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THE game of Base Ball is fast becoming with Americans what Cricket has already become with the English, a national game. The sport is both graceful and invigorating, and requires when properly played the possession both of muscularity of body and strength of nerve. The exercise attendant on this game develops all the physical powers and calls into action every muscle and sinew in the human frame. There are few sights more exhilarating and captivating than a well contested match game between evenly matched clubs. Such a spectacle rarely fails to draw admiring throngs, and to be considered a first class player is a distinction of which any American youth may feel proud. As our readers will find this subject fully treated in professional works, we do not propose to enter into any lengthy description of the origin or progress of the game of Base Ball. We shall therefore simply state that this game was derived from the old English game of Rounders, reduced to a system, and governed by rules and regulations adopted by “The National Association of Base Ball Players,” held in New York, December 13, 1865. These regulations for the convenience of our readers we here insert.

RULES OF THE GAME.

Section 1. The ball must weigh not less than five and one-half, nor more than five and three-fourths ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less than nine and one-half, nor more than nine and three-fourths 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 each corner 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 some soft material; the home base and pitcher’s point to be each marked by 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 to 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 his position at the home base. And in all match games, a line connecting the home and first base and the home and third base, shall be marked by the use of chalk, or other suitable material, so as to be distinctly seen by the umpire.

Many of our clubs have an iron quoit for the home base, that is in direct violation of the rule which states that the home base must be marked by “a flat circular iron plate.” Those we allude to rise in the center, and the consequence is, when a ball touches the base, it flies off at a tangent, instead of rebounding as if it had touched the ground, as it would do were it flat, as the rule prescribes.

Sec. 5. The pitcher’s position shall be designated by two lines, four yards in length, drawn at right angles to a line from home to second base, having their centers upon that line at two fixed iron plates, placed at points 15 and 16 1-3 yards distant from the home base. The pitcher must stand within the lines, and must deliver the ball as near as possible over the center of the home base, and for the striker.

[It will be seen that the rule requires the ball to be pitched as near as possible over the home base, and for the striker; the pitcher, therefore, has no right to pitch the ball to the catcher especially, as is often done when a player is on the first base, and umpires should see that the rule is enforced.

This important change was made by the Convention of 1863. The object being to do away with the unfair style of pitching that was in vogue during 1861, ’62, and ’63, during which period those pitchers who failed in achieving the success attained by the lamented Creighton, offset their want of skill by trying to intimidate the batsmen by pitching the ball at them instead of for them as the rules require.]

Sec. 6. Should the pitcher repeatedly fail to deliver to the striker fair balls for the apparent purpose of delaying the game, or for any cause, the umpire, after warning him, shall call one ball, and if the pitcher persists in such action, two and three balls; when three balls shall have been called, the striker shall take the first base; and should any base be occupied at that time, each player occupying it or them shall take one base without being put out.

[In warning the pitcher before calling balls on him, all that is necessary is to call “ball to the bat;” and if two balls are pitched unfairly after such warning, “one ball” should be called, and if one unfair ball be delivered after that call, then “two” and “three” balls should be promptly called. A pitcher “repeatedly” fails if he fails twice in succession; and he “persists” in his unfair delivery if he pitch one ball after the first penalty has been imposed. In the first innings of a game, a little more latitude is allowable, but afterwards the rule should be strictly enforced to the very letter of the law.]

Sec. 7. The ball must be pitched, not jerked or thrown to the bat; and whenever the pitcher 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 front line or off the ground at the time of delivering the ball; and if he fails in either of these particulars, then it shall be declared a baulk.

[The pitcher makes a baulk when he either jerks a ball to the bat, has either foot in advance of the line of his position, or off the ground at the time of delivering the ball, or moves with the apparent purpose of pitching, without delivering the ball. The sentence “time of delivering the ball” has been interpreted by the Committee on Rules and Regulations of the National Association to mean, the period when the last movement of the arm is made in delivering the ball; and consequently if either foot of the pitcher be off the ground when this movement is made—it being nearly simultaneous with the ball’s leaving the hand of the pitcher—umpires must declare a baulk without being appealed to.]

Sec. 8. When a baulk is made by the pitcher, every player running the bases is entitled to one base, without being put out.

[The striker cannot take a base, on a baulk, as he is not considered a “player running the bases” until he has made the first base and ceased to be a striker.]

Sec. 9. If a ball, from a stroke of the bat, first touches the ground, the person of a player, or any other object, behind the range of home and the first base, or home and the third base, it shall be termed foul, and must be so declared by the umpire, unasked. If the ball first touches the ground, either upon, or in front of the range of those bases, it shall be considered fair.

[Nothing is mentioned in Section 9 in reference to any ball that is caught, either on the fly or first bound, after touching the side of a building, a fence, or a tree. In such cases a special rule is requisite before beginning a match.]

Sec. 10. A player making the home base, shall be entitled to score one run.

Sec. 11. 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. 12. The striker is out if a foul ball is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound.

Sec. 13. Or, if three balls are struck at and missed, and the last is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound.

[The bound-catch, in this instance—the ball striking the ground back of the home base—is considered in the light of a foul ball, as far as the fly-game is concerned, and consequently when the ball is caught on the bound, on the third strike, the player must be given out, the same as he was last year under the bound rule.]

Sec. 14. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is caught without having touched the ground.

Sec. 15. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is held by an adversary on first base, before the striker touches that base.

Sec. 16. Any player running the bases is out, 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 the base.

[All that is requisite for a player to “hold his base,” according to the meaning of the rule, is, for him to touch the base bag, no matter whether the bag is in its position or not.]

Sec. 17. No ace or base can be made upon a foul ball; such a ball shall be considered dead, and not in play until it shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher. In such cases players running bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base.

Sec. 18. No ace nor base can be made when a fair ball has been caught without having touched the ground; such a ball shall be considered alive and in play. In such case players running bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning, in the same manner as the striker when running to first base; but players, when balls are so caught, may run their bases immediately after the ball has been settled in the hands of the player catching it.

[It will be seen by the above two Sections that a player running a base on a foul ball must return to the base he has left and remain on it until the ball has been fairly settled in the hands of the pitcher. But in case of fly-catches, a player running a base is only required to return and touch the base, after which he can leave it at once and try and make the next base. He must, however, touch the base after the ball has been caught.]

Sec. 19. 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 innings is played, the turn commences with the player who stands on the list next to the one who lost the third hand.

[This rule should be strictly enforced by the umpire.] A striker has no right to avail himself of the advantage derived from standing back of the line of his position, thereby increasing the distance between himself and the pitcher, and obtaining a better opportunity of judging the ball. Besides which, a poorly hit ball which would strike the ground in front of the home base—if the batsman stood on the line of his base—and lead to his being put out, is changed to a foul ball by his standing back of his base, and he thereby escapes the penalty of his poor batting.

Sec. 20. Players must make their bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying, 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 on any base, under these circumstances, in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base.

Sec. 21. Players running bases must touch them; and, so far as possible, keep upon the direct line between them; and must touch them in the following order: first, second, third, and home; and if returning must reverse this order; and should any player run three feet out of this line, for the purpose of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, he shall be declared out.

[A player failing to touch his base must be declared out—after an appeal—unless he can return to the base before he is touched.]

Sec. 22. Any player, who shall intentionally prevent an adversary from catching or fielding the ball, shall be declared out.

Sec. 23. If the player is prevented from making a base, by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that base, and not be put out.

[These two latter sections are, of course, intended solely for any willful or unnecessary obstruction. It is impossible that a player, while in the act of fielding a swiftly sent ball, can always be on the lookout as to where his adversary is running, or that a player running the bases can always be equally careful in regard to his preventing an adversary from getting to his base. Some base players have a habit of pushing players off their bases while in the act of receiving the ball. Such unfair play should be punished by promptly inflicting the above penalty.]

Sec. 24. If an adversary stops the ball with his hat or cap, or if a ball be stopped by any person not engaged in the game, or if it be taken from the hands of any one 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. 25. If a ball, from the stroke of a 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. 26. If two hands are already out, no player running home at the time the ball is struck, can make a run to count in the score of the game if the striker is put out.

Sec. 27. An innings must be concluded at the time the third hand is put out.

Sec. 28. The game should 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. 29. 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, either in or out of the National Association, for thirty days prior to the match. No change or substitution shall be made after the game has been commenced, unless for 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.

[This rule of course excludes players belonging to Junior clubs from taking part in Senior club matches, and likewise excludes players belonging to any base ball club, but not cricket clubs, as cricket is a distinct game of ball.]

Sec. 30. The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting the ball, bats, bases, and the pitcher’s and striker’s position, are strictly observed. 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 special care to declare all foul balls and baulks immediately upon their occurrence, unasked, in a distinct and audible manner. He shall, in every instance, before leaving the ground, declare the winning club, and shall record his decision in the books of the scorers.

Sec. 31. In all matches the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the duties enumerated in Section 30, except recording the game, which shall be done by two scorers, one of whom shall be appointed by each of the contending clubs.

Sec. 32. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be either 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 of both parties (except for a violation of this law) except as provided in Section 29, and then the umpire may dismiss any transgressors.

[This rule was almost entirely ignored last season; for there was scarcely a game played in which some one or other of the parties abovenamed did not bet on the result. This year more care will be taken to observe the rule; for those who bet large sums on the leading contests of the season, intend to dispute the loss of their bets in all cases wherein this rule is not observed; and they will have the right—according to the best sporting authority—to hold the stake-holder responsible in every instance in which he pays over the stakes to the winner when this rule has been broken; for under such circumstances the wager is not fairly won, unless those who bet mutually agree beforehand to allow of such infringement of the rules of the game.]

Sec. 33. The umpire in any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and if the 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. 34. 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.

Sec. 35. No person shall be permitted to approach or to speak with the umpire, scorers, or players, or in any manner to interrupt or interfere during the progress of the game, unless by special request of the umpire.

Sec. 36. No person shall be permitted to act as umpire or scorer in any match, unless he shall be a member of a Base-Ball Club governed by these rules.

This rule has never been properly observed. Every club should appoint a regular scorer for the season, and he should be competent to record the fielding as well as batting score of the game. Until this is done a full analysis of the season’s play of a club can not be obtained.

Sec. 37. Whenever a match shall have been determined upon between two clubs, play shall be called at the exact hour appointed; and should either party fail to produce their players within fifteen minutes thereafter, the party so failing shall admit a defeat.

[This rule has always been a dead letter. When clubs appoint a time for calling the game, it should be promptly proceeded with after the time allowed by the rule has expired.]

Sec. 38. Any match game played by any club in contravention of the rules adopted by this Association, shall be considered null and void, and shall not be counted in the list of match games won or lost, except a game be delayed by rain beyond the time appointed to commence the same. Any match game can be put off by mutual consent of the parties about engaging in the game. No match game shall be commenced in the rain.

[This is a new rule and was designed to obviate the difficulty attending upon the repudiation of any rule of the game any two clubs may mutually agree to ignore. Thus, for instance, any two clubs agreeing to allow a member of either club to play in a match who has not been a member for thirty days previous to a match, by this rule cannot claim the ball won, or count the match played as a regular game. The exception made in case of rain refers to that rule which requires a game to be commenced within fifteen minutes of the time appointed.]

Sec. 39. No person who shall be in arrears to any other club, or who shall at any time receive compensation for his services as player, shall be competent to play in any match.

Sec. 40. Should a striker stand at the bat without striking at good balls repeatedly pitched to him, for the apparent purpose of delaying the game, or of giving advantage to a player, the umpire, 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 had struck at three fair balls.

[Section 40 is a rule that should be strictly enforced, as it refers to a part of the game that is oft-times a very tedious and annoying feature. How often do we see the striker, the moment his predecessor has made his first base, stand still at the home base and await the moment when the player on the first base can avail himself of the failure of either the pitcher or catcher to hold the ball while tossing it backward and forward to each other. Some catchers—chiefly among boys, however—actually stand to the right of the home base purposely for this style of game; and even when the pitcher and catcher are inclined to do their duty, the batsman is not, and the latter is frequently allowed to stop the progress of the game by his refusal to strike at good balls, under the plea that they do not suit him, when it is apparent to all that he simply wants to allow his partner to get to his second base. In every respect it is preferable to play the game manfully, and without resorting to any such trickery as this, which not only tires the spectator, but detracts from the merit of the game itself. Even under the new rule of pitching this unfair play was practiced last season. It is to be hoped that umpires will do their duty this year, and put an entire stop to it, which they have the power to do.]

Sec. 41. Every match hereafter made shall be decided by the best two games out of three, unless a single game shall be mutually agreed upon by the contesting clubs.

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.

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.

FIELD POSITIONS.

1. The Catcher.

The duty of this player is to catch or stop all balls pitched or thrown to the home base. To fill this position properly, requires no small measure of dexterity and skill, always on the alert to secure foul bounds and tips, with a vigilant eye to the bases, together with precision and power in throwing to them, the catcher’s position is so important that he is generally chosen captain of the nine.

After a striker has made his first base, the catcher should advance toward the pitcher and stand directly behind the bat so as to take the balls before they bound and by throwing swiftly at the second base cut off a player from making that base. When a ball is batted high to long field and several fielders run to catch it, he should distinctly call the fielder by name whom he thinks surest to take it, when the others should pause, and strive only to take it on the bound, should it be missed on the fly.

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2. The Pitcher.

The position of the player is behind a line four yards in length, drawn at right angles from the home to second base, at a distance of 45 feet from the former base. Four feet in the rear of this line, in another parallel to it and in the space between these two must the pitcher stand, immediately before, and while delivering the ball. Both feet must be firmly planted on the ground while he is pitching, and he should be careful not to jerk or throw the ball, but deliver it directly over the home base and for the striker. The pitcher is frequently called upon to supply the places of basemen while they are fielding, and it is of great importance that he should be a ready catcher and good fielder. A ball pitched at a high rate of speed, and at the same time containing a bias or “twist” will prove the most effective. As this position calls for a great amount of physical labor, some person who is not easily fatigued should be selected to fill it.

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3. The Short Stop.

The duties of this player are many and arduous, and his position the most dangerous one on the field. He stands in the center of the triangle formed by the second and third bases and pitcher’s position, though he should vary his position according to his knowledge of different player’s style of batting. It is to this spot that nearly all the swiftly batted ground balls come, which require more nerve and practice to stop than any other. Upon securing the ball the short stop should pass it swiftly to whatever base a player may be running for, generally to the first. He should be on the alert to cover the third base when the catcher throws to it; to back up the second when receiving a ball from the fielders, and also to take balls on the bound when missed by the third baseman or pitcher.

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4. First Base.

This player should be a splendid catch, and able to hold swiftly sent balls, as he will be obliged to take them from the pitcher and short stop, more frequently than any of the other basemen. He should play a little below his base, and inside the line of the foul ball post in order to secure balls which would otherwise pass him. As soon as the ball is struck he should return to his base and with one foot upon it stand ready to receive the ball from whatever player may have fielded it.

This is the only base where a player can be put out without being touched by the ball, (excepting balls caught on the fly, or those that are fouled) as it is only necessary that the baseman with ball in hand touch the base before the striker reaches it. He should instantly deliver the ball to the pitcher or to any base where it may be necessary.

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5. Second Base.

Many ball players consider this position to be the most important point in the whole game, and with good reason. It should never be filled but by an accurate thrower, a sure catcher and a thorough fielder. As most of the balls pass to the left of this base it is well to play in that direction and a little back of it, although when a player reaches the first base the baseman should instantly return. The second base can give material aid to the pitcher by backing him up closely, and not suffering a ball to pass them both if possible to stop it. If he fails to catch a ball, let him by all means stop it in some way, in order to put out a player by touching him, then return it to the pitcher.

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6. Third Base.

The position of third baseman is quite as important as any of the others, as in this direction pass the majority of foul balls, which with dexterity may be taken on the fly. As he has considerable fielding to perform it is best that he play away from his base, except when a player runs either to or from it. He should never attempt to hinder a player from reaching his base, and this advice should be taken and acted upon by all basemen.

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7. Left Field.

Here is a chance for the display of the finest of fielding, as half of the air balls are sent in this direction. The left fielder is required to be a swift runner, powerful thrower, and an excellent catcher in order to acceptably fill this position.

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8. Center Field.

This player should be in readiness to back up the second base, and should never go to long field except when a heavy hitter is at the bat. He is required to possess nearly the same qualities which distinguish the left fielder.

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9. Right Field.

It is difficult to find a poor place in any of the nine positions in a well contested game of Base Ball, but if there is one which is at all inferior to the rest, the right field should be so considered, simply because balls are sent in this direction but occasionally. Yet it is important that this field be occupied by one who understands his business, as the batsman if he sees signs of weakness there, will soon take advantage of his discovery by batting frequently into that quarter.

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The Umpire.

One of the most undesirable positions on a Base Ball field is that of the umpire. He cannot fail to displease some one by his decisions, though he govern himself by the strictest rules of the game. Great firmness here is necessary in supporting a decision, and on any doubtful point it is better that he adhere to his first impressions as they are most likely to prove correct. No one should be allowed to approach, or converse with the umpire during a game. He should close both eyes and ears to everything outside of the game in progression, and allow no remarks of whatever nature in reference to his judgment to influence him in the least. All foul balls should be called in a loud, clear and distinct tone of voice, and no member of a club should question any decision, however incorrect it may appear to them, but cheerfully acquiesce, and if corrections are to be made, there will be plenty of time at the conclusion of the game. It is unnecessary to add that the person acting as umpire should possess a thorough knowledge of the game in all its details. He must keep a strict watch upon both pitcher and striker, and if necessary call strikes or balls upon them in accordance with the rules. His position is to the right of and between the striker and catcher, on a line between the home and third base.

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The Scorer.

The scorer may be regarded as the clerk of the game, and it is his duty to record the score of each player, and make a full and complete showing of each man’s standing throughout the game. The same person should always be appointed scorer in all match games, and he should be selected as well for his gentlemanly qualities as for his familiarity with the game.