Rules and Customs

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Customs of the Time

Uncival language, ungentlemanly or unlady like behavior, spitting, or any actions that would offend a lady are not tolerated and a fine will be issued - up to a day's wages.

 After scoring a run, a base runner must report to the tallykeeper for the score to count.

Infielders should play within a step of their base . The shortstop plays inside the baseline, but on either side of second base. Outfielders play in the center of their field (before the ball is hit), shaded neither left or right, but may play as far in or out depending on the batter's ability.
There is no bunting or sliding (too ungentlemanly).
The spectators cheer teams with a loud 'huzzah' for good play by either team. Running to first is urged by 'Leg it! Leg it' A ballist making eceptional play earns handshakes and a good work from both teammates and opponents.
A fine repast and sharing of good fellowship and a hearty lunch follow a match.

 
 
            Vintage Terminology/Translation
 

Now

Then

Baseball Club Nine
Game Match
Bat Willow/Lumber
Run Ace
Out Player Dead
Pitcher Hurler
Batter Striker
Catcher Behind
Baseman Base Tender
Shortstop Rover
Player Ballist
Foul Ball Foul Tic
Error Muff
Ground Ball Daisy Cutter
Line Drive Stinger
Shutout Whitewash
Fans Cranks/Bugs
Batter Up Striker to the line
 
Rules of 1858
 
The ball is pitched underhandfrom any where behind the pitcher's line which is 45 feet from home base. The bases are 90 feet apart.
The batter must stand or straddle a line through home base.
Pitches are not judged as ball or strikes, but the umpire may call a strike if the  batter persists in not swinging at well-pitched balls.
A strike will be called should a batter swing at and miss the ball.
The ball is judged fair or foul according to where it first touches the ground (people, structures, trees etc.are not considered ground).
Articles of clothing (such as a hat) mat not be used to catch a ball.
A base runner may attempt to reach a base on a one-bound out.
A base runner is allowed to return to base freely after a fly-out catch.
A base runner cannot score a run or reach another base on on a foul ball nor after a ball is caught on the fly.
A base runner cannot score a run or reach another base on a foul ball nor after a ball caught on the fly.
An out is declared if 1) a hit ball is caught on the fly or after one bound on the ground 2) the catcher catches a foul tic on the fly or one bound 3) a ball arrives in the hands of a base tender whose foot is upon the base prior to a base runner who is required to make that base 4) a ball in the hands of an adversarty touches a base runner not safely on his base 5) a base runner over-runs a base (including first) and is touched by the ball in the hands of an adversary 6) a base runner runs outside of the base lines (3feet or more) in an attempt to avoid the ball in the hands of an adversary 7) a player intentionally interferes with another that is trying to catch or field a ball.

Duties of the Umpire

Shall take care that the regulations regarding balls, bats, bases, and the positions of the pitcher and batter are observed.
Shall oversee the determination of home/away teams (coin flip, contest, etc.)
Shall be the judge of fair and unfair play and determine all disputes.
Shall take care to declare all foul balls and balks immediately upon their occurrence (unasked) in a distinct and audible manner.
Shall determine when play is to be suspended.
Shall announce special ground rules to each team pior to play.
Shall call strikes (after issuing a warning) should a batter refuse to swing at repeated good pitches. After three strike calls, the umpire shall rule the batter out.