The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-09-13
ORR atteeklp Standard.
Base RaIl---Mone Match Games---De-

Rase RaII.-.Mole Match Games---De.
scription of the mode of Playing it.
e Two match games of base ball are to
come off this afternoon. First. The sec
ond game between the Stonewan and
the Richmond Junior Clubs, at the
grounds of the former, on Church Hill
when both clubs will appear in full uni
form, and undoubtedly attract large
attendance of spectators. The next game,
the clubs being composed of adults
will probably excel in interest, Will be
PLAYED between the Old Dominion and
Richmond Clubs at tie grounds OF the
Richmond Club, opposite Elbe fark.
This game will also attract many spec
tators. and it is quite probable that
:, among them will be the elite and beau
etv of Shockoe Hill. We call especial at
tention to these games, from the fact
that the exercise is healthy and IN
snirine: and we truly hope that our pre-
diction of large attendance on both
grounds will not be thwarted by the re-
suit. The game of base ball was impor-
ted here from the North since the close
of the war, and though copied in the
main from the English game Of cricket,
is undoubtedly of American origin. 1t is
unquestionaly one of the best means In
vogue for cultivating the physical pow
ers. And, moreover, it may. be set
down as a remedy for many of the evils
resulting from the immoral associations
with the boys and young men of our
towns and cities are very apt to become
connected with. These opinions have
been endorsed by some of the most emf
nent clergymen in the country, who.
themselves have formed clubs for pur-
poses of "moral and healthful recrea-
ton"
Having been requested to give
sketch of the manner in which base
ball is played, we have procured from
Messrs. Cole & Turner the rules Of the
game; and in giving it we comply more
particular from the fact that many ofus,
in our school-boy days, played a game
called cat," which some think superior
to the game of "base."
The game of base ball is played in
the following manner:
To begin, the ball must not weigh
less than five and half nor more than
five and three-quarters ounces avoirdu-
pois. The bat must be of wood, of any
length to suit the striker, and must not
exceed two and half inches in diam
tier at the thickest part. The bases
must be four in number, placed at equal
distances from each other, and at least
thirty yards apart. The base from
which the ball is struck must be designa-
ted the home base," and must be di
rectly opposite the second base; the
first base must always be that upon the
right hand, and the third base upon the
left hand of the striker when occupying
his position at the home base" The |
position of the pitcher must be at a con-
venient distance from the man at the |
bat, and must be designated by lines
drawn at right angles from "home" to |
the &C second base" And we may as
we'll state here that should the pitcher
repeatedly fail to deliver fair balls, for
the purpose of delaying the game, or
for any other cause, the umpire, after |
warning him, shall call one ball and if
the pitcher persists in such action, two |
and three balls when three balls have
been called, the striker shall take the
first base, and should any base be occu-
pied at that time, each player occupying
it or them shall take one base without
being put out, We think, however,
that the honorable principles governing
our baseball clubs will hardly call for
an enforcement of this rule. The ball
must be fairly pitched to the bat.
When balk is made by the pitcher, ev
cry player running the bases is entitled
to one base without being put out.
There has been some question raised in
regard to foul balls, In reply to this,
we can only say that if the ball, from
the stroke of the bat, first touches the
ground, the person of a player, or any
other object behind the range of the
home and first base, it is termed foul,
and must be so termed by the umpire
without suggestion from any one. If
three balls are missed by the striker,
having been struck at, and the last one
is not caught either flying or upon the
first bound, it is considered fair, and the
striker must attempt to make his run
The striker is out if foul ball is caught
either before touching the ground or
upon the first bound or if three balls
are struck and missed, and the last is
caught either before touching the ground
or upon the first bound or if fair ball
is struck, and the ball is caught before
it has touched the ground; or if a fair
ball is struck, and the ball is held by
an adversary on the first base before
the striker reaches that base. There are
many other rules connected with the
game, but we think the foregoing will
De SUFFICIENT to give an idea of the man.
ner IN which it is played. The conclu-
sion consists of nine innings to each
side, when, should the number of runs
be equal, the play shall be continued
until ma ority of runs, upon an equal
number OF innings, shall be declared.
There are also various rules for the req
uiation of matches, the appointment
and duties of umpires, the law against
pets, ETC., etc. all of which are doubt
less familiar to the members of our clubs,
and of no great interest to the public.
we may state, however, that no person
VINO IS In arrears to any other club, or
who shall at any time receive compen-
satlon for his services as player, is com
petent to play in any match: and that
every match must be decided by the