to the players' bench, as defined in Rule 20, and remain there until the side is put out, except when batsmen or base runners; provided, that the Captain and one assistant only may occupy the space between the Players' Lines and the Captain's Lines, to coach base runners.

SECTION. 2. No player of the side "at bat," except when batsman, shall occupy any portion of the space within the Catcher's Lines, as defined in Rule 3. The triangular space behind the Home Base is reserved for the exclusive use of Umpire, Catcher and Batsman, and the Umpire must prohibit any player of the side "at bat" from crossing the same at any time while the ball is in the hands of, or passing between the Pitcher and Catcher, while standing in their positions.

SECTION. 3. The players of the side "at bat" must occupy the portion of the field allotted them, but must speedily vacate any portion thereof that may be in the way of the ball, or any Fielder attempting to catch or field it.

THE BATTING RULES.

RULE 38. A Fair Hit is a ball batted by the Batsman, standing in his position, that first touches any part of the person of a player or umpire or falls within the foul lines, that (whether it first touches Foul or Fair Ground) bounds or rolls within the Foul Lines, between Home and First, or Home and Third Bases, without interference by a player.

RULE 39. A Foul Hit is a ball batted by the Batsman, standing in his position, that first touches the ground, any part of the person of a player, or any object behind either of the Foul Lines, or that strikes the person of such Batsman, while standing in his position, or batted by the Batsman, standing in his position, that (whether it first touches Foul or Fair Ground) bounds or rolls outside the Foul Lines, between Home and First or Home and Third Bases, without interference by a player: _Provided_, that a Foul Hit ball not rising above the Batsman's head, and caught by the Catcher playing within ten feet of the Home Base, shall be termed a Foul Tip.

RULE 40. A bunt hit is a deliberate attempt on the part of the Batsman to hit a ball slowly within the infield so that it cannot be fielded by any infielder in time to retire the batsman.

BALLS BATTED OUTSIDE THE GROUNDS.

RULE 41. When a batted ball passes outside the grounds, the Umpire shall decide it Fair should it disappear within, or Foul should it disappear outside of, the range of the Foul Lines, and Rules 38 and 39 are to be construed accordingly.

RULE 42. A Fair batted ball that goes over the fence shall entitle the batsman to a home run, except that should it go over the fence at a less distance than two hundred and thirty-five feet from the Home Base, when he shall be entitled to two bases only, and a distinctive line shall be marked on the fence at this point.

STRIKES.

RULE 43. A strike is:

SECTION 1. A ball struck at by the Batsman without its touching his bat; or

SECTION. 2. A Fair Ball legally delivered by the Pitcher, but not struck at by the Batsman.

SECTION. 3. Any obvious attempt to make a Foul Hit.

SECTION. 4. A Foul Hit, other than a Foul Tip, made by the Batsman while attempting a bunt hit, as defined in Rule 40, that falls or rolls upon foul ground between Home Base and First Base or Home Base and Third Base.

SECTION. 5. A ball struck at, if the ball touches any part of the Batsman's person.

SECTION. 6. A ball tipped by the Batsman and caught by the catcher within the 10-foot lines.

RULE 44. A Foul Strike is a ball batted by the Batsman when any part of his person is upon ground outside the lines of the Batsman's position.

THE BATSMAN IS OUT.

RULE 45. The Batsman is out:

SECTION 1. If he fails to take his position at the bat in his order of batting, unless the error be discovered and the proper Batsman takes his position before a time "at bat" recorded; and in such case the balls and strikes called must be counted in the time "at bat" of the proper Batsman, and only the proper Batsman shall be declared out: _Provided_, this rule shall not take effect unless _the out_ is declared before the ball is delivered to the succeeding Batsman, and no runs shall be scored or bases run, and further, no outs shall be counted other than that of the proper Batsman.

SECTION. 2. If he fails to take his position within one minute after the Umpire has called for the Batsman.

SECTION. 3. If he makes a Foul Hit other than a Foul Tip, as defined in Rule 39, and the 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.

SECTION. 4. If he makes a Foul Strike.

SECTION. 5. If he attempts to hinder the Catcher from fielding or throwing the ball by stepping outside the lines of his position, or otherwise obstructing or interfering with the player.

SECTION. 6. If, while the First Base be occupied by a base runner, three strikes be called on him by the Umpire, except when two men are already out.

SECTION. 7. If, after two strikes have been called, the Batsman obviously attempts to make a foul hit, as in Rule 43, Section 3.

SECTION. 8. If, while attempting a third strike, the ball touches any part of the Batsman's person, in which case base runners occupying bases shall return, as prescribed in Rule 49, Section 5.

SECTION. 9. If he hits a fly ball that can be handled by an infielder while first and second bases are occupied, or first, second and third, with only one out.

SECTION. 10. If the third strike is called in accordance with Section 4, Rule 43, in such case the Umpire shall, as soon as the ball is hit, declare infield or outfield hit.

BASE RUNNING RULES.

WHEN THE BATSMAN BECOMES A BASE RUNNER.

RULE 46. The Batsman becomes a Base Runner:

SECTION 1. Instantly after he makes a Fair Hit.

SECTION. 2. Instantly after four balls have been called by the Umpire.

SECTION. 3. Instantly after three strikes have been decided by the Umpire.

SECTION. 4. If, while he be a Batsman, without making any attempt to strike, his person--excepting hands or forearm, which makes it a dead ball--or clothing be hit by a ball from the Pitcher; unless, in the opinion of the Umpire, he intentionally permits himself to be so hit.

SECTION. 5. Instantly after an illegal delivery of a ball by the Pitcher.

BASES TO BE TOUCHED.

RULE 47. 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 48. The Base Runner shall be entitled, without being put out, to take the base in the following cases:

SECTION 1. If, while he was Batsman, the Umpire called four balls.

SECTION. 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 46, Section 5--and the Base Runner is thereby forced to vacate the base held by him.

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

SECTION. 5. If, upon a fair hit, the ball strikes the person or clothing of the Umpire on fair ground.

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

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

RETURNING TO BASES.

RULE 49. The Base Runner shall return to his base, and shall be entitled to so return without being put out:

SECTION 1. If the Umpire declares a Foul Tip (as defined in Rule 39), or any other Foul Hit not legally caught by a fielder.

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

SECTION. 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 48, Section 2.

SECTION. 4. If the person or clothing of the Umpire interferes with the Catcher, or he is struck by a ball thrown by the Catcher to intercept a Base Runner.

SECTION. 5. The Base Runner shall return to his base, if, while attempting a strike, the ball touches any part of the Batsman's person.

WHEN BASE RUNNERS ARE OUT.

RULE 50. The Base Runner is out:

SECTION 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.

SECTION. 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.

SECTION. 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.

SECTION. 4. If, after Three Strikes or a Fair Hit, he be touched with the ball in the hand of a Fielder _before_ he shall have touched First Base.

SECTION. 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.

SECTION. 6. If, in running the last half of the distance from Home Base to First Base, while the ball is being fielded to First Base, he runs outside the three-foot lines, as defined in Rule 7, unless to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a Batted Ball.

SECTION. 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, in 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.

SECTION. 8. If he fails to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, in the manner described 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.

SECTION. 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.

SECTION. 10. If, when a Fair or Foul Hit ball (other than a foul tip as referred to in Rule 39) 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 touches 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.

SECTION. 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.

SECTION. 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; or any other Base Runner put out.

SECTION. 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 47, he may be put out at the base he fails to touch, or being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder, in the same manner as in running to First Base; _Provided_, that the Base Runner shall not be out in such case if the ball be delivered to the bat by the Pitcher before the Fielder holds it on said base or touches the Base Runner with it.

SECTION. 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: _Provided_, the Base Runner shall not be out in such case if the ball be delivered to the bat by the Pitcher before the Fielder holds it on said base or touches the Base Runner with it.

WHEN BATSMAN OR BASE RUNNER IS OUT.

RULE 51. 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 50, Sections 10 and 14.

COACHING RULES.

RULE 52. The coachers shall be restricted to coaching the Base Runner only, and shall not be allowed to address any remarks except to the Base Runner, and then only in words of necessary direction; and shall not use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon a player of the opposing club, the Umpire or the spectators, and not more than two coachers, who may be one player participating in the game and, any other player under contract to it, in the uniform of either club, shall be allowed at any one time. 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 offending player shall be debarred from further participation in the game and shall leave the playing field forthwith.

THE SCORING OF RUNS.

RULE 53. One run shall be scored every time a Base Runner, after having legally touched the first three bases, shall touch the Home Base before three men are put out by (exception). If the third man is forced out, or is put out before reaching First Base, a run shall not be scored.

THE UMPIRE.

RULE 54. The Umpire shall not be changed during the progress of a game, except for reason of illness or injury.

HIS POWERS AND JURISDICTION.

RULE 55. SECTION 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.

SECTION. 2. He must be invariably addressed by the players as Mr. Umpire; and 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 such provisions.

SPECIAL DUTIES.

RULE 56. The Umpire's duties shall be as follows:

SECTION 1. The Umpire is the sole and absolute judge of play. In no instance shall any person, except the Captain of the competing teams, be allowed to address him or question his decisions, and they can only question him on an interpretation of the Rules. No Manager or any other officer of either club shall be permitted to go on the field or address the Umpire, under a penalty of a forfeiture of a game.

SECTION. 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.

SECTION. 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 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.

SECTION. 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 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," "Infield" or "Outfield Hit," as prescribed in Rule 45, Section 9.

CALLING "PLAY" AND "TIME."

RULE 57. 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 58. 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, Section 3, or in case of rain, as defined by the rule.

INFLICTING FINES.

RULE 59. The Umpire is empowered to inflict lines of not less than $25.00, nor more than $100.00, for the first offence, on players during the progress of a game, as follows:

SECTION 1. For vulgar, indecent or other improper conduct or language.

SECTION. 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.

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

SECTION. 4. Immediately upon notification by the Umpire that a fine has been imposed upon any Manager, Captain or player, the Secretary shall forthwith notify the person so fined, and also the club of which he is a member, and in the event of the failure of the person so fined to pay to the Secretary the amount of said fine within five days of notice, he shall be debarred from participation in any championship game until such fine is paid.

SECTION. 5. The Umpire may remove a player from the playing field for a violation of Section 1 of this rule, in addition to a fine, but under no circumstances shall he remove a player for a violation of Section 2 of this Rule, unless upon a repetition of the offence prescribed therein.

FIELD RULES.

RULE 66. No club shall allow open betting or pool-selling upon its ground, nor in any building owned or occupied by it.

RULE 61. 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 62. No Umpire, Manager, Captain or player shall address the spectators during the progress of a game, except in case of necessary explanation.

RULE 63. 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 64. "Play" is the order of the Umpire to begin the game, or to resume play after its suspension.

RULE 65. "Time" is the order of the Umpire to suspend play. Such suspension must not extend beyond the day of the game.

RULE 66. "Game" is the announcement by the Umpire that the game is terminated.

RULE 67. 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 68. 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, or in case of a sacrifice hit purposely made to the infield which, not being a base hit, advances a base runner without resulting in a put out, except to the Batsman, as in Rule 45.

RULE 69. "Legal" or "Legally" signifies as required by these Rules.

SCORING.