The Washington times., 1903-04-14
LOTUS DISCUSSES
THE FOUL STRIKE RULE
Innovation Was Demanded
by Minor Leagues.
THE AMERICAN LAST IN LINE
Three Games Scheduled on Local Dia-
monds This Afternoon viii Not
Take Place on Account of Rain.

Several inquiries have reached The
Times requesting enlightenment upon
the foul strike rule which has been
adopted by the American League this
playing season.
Tho rule in full is best covered by de-
fning a strike.
Rule IL Section / A strike is: a
ball struck az by the batsman without
its touching his bat.
Section >, A fair ball legally delivered
by the pitcher. but not struck at by the
batsmaa.
Section "a foul hit ball not caught
on the fly, unless two strikes have al
ready been called.
Section !, \ bunt hit which sends the
ball to foul ground. either directly or by
bounding OF rolling from fair ground to
foul ground. and which settles on foul
ground.
Section .. \ ball struck at, if the ball
touches any part of the batsman's per
son.
Section 8 A foul tip by the batsman.
caught by the catcher while standing
within the lines of his position.
Rule IS. a foul is a ball batted by the
batsman when any part of his person is
upon ground outside the lines of the
batsman's position.
Foisfed IN Nationals
At a recent joint meeting of the two
leagues. the foul strike rule was made
unanimous. the National League having
played under its terms last season.
To the minor leagues belongs the
honor Of its introduction. They. 1t we're.
who CIamored for its adoption last year
and to avoid an open rupture the Ma
tional League granted the point and
when vote was taken made It unani-
nous.
Manager Lotus, of the Washington
Club. when the question was brought
up at the joint meeting opposed the rule,
but when be found there was no chance
OF killing it. he, too. come into line and
voted for its adoption
Discussing the rule last night. Mr.
Lotus said:
q frequently played under this rule
last year. and cant yet say I like It,
The primary cause of its adoption was
the inability OF the National League UNI
pires 10 discriminate between the
batsmen who purposeIy fouled off
strikes and those who unintentionalIy
did so. All was different in the Ameri-
can League. however. since Ban John
son instructed his umpires to use their
own judgment on this point. and. as he
always backs up his umpires. all kick
ing against their decision was futile"
Continuing Mr. LOTUS said he does
not like the rule, but that It shortens
q game. saves the pitchers, and keeps
the spectators IN a good humor and al
lows them no opportunity TO fret over q
mans long tenure at bat. He added
however. that it would necessarily clip
slices on many batting averages.
Rain Holds Up Games.
The outlook for baseball in Washing
ton today IS slim. indeed. The con
tnued rain has rendered the respective
diamonds where games were TO have
been played in such shape that even
should the sun shine before noon there
would be little likelihood of game.
Three good games were scheduled for the
day. The Senator'S were to have enter
tanned the Boston Nationals at American
Lea que Park. and a game chat Mr. Loft
tus was most anxious for. as he deems
the games with the opposing league as
a sort of practice for his team and al
fords him a fine opportunity of getting
a line on his new men. Lee and Ortiz
we're to have done the twirling. and
early work. IS needed by both. Like
rare wine, each improves with age and
work
Rain Georgetown's Jonah.