(PASS ALONG TO YOUR NEIGHBOR)

1880’s BASE BALL
RULES, STRATEGIES & ETIQUETTE

This weekend’s 19th Century Base Ball Showdown represents a time when local tradesmen would commonly gather after work to play baseball against neighboring town ball clubs, which became known as Town Ball. For today’s game, team rosters were assembled through tryouts, and feature some of the best baseball talent from Naugatuck to Stratford and every town in between.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the game as it was played nearly150 years ago.

1880’s RULES (All other modern rules apply).

1. BALLS & STRIKES: 7 Balls = Walk. 3 Strikes = Out. SPITBALLS ARE LEGAL.

2. FOUL BALLS & FOUL TIP: Foul balls are NOT counted as strikes. Any foul tip caught by catcher is an out, regardless of the number of strikes.

3. PITCHERS BOX: There is no mound. Pitchers throw from a ground level box that measures 4′ wide x 6′ deep, outlined in chalk. The front line of the box is 55′ from home plate. The pitcher must begin and end inside of box on each pitch. If not, umpire will call a no-pitch violation as ball crosses homeplate. (Batter can swing and ball is live). If violation occurs twice in same at-bat, batter is awarded first base.

4. BATTER’S (STRIKER) STRIKE ZONE CHOICE: Umpire announces “Striker to the line!” As “striker/batter” approaches batters box, umpire will ask batter for desired strike zone preference. Batter can call for a low strike (belt to knee) or high strike (belt to underarms). Umpire will then announce to pitcher “Striker has requested low (or high) strike.” Throughout the at bat, only low or high strikes will be called. If batter does not make a request, both high and low strikes will be called. Note: Belt area is a strike for either zone.

5. HIT BATSMAN: No base awarded. Dead Ball but counted as a ball. No plays or base advance for runners.

6. NO BALK: No balks on throws to any base. Fake throws to any base, while in or out of the pitchers box, are allowed. Pitchers can fake one or more throws to a base, then throw home. A balk only occurs when pitcher starts pitching motion, then throws to a base.

7. QUICK PITCH: Pitcher can throw pitch at any time while inside of Pitchers Box. A returned throw from catcher can be immediately delivered back as a pitch to catch batter off guard.

8. FOUL BALLS: A foul ball caught on one bounce is an out.

9. NO INFIELD FLY RULE: A fielder can purposely drop an infield pop fly to start a double play. This play will often times be used to force out a fast lead runner.

10. NO TIMEOUTS: Only a Club Captain or the umpire can call for a timeout. A batter that steps out of the box can be quick pitched. A base runner can be picked off at any time. The ball is ALWAYS live.

11. GENTLEMAN’S RULE: In the event the umpire has “missed” a play (due to blocked view) either Captain will request a “Gentleman’s Ruling” to determine out or safe on the play. The umpire will then announce, “A Gentleman’s Ruling has been requested.” Only players involved in the play must truthfully relate what transpired and an out or safe call must be made. Also, either club Captain can challenge a rule interpretation by requesting a meeting with the umpire and both Captains, and call can be reversed.

12. UMPIRE: One umpire only. Positioned 15’- 25’ diagonally at side of catcher, angled toward the batter. Umpire’s option to move from side to side depending on whether batter is a lefty or righty. Calls are made in a slightly raised voice with minimal hand gestures. Umpire does not leave his immediate area to make any calls or get a better view for a call. Umpire must wear period outfit of black pants, white shirt, vest or thin black tie, derby or newsboy cap, may smoke a cigar during game, and can call game sitting on a tall wood stool or standing. Umpire always addressed as “Sir” by players.

BALLPLAYER ETIQUETTE

CODE OF CONDUCT: Sportsmanship and gentlemanly competitive play is paramount. Arguing with umpire, taunting, mocking opposing players and “bench jockeying” NOT permitted. Aggressive take-out sliding or running into catcher to knock ball loose NOT permitted. Slightest questioning of an umpire call can result in immediate ejection. Umpire is always addressed as “Sir”.

GENTLEMANLY PLAY: Respect must be shown for the game and all players. No berating or arguing with umpire, fans, or opposing club. Celebrations are limited to handshakes. No posing at home plate, chest bumping, embellished bat flips or high fives – handshakes only! No jewelry, sunglasses, batting gloves or outer protective gear other than catcher mask & chest protector. Applauding an opposing player is proper for a nice fielding play.

END OF GAME: At end of game, clubs gather on opposite sides of home plate, and winning Captain makes a short speech congratulating losing club on their fine play and effort. Winning club, with caps held aloft, will cheer three times HIP, HIP HUZZAH! Losing Captain follows with a speech accepting the loss followed by his club cheers HIP, HIP HUZZAH! Players all shake hands.

Extra “HIP, HIP HUZZAH!” cheers are often given for the umpire and the host town where the game was played.

STRATEGIES

RUN EVERYTHING OUT: With gloves no bigger than a man’s hand, the Number One Rule in 19th century baseball is there is no such thing as a routine play. 19th century base ball is a wonderful mix of routine plays gone awry and difficult plays executed perfectly. Every play can become a potential adventure.