Rule 51. The Base Runner shall return to his Base, and shall be entitled to so return without being put out. (1.) If the Umpire declares a Foul Hit, and the ball be not legally caught by a Fielder. (2.) If the Umpire declares a Foul Strike. (3.) If the Umpire declares a Dead Ball, unless it be also the fifth Unfair Ball, and he be thereby forced to take the next base, as provided in Rule 50. (See clause 2.)

Rule 52. The Base Runner shall not have a substitute run for him.

Rule 53. The Base Runner is out: (1.) If, after four strikes have been declared against him while Batsman, and the Catcher fails to catch the fourth-strike ball, he plainly attempts to hinder the Catcher from fielding the ball. (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 the Fielder’s hat or cap. (3.) If, when the Umpire has declared four Strikes on him while Batsman, the Fourth-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’s hat or cap, or touch some object other than a Fielder before being caught. (4.) If, after four Strikes or a Fair Hit, he be touched with the ball in the hand of a Fielder before such Base Runner touches First Base. (5.) If, after four 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. (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 Rule11; 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. (7.) If, in running from First to Second Base, from Second to Third 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 doing so. (8.) If he fails to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, in the manner prescribed in clauses 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 attempting 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. (9.) If, at any time while the ball is in play, he be touched by the ball in the hand 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 over run 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 over-running 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. (10.) If, when a Fair or Foul Hit ball is legally caught by a Fielder, such ball is legally held by the 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. (11.) If, when a Batsman becomes a Base Runner (except as provided in Rule 50), the First Base, or the First an 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. (12.) If a fair hit ball strike him he shall be declared out, and in such case no base shall be run unless forced by the Batsman becoming a Base Runner, and no run be scored.
(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 49, 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. (14.) If, when the Umpire calls “Play,” after ant suspension of a game, he fails to return to and touch the base he occupied when “Time” was called before touching the next base.

Rule 54. The Umpire shall declare the Batsman or base Runner out, without for an appeal for such decision, in all case where such player is put out in accordance with these rules, except as provided in Rule 53, Clauses 10 and 14.

Rule 55. In case of a Foul Strike, Foul Hit ball not legally caught flying, Dead Ball, or Base Runner put out for being struck by a fair-hit ball, the ball shall not be considered in play until it is held by the Pitcher standing in his position.

Rule 56. Whenever a Block occurs, the Umpire shall declare it, and Base Runners may run the bases without being put out, until after the ball has been returned to and held by the Pitcher standing in his position.

Rule 57. 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. If the third man is forced out, or is put out before reaching First Base, a run shall not be scored.

Rule 58. The Captain only may address the Umpire, and then, only, upon a question of interpretation of the rules. Any violation of this rule shall subject the offender to a fine of five dollars by the Umpire.

Rule 59. The Captains and Coaches 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 UMPIRES

DUTIES.

Rule 60. The Umpire’s duties shall be as follows: (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 player’s bench, to approach or address the Umpire in word or act upon such disputed decision, unless requested to do so by the Umpire. Every player violating this provision shall be fined by said Umpire ten dollars for each offence. 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 such case, but may ask for information, if he so desires, from one or more of the players. (2.) Before the commencement of a Match Game, the Umpire shall see that the rules governing all 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. (3.) In case the Umpire imposes a fine on a player, or declares a game forfeited, he shall transmit a written notice thereof to the President of the Association within twenty-four hours thereafter, under the penalty of having said fine taken from his own salary.

Rule 61. The Umpire’s jurisdiction and powers in addition to those specified in the constitution and the preceding rules are: (1.) He must keep the contending 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 hand is put out, and must require the first striker of the opposing side to be in his position at the bat as soon as the fielders are in their places. (2.) 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 of any Fielder attempting to catch or field it. The triangular space behind the Home Base is reserved for the exclusive use of the 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. (3.) The Umpire is the master of the Field from the commencement to the termination of the game, and 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 it necessary to give force and effect to any and all of such provisions, and powers to inflict upon any player disobeying any such order a fine of not less than five nor more then twenty-five dollars for each offense, and to impose a similar fine upon any player who shall use abusive, threatening or improper language to the Umpire. (4.) The Umpire shall at once notify the Captain of the offending player’s side of the infliction of any fine herein provided for.

Rule 62. A fair batted ball that goes over the fence at less distance than two hundred and ten feet from Home Base shall entitle the Batsman to two bases, and a distinctive line shall be marked on the fence at this point. The Umpire shall not reserve his decision on any point of play upon the testimony of any player engaged in the game, or upon the testimony of any by-stander.

Rule 63. The Umpire shall not be changed during the progress of a Match Game, except for reason of illness or injury.

Rule 64. 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: (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 Batsman, and to remain upon the Players’ Bench, except when otherwise required by the Rules. (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. (3.) Indecent or improper language addressed by a player to the audience, the Umpire, or any player. In any of these cases the Umpire should promptly fine the offending player. (4.) 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 hold a fielder’s arms so as to disable him from catching the ball, or if he knock the Fielder down for the same purpose. (5.) 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. (6.) The Umpire must call “Play” at the exact time advertised for beginning a game, and any player not then ready to take the position allotted him, must be promptly fined by the Umpire. (7.) The Umpire is only allowed, by the Rules, to call “Time” in case of an accident to himself or a player, or in case of rain, as defined by the Rules. The practice of players suspending the game to discuss or contest a decision with the Umpire, is a gross violation of the Rules, and the Umpire should promptly fine any player who interrupts the game in this manner.

SCORING.

Rule 65. In Order to Promote Uniformity in Scoring Championship Games, the following instructions, suggestions and definitions are made for the benefit of scores, and they are required to make all scores in accordance therewith.

BATTING. (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. Any time or times where the player has been sent to base by being hit by the pitcher’s illegal delivery, shall not be included in this column. (2.) In the second column should be set down the runs made by each player. (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 between 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 I time to handle the ball before the striker reaches First Base. When the ball is hit so sharply to an infielder that he cannot handle it in time to put out a man. 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 toward a fielder that he cannot handle it in time to put out a man. When the batsman is awarded a base on balls.

BASE RUNNING. (4.) In the fourth column shall be scored bases stolen, and shall include every base made after first base has been reached by a base runner, except those made by reason of, or with the aid of a “battery” error, or by batting, “balks” or by being forced off. In short, shall include all bases made by a “clean steal,” or through a wild throw or muff of the ball by a fielder who is directly trying to put the base runner out while attempting to steal a base.

FIELDING. (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. (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. An assist shall be given the Pitcher when the Batsman fails to hit the ball on the fourth strike, and the same shall also be entered in the summary under the head of “struck out.” (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,” “base an balls,” “bases on the batsman being struck by a pitched ball,” or case of illegally pitched ball, balks and passed balls, shall not be included in said column. In scoring errors off batted balls see Section 3 of this Rule. Rule 66. The summary shall contain: (1.) The number of earned runs made by each side. (2.) The number of two-base hits made by each player. (3.) The number of three-base hits made by each player. (4.) The number of home runs made by each player. (5.) The number of double and triple plays made by each side, with the names of the players assisting in the same. (6.) The number of men given bases on called balls, by each Pitcher. (7.) The number of men given bases from being hit by pitched balls. (8.) The number of passed balls by each Catcher. (9.) The number of wild pitches by each Pitcher. (10.) The time of game. (11.) The name of the Umpire.

AMENDMENTS.

Rule 67. 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.

THE EXPLANATORY APPENDIX. THE OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION OF THE NEW RULES. Through consultations with President Young and with Mr. Ward, who acted on the Conference Committee in the work of revising the playing rules of the game in November, 1886, we are enabled to add to the GUIDE this year an official interpretation of the amendments made to the rules by the above committee, as well as to add an official definition of doubtful points in the code, and this we give in the following explanatory appendix to the National Code of playing rules. These explanations will be found under separate headings, not only as regards each class of rules, but also each separate clause of the most important rules of the code.

THE MATERIALS OF THE GAME. Beginning with the class of rules under this heading we find that the first amendment made was that of changing the positions of the first and third bases, so as to locate them within the boundaries of the diamond field, as in the case of the position of the home base, so that any batted ball touched or passing over either base must of necessity be a fair ball. Under last year’s code a ball would be foul in passing over one part of either base, and fair in passing over another part. The amendment does away with this difficulty.

THE NEW PITCHING RULE. The changes made in the rules governing the delivery of the ball to the bat form the most radical of the amendments made to the code, and by far the most important. In the first place the size of the pitcher’s “box” has been reduced from seven feet in length to five feet six, thus rendering it almost impossible for him to take more than one forward step in delivering, even if he were not expressly forbidden to do so. The new rule also requires the pitcher to keep one foot on the rear line of his position, and this foot he cannot lift until he has completed the forward throwing or pitching movement of his arm in delivery. The rule also says that he shall not “make more than one step in such delivery.” Moreover, in taking his stand in the box, preparatory to the delivery of the ball, he must hold the ball fairly in front of his body, and in sight of the Umpire. This prohibits any holding of the ball behind his back, as was the general rule last year. When, too, he makes any pretence or feint to throw the ball to a base to put out a base runner, he must, after such feint, resume his original standing position, and make a distinct pause before actually delivering the ball to the bat.

THE NEW COACHING LINES. The players of the batting side – the Captain and an assistant only – are obliged under the amended rules to stand on the allotted space of ground, back of first and third bases, which is distant fifteen feet back of each base, and not nearer to home base than seventy-five feet. All coaching of base runners must be done within the lines of this fixed space of foul ground, and consequently no coaches can run from back of third base toward home base, to lead fielding side into the belief that the base runner is running home.

TWO BASE BALLS TO READY FOR USE. The new rules require that the Umpire, on taking his position, shall be given two regulation balls in boxes, to be used in the game as occasion may require. For instance, when the first ball given
to the pitcher in the opening of the game is batted over the fence on either of the spectators’ stands, or onto foul ground, out of sight of the fielding side, the extra ball shall be immediately put in play by the Umpire. Moreover, as often as one of the two balls in use shall be lost or become unfit for use, a new regulation ball must be called for by the Umpire to replace it. In either case the moment the substitute ball is delivered by the Umpire to the pitcher it becomes in play and cannot be exchanged for any other ball, except under the preceding rules. The ball lost in play at the end of the game is the trophy ball, and it then becomes the property of the winning club. The home club is obliged to furnish the two new balls and all other balls called for during the game.

THE FLAT BAT RULE. The bat used in the game can be made of any kind of wood, and at its handle it can be wound with twine, or any granulated substance designed to insure a firm grasp of the handle. But it must be round in form, and at no part of it can it exceed two and a half inches in diameter, nor must it exceed 42 inches in length. A portion of the surface of the bat at its end may be flattened, at the option of its owner.

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