1860's Rules
Both the Lady
and Gentleman Clodbusters play by rules established
at the 1860 convention
of the National Association of Base Ball Players.
For a PDF version of the Beadle's Dime Player with the complete 1860s rule set, click here.
The major differences
between today's game and the game of the past include:
- Ball is bigger
than a "regular" baseball, but smaller than a
"softball"
- No Glove. Gloves
didn't come into existence until the 1870's
- A ball caught
on the first bound is considered an out.
- The Pitcher delivers
the ball in an underhand fashion from 45' away.
- Balls were not
called. Strikes were only called if the batter refused to swing at good
pitches.
- The base men
play close to their bases.
- Runners are not
allowed to over-run First base.
- The ball is
considered fair depending on where the ball first hits the
ground.
- "The force" (a
force play) stays in effect no matter where the first out is
made.
- Stealing was
not used as the offensive weapon it is today.
- Runners may be
put out on a foul ball that has gone back to the
pitcher.
- Spitting, sliding,
cursing and other ungentlemanly behavior is
discouraged.
- Vintage Base
Ball players play for the love of the game (Not mega-salaries or big shoe
contracts)
Similarities can
also be found in today's game and that of the 1860's to
include:
- Bases are placed
90' apart.
- Wood is the preferred
material for base ball bats, for cast iron is much too
heavy
- Runners are allowed
to lead off the base
- Runners were allowed to steal bases
- Runners may "tag
up" on a caught fly ball
