The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-11-17
THE BASE BALL CONFERENCE.
Important Changes In the Playing
Rules.

CHICAGO, Nov. 16-The rules committee
OF the National League and American Base
Ball Association resumed its session early
this morning, but up to noon had taken no
actlon on any any Oh the subjects under dis
cusslon. The forenoon was devoted to a
proposed change of the rule relating to high
and low balls.
The high and low ball system Of delivery
has been abolished, any ball now being con-
sldered iair that passes the player between
his shoulder and knee and that passes over
the plate. Bunting will in the future not be
allowed. Any obvious attempt to make a
foul hit VIII be scored as q strike Clubs
will not toss for. choice Of position in future.
the right of choice invariably resting with
the home club. Five balls and four strikes
will be allowed instead Of six balls and three
strikes as heretofore. When batsman
takes his base on balls he shall be credited
with base hit A batsman shall take his
base when struck by pitched ball. Any
motion whatever on the part of the pitcher
made to deceive the batter shall be con-
sldered a balk. IL in running to base the
runner touches and detaches the base bag
without being touched by the baseman, lie
Will be safe. Captains Of clubs only can
question any decision Of the umpire. The
old rule requiring runner TO return to his
base on run when foul hit is made was
resclnded, and hereafter runner can walk
to his base. No runner can have substi-
tute run for him in case of injury, but If
n
out on the fourth strike under the new rules,
whether the ball is dropped or passed by the
catcher. The question of having two UNI
pires and referee was brought up, but
majority Of the committee voted against the
scheme and it was dropped. A modification
Of the umplres' rules Of both organizations
was adopted.
Many of the more important changes in
corporated thus far have been at the sugges-
ton. Of the advisory board, composed of
Captains Anson,. Ward. Comiskey and
Swartwood, who it is believed are CARRYING
out the wishes of the majority of the players
in both OF the great organizations.
A number OF base ball magnates and others
prominent in the affairs of the national
game arrived this morning, and more will
reach here tonight and tomorrow morning.
One of the important matters to come before
the League meeting tomorrow is the COM
pleXlon OF the league circuit for the follow
ing year. The president Of the League Club
stated to reporter this evening that he be-
lleyed the question Of the circuit would be
settled before tomorrow night. Pittsburg
will be represented here tomorrow and a
delegate Is now here. Ii Is rumored that
Kansas City will be dropped and Pittsburg
admitted to fill the vacancy.
Inc pi.cners box was shortened to 81
feet, and the pitcher will be required te keen
his forward foot firmly on the ground when
about to deliver the ball His rear foot
must be on the back line of the box, and he
will be allowed to take but one step when
delivering the ball. The ball must,be held
in view Of the umpire, and the pitcher can
not deliver the ball to the batter after max
ing feint to throw it to first base, but must
resume his position in his box
Only two coachers will be allowed, and
they shall have the right to talk to base run
ners only. For talking TO batsman. a
coacher will be reprimanded for the first
offence; and will be forced to give up his
coaching and another man put in his place
on repetition OF the fault.
In scoring, when the batter is given his
base on called balls the hit is credited to the
batter and the error given the pitcher in the
summary only. All batting errors are
charged in the summary, as are earned runs,
plays, base ON balls, hit by pitcher, passed