Rules

The following terms are commonly used at all vintage base ball matches. The rules listed here are used at most games played on Blue Stocking Field

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1860's Base Ball Terminology

Club Nine...................Team

Hurler.........................Pitcher

Umpire.......................Umpire

Aces............................Runs

Player Dead...............Out

3 Hands Dead............Side Retired

Match..........................Game

Behind........................Catcher

Cranks........................Fans

Foul Tic......................Foul Ball

Striker........................Batter

Leg It!..........................Run!

Huzzah!.....................Hurrah!

1860 Base Ball Rules and Customs

Base ball is a gentleman's game:

Matches are conducted according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, gentlemanly behavior, courtesy and respect for others.

There is no : swearing, spitting, scratching, consumption of alcohol, chewing of tobacco or wagering.

Gentleman shall forbear from commenting on umpires judgement.

The Umpire:

Calls foul tics immediately.

May ask players and cranks for assistance in making calls.

Does not call balls, and may call strikes, if deemed necessary.

Levies fines, on the spot, for ungentlemanly conduct.

In Hurling:

The ball must be hurled underhanded, not jerked or thrown.

The ball must be delivered as near as possible to center of home plate.

A Striker is dead when:

A batted ball is caught on one bound off the ground, fair or foul, or on the fly, fair or foul.

After three swinging or called strikes. Foul tics are not strikes.

Other Differences:

Players do not wear gloves or other protective equipment (Note: players may wear gloves that are similar to batting gloves. At the present time we do allow the pitcher and the first baseman to wear small fielder's gloves.)

There is no sliding, leading off or stealing of bases.

The striker may not over run first base.

A batted ball is determined fair or foul by where it first hits the ground.

Players crossing home plate safely must then proceed to the tallykeeper's table, placed one hand on the table, raise the other hand and ask the tallykeeper to please tally his ace for his team. He is then instructed to strike the tally bell. Only then does his ace count.

A runner may not advance if the striker's ball is caught on the fly. He will be instructed to return to his base and may not be put out A runner may advance at his own risk if the striker's ball is caught on one bound, fair or foul.