Sport, recreation, and play changed significantly over the course of the 19th century in the United States because work changed significantly over the course of the 19th century in the United States

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I

PLAYING RULES

NATIONAL LEAGUE

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Si ppofe^^ional Bb^b Ball dluli^. i

OFFTCXJ^Xj.

PUBLISHED BY

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A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 0.. 108 Madison St., 241 Broadway, ' rg) CmCAGO. NEW YORK. A

Spalding's Trade Marked Base BalBs,

Our line of ^ase Balls is now so well known to the trade, and they are so thoroughly appreciated by the base ball players of

the country, that it seems almost unnecessary to call special

attention to their superior merits. Spalding's League Ball, hav-

ing stood the severe test of the National League for the last

seven years, and having again been adopted as the official ball

of that leading organization for 1 886, as well as most of the

other prominent associations, gives it a reputation and sale une-

qualed by any other ball on the market. It is made of the very best material, in accordance with the latest League require- ments, and with every League Ball sold is given a guarantee

that it will stand a full game without ripping or losing its shape. Beware of cJicap hnitaiions; no League Ball is genuine without our trade mark on each box and ball, and the autograph of

on each label. To further protect ourselves and customers from the impositions cf certain unprincipled manufacturers, and for

the better protection of the balls, we have this season adopted a new feature of sealing each of our trade marked balls (from the $1.50 ''League Ball" to the 25c. "Boys' Favorite") in a separate

box, and purchasers ofour goods will serve their own interest by noticing that the seals are not broken or the balls tampered with.

With the general improvement made in the quality of our full line of balls, and the new and valuable feature ofputting up all our trade marked balls in separate boxes, sealed and labeled

to prevent counterfeiting, together with the extremely low

price made on some of the goods, especially on the cheaper grades, we believe we are offering the best line of base balls now on the market.

Special trade prices quoted to dealers on application.

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 108 Madison St. , CHICAGO. 241 Broadway, NEW YORK

.

1886

CONSTITUTION

PLAYING RULES

NATIONAL LEAGUE

OF

PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS,

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION,

Includinc; the Proceeding's of the League Congress held in New York, 1SS5 and 18S6, and the Official Fielding and Batting Averages

of Players in ChampionshipGames in 1SS5.

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., ^-l^l^^^^l-^^

108 Madison St., CHICAGO. 241 Broadway, NEW YORK.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in theyear of 188b, by A. G. Spalditt^ & Bros., in the Office of theLibraria7t of Congress, in Washington.

\X

CORRECT DIAGRAM OF P. BALL GROUND.

Left

Centre

Right?

2d Baseman

•

•^ /•

1st Baseman

Catcher's fence.

A. A. A.—Ground reserved for Umpire, Batsman and Catcher. B. B. B.—Ground reserved for Captain and Assistant. C—Players* Bench. D.—Visiting Players' Bat Rack. E.—Home Players' Bat Rack.

INDRX

OOISrSTITXJTIOlT.

Section.

Name , i Objects 2

MEMBERSHIP. Members for 1886 3 Not More than One Club Member from any City. ..... 3 Population of Eligible City 4 Mode of Applying for Membership 5-6 Election of Club Member 6 Mode of Filling Vacancy in Club Membership 7 Dues, Assessments, Fines, Etc ....,,.... 8 Guarantee Fund 9 Termination of League Club Membership 10

" " Membership, How Enforced 11 Membership of Umpire, Manager or Player 12 Disqualified Persons, Secretary's Record and Notice.. .

.

13

OFFICERS. President, Election and Duties of 14 Board of Directors, Election of 15 Directors, Qualifications of 16 Board of Directors, Duties of if

" " " Meetings of. 18 " " " Reports of 19 " '* " Proceedings of, not to be Disclosed.

.

20 " •' '" Filling Vacancy in 21

Secretary, how Elected 22 " to be Treasurer 23 " General Duties of 24 " to Record and Report Violations of Rules and

Regulations 25 Secretary, Salary and Guaranties 26

(3)

4 INDEX TO THE CONSTITUTION

LEAGUE CLUB, UMPIRES, MANAGERS AND PLAYERS.

Section.

Club, Jurisdiction of its Affairs 27 *« » " Territory 28

Restriction as to Games 28 Contract with Manager or Player ...» 29 Player not under Contract, what Games he May Play in. 29 Notice of Contract with Manager or Player 30 Release from Contract, Notification of 31

«' " " Effect of 32 When Manager or Player may Engage with Another Club 33

When Manager or Player becomes Ineligible 34 Clubs Forbidden to Employ Disqualified Persons . 35

" " " Play Clubs Employing Disqualified Persons 36

Manager or Player, when to Report Grievances 37 '< " " Cause of Expulsion of 38 " " " " " Suspension of 39

Umpire, Cause of Disqualification of 40

DISPUTES AND COMPLAINTS. Disputes between Clubs, how Adjudicated 41 Complaint of Club against Manager or Player of another Club 42

Complaint of Reserved Player against the Club Reserv- ing him 43

Complaint of Player under Contract against his Club. .

.

44 Appeal of Manager or Player 45 When Director is Ineligible to Try a Case. 46 Expenses of Trials and Arbitrations 47 Decision of Joint Arbitration Committee Final 48

PLAYING RULES. When Enacted and Amended 49

CHAMPIONSHIP. Championship to be Contended for yearly 50

" Season 51 " Games, What are 52 " " Number of, in Series 53

Tie, or Drawii Games, How Played off. 53 Home Club Entitled to Half of Series on its Grounds.... 54

" " to Control Exhibition of Game , 54 " " to be Furnished Batting Order of Visiting Club 54

OF PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS. 5

Section.

Championship Schedule , , .

.

55 Schedule Date not to be Changed Except 55 Admission to Championship Game, Price of. 56 Correspondence Concerning Championship Games, by whom Conducted 57

Receipts of Championship Games, Statement and Pay- ment of 58

Admission to Championship Games, how Regulated.. .

.

58 League Gaines Forbidden Prior to Championship Season. 59 Games between League and Non-League Clubs, Regula-

tions Governing 60 Games between League and Non-League Clubs, Divi-

sion of Receipts (i» 3) 60 Games between League and Non-League Clubs, Penalty

for Non-Payment ^ (3,4) 60 Count of Forfeit Games 61 Drawn, Tie, or Postponed Games not to Count but be Played off 62

The Chamoion Club 63 Emblem of Championship 64 Mode of Deciding Championship 64

ANNUAL MEETING. Time and Place 65 Delegates and Visitors 66 Special Meetings, how Called o 67 Quorum 68 Order of Business 69

AMENDMENTS. Amendments to Constitution or Playing Rules (i) 70 Suspension of Constitution (2) 70

CONSTITUTION

NATIONAL LEAGUE. —OF

—

ProfessionalBase Ball Clubs

1886.

XUIIIIll^llllnini

NAME.

Section i. This Association shall be called " The Na- tional League of Ppofessional Base Ball Clubs."

objects.

Sec. 2. The objects of this League are: 1. To encourage, foster, and elevate the game of base ball;

to enact and enforce proper rules for the exhibition and conduct of the game, and to make base ball playing respectable and honorable.

2. To protect and promote the mutual interests of profes- sional base ball clubs and professional base ball players, and,

3. To establish and regulate the base ball championship of the United States.

membership.

Sec. 3. This League shall consist of such professional base ball clubs as may from time to time be elected to mem- bership, but in no event shall there be more than one club from any city.

Sec. 4. No club shall be admitted from any city whose population is less than seventy-five thousand (75,000), except by unanimous vote of ^-he League.

(6)

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 7

Sec. 5. No club shall be admitted unless it shall first have delivered to the Secretary of the League, at least five days before the annual meeting, a written application for member- ship, signed by its President and Secretary, accompanied by documents showing that such club bears the name of the city in which it is located, and that it is regularly organized and oflficered, and, where the State Law permits it, chartered. Such application shall at once be transmitted by the Secretary to the President of the League, who shall forthwith refer it to a committee of three members of the Board of Directors, appointed by him, who shall immediately investigate and report upon said application; said report to be communicated to the League through the Secretary.

Sec. 6. The voting upon an application for membership shall be by white and black balls. Two black balls shall be sufficient to exclude the applicant, and no club shall be required under any circumstances to state how it voted upon such application. Such election shall take place at the annual meet- ing of the League: Provided^ That should any eligible club desire to join the League after the adjournment of the annual meeting, it may make application in writing to the Secretary of the League, who shall at once communicate such applica- tion, together with any facts in his possession concerning such applicant, to the President of the League, who shall refer it to a special committee of the Board, as provided in Section 6; and upon receipt by the Secretary of the report of said com- mittee, he shall transmit such application and report to all League clubs, each of whom shall, within ten day<5, transmit one written ballot for or against the admission of such applicant, to the Secretary and if two adverse ballots be not cast, then the Secretary shall, upon receipt of the annual dues, notify such club of its election.

Sec. 7. In case any League club shall forfeit its member- ship during the championship season, the Board of Directors may elect a non-League club to temporary membership in the League, which election shall entitle such temporary club member, without the payment of League club dues, to play all the championship schedule games remaining unplayed by the retired League club, upon the same terms and conditions as League clubs, except that such games shall not count in the championship series, and such temporary membership shall terminate at the next annual meeting of the League.

DUES, ASSESSMENTS, FINES, ETC.

Sec. 8. Every League club shall pay to the Secretary of the League on or before the first day of May of each year, the sum of one hundred dollars as annual dues; and on or before

8 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

the twenty-fifth day of each monthof the championship season, such other sum as may be lawfully assessed for the payment of salaries of officers and umpires, and for such other expenses as may be incurred by order of the League, or of the Board of Directors.

(2.) Upon conviction of any of the offences prescribed in Section 10, as causes for expulsion—the Board of Directors may, in the first instance, as a preliminary to, or in lieu of expulsion, impose such a fine as is in their judgment, commen- surate with the injury; which fine may include a penalty pay- able to any other League club or clubs, as an equivalent for damages, sustained for such violation of this Constitution or the legislation or contracts made in pursuance thereof.

GUARANTEE FUND.

Sec, 9 (i). Each club now a member of the League, sha'l within thirty days after the adoption of this Section, and each club hereafter to be elected to membership, shall within thirty days after official notice of such election—by its President or other chief executive officer—sign and affix its common seal to this Constitution as a covenant to fulfil all the obligations and requirements thereof, and of all legislation and contracts made in pursuance thereof.

It shall at the same time execute and deliver unto the Presi- dent of the League, as Trustees for the other League Clubs, a bond with approved sureties in the p^nal sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000), conditioned for the faithful performance of said Constitutional Covenants, and for the payment into the Guarantee Fund of the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000), in annual instalments of not less than one thousand ($1,000), payable during the month of Mav; any default to cause the forfeiture of said penal sum, and of all instalments previously paid into said fund.

(2). The Guarantee Fund shall be invested by the Board of Directors in United States Government Bonds, or in such other interest bearing securities as the League in meeting shall direct. Said securities shall always be subject to the inspection of the League, or of its Auditing Committee appointed for the purpose.

(3). The interest and income accruing from such securities shall, as soon as collected, be transferred into the treasury in aid of the current and* contingent expenses of the League.

(4). The principal of said fund shall, except as hereinafter stated, be kept intact as a guarantee against the violation of the provisions of this Constitution, and of the legislation and contracts made in pursuance thereof.

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 9

(5). The failure of a club to pay into said fund, when due, any annual instalment of its contribution thereto, shall forfeit the full penal sum of its bond, and suit may at once be entered for the recovery of the same, or in lieu thereof, and in default of a collection of the same the Board of Directors, unless otherwise instructed by the League, may expel said club from membership in the manner prescribed in Section ir, when the instalment or instalments already paid shall be forfeited, converted into cash, and transferred into the treasury in aid of the current and contingent expenses of the League.

(6), Upon the acceptance of the resignation of a club from membership, or upon the involuntary termination of such membership for "business reasons," as provided for in Section 10, said club shall be entitled to a return of its bond and of its entire contribution to the Guarantee Fund (less all dues, assess- ments, and fines chargeable thereon), either in cash or, at the option of the Board of Directors, in the securities in which the said cash may then be invested.

(7). Upon thirty days' default by a club— after due notice by the Secretary—in its payment of dues, assessments, or fines imposed in pursuance of this Constitution, the Board of Directors shall declare forfeited an equivalent amount of said club's contribution to the Guarantee Fund, which equiva- lent amount, together with such additional fine for said default —as may be imposed by said Board—shall be repaid within three months thereafter, under penalty of forfeiture of Ihe bond of said club and of its entire contribution to said fund and of its expulsion from membership, Provided^ That nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit a collection by suit on said bond, either before or after expulsion, of any unpaid in- stalments of said club's contribution to the said fund requisite to satisfy and liquidate all arrears of said dues, assessments and fines.

(S). Upon a club's expulsion from membership, its entire contribution to ihe Guarantee Fund shall be forfeited,' and suit may be instituted on its bond for all unpaid instalments thereof.

Sec. 10. The membership of any League Club may be ter- minated.

(i). By resignation duly accepted by a majority vote of all the League Clubs in meeting duly convened. If not so accepted such resignation shall be void, and as if never tendered.

(2). By an adverse vote of two-thirds of the remaining League Clubs in meeting duly convened, when, for business reasons, such membership shall no longer be desirable.

10 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

(3). By expulsion in the manner prescribed in Section 11, for failure to sign the Constitution and deliver the bond and pay its contribution to the Guarantee Fund as prescribed in Section 9; or

Failure to pay the visiting club the amount due under the provisions of Section 58 of this Constitution.

Failure to present its nine at the time and place agreed upon to play any championship game unless caused by vm- avoidable accident in traveling; or

Selling or allowing to be sold upon its ground or in any building owned or occupied by it during the championship season, any spirituous, vinous or malt liquors; or Allowing open betting or pool selling upon its grounds, or

in any building owned or occupied by it; or Playing any game of ball with a club that is disqualified or

ineligible under this Constitution or the National Agreement of Professional Base Ball Clubs; or

Offering, agreeing, conspiring, or attempting to lose any game of ball, or failing to immediately expel any player who shall be proven guilty of offering, agreeing, conspiring or at- tempting to lose any game of ball, or of being interested in any pool or wager thereon ; or Taking part in any game of ball on Sunday, or allowing any

game of ball to be played upon its grounds on Sunday, or failing to immediately expel any person under contract w^ith it who shall take part as umpire, player, or scorer, in any game of ball on Sunday, during the championship season; or Disbandment of its organization or nine; or Failing or refusing to fulfill its contractual obligations with

the other League clubs; or Failing or refusing to comply with any Itwful requ'rement

of the Board of Directors; or Wilfully violating any provision of this Constitution, or the

Legislation or Playing Rules made in pursuance thereof Sec. II. To carry into effect the provisions of Sections 9

and 10 of this Constitution, the facts in any case covered by such sections must be reported to the Secretary of the League, who shall at once telegraph the party charged with the speci- fied default or offense, inquiring whether any dispute exists as to the facts alleged- In case the facts are disputed, the Board shall, after due notice, try the case under such regulations as they may prescribe, and their findings shall be final and con- clusive on all parties except in case of expulsion, when such finding shall be forwarded to each League club, which shall transmit to the Secretary written ballots, "For Expulsion," or "Against Expulsion;" and if two-thirds of all League clubs vote "For Expulsion," the Secretary shall notify all League

LEAGUE COXSTITUTIOX. 11

clubs of the forfeiture of membership of the party charged; and every club shall, on or after the receipt of such notice, govern its intercourse with such expelled member by the pro- hibitions and penalties prescribed by this Constitution.

Sec. 12. The umpires, managers and players employed by the clubs belonging to this League shall be considered and treated as members hereof to the extent of being always amenable to the provisions of this Constitution, and entitled to all its privileges in matters of dispute, grievance or discipline, as provided in this Constitution.

(2.) Any um[»ire, manager or player, having forfeited mem- bership, shall not be readmitted, except by unanimous vote of the League. Sec. 13. A list to be designated -'the black list," shall be

kept by the Secretary of the names of any persons who may be declared, by an affirmative vote of five League clubs, at any regular or special meeting, to be unworthy of service in the League, as umpire, manager or player, and any person so named shall 1 e disqualifi d for employment by, or service in any League club, until his name be removed from such list by unanimous vote of all League clubs at a regular or special meeting. (See paragraphs 4, 7 and 12 of League contract.) The Secretary shall immediately notify all League clubs of any name placed upon or removed from such list of disqualified persons.

OFFICERS.

Sec. 14. At its annual meeting the League shall elect a President by ballot. The President shall be ^.v ^^ao chairman of the Board of Directors. He shall preside at all the meet- ings of the League, and shall call special meetings of the League when he may deem it necessary, or when thereto re- quested by half of the clubs of the League.

Should the office of President become vacant by death, res- ignation, or removal, the Board of Directors shall within thirty days elect a President.

Sec. 15. The affairs of this League shall be conducted and controlled by five Directors, who shall constitute "The Board," and who shall consist of the President and four members, to be chosen at the annual meeting, in the following manner: The name of each club, except that of which the President is a member, shall be plainly written upon a card, in full view of the delegates present, by the Secretary; the cards to be of the same size, shape, color and material. The cards shall then be placed in some suitable receptacle, and well shaken together; thereupon four of these cards shall be drawn successively, and at random, and one delegate from each of the four clubs whose names are so drawn, shall, with the President, compose the

12 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

Board, and if any club whose name is thus drawn be repre- sented by two delegates, such delegates shall nameone of their number to be a member of the Board : Provided^ That at any time after the adjournment of the annual League meeting, any League club represented on the Board may substitute another representative; such substitution to be attested by written notice to the Secretary, signed by the President of the League club, and, upon the receipt of such notice by the Secretary, such substitution shall take effect, aiid the Secretary shall theVeup m notify all League clubs.

Sec. i6. No person shall be qualified to act as Director who is not an actual member of the club he represents; nor shall any club, under any circumstances, be represented by more than one person on the Board.

Sec. 17. The Board shall have the general supervision and management of all the affairs and business of the League, and shall be individually answerable to the League for the faithtul discharge of their trust.

Sec. 18. The Board shall meet annually on the morning of the third Wednesday in November at nine o'clock, at the place M^here the annual meeting of the League is to be held, but may hold special meetings whenever urgent necessity may require. Sec. 19. The Board shall prepare a detailed report of all

their doings, and present the same, in writing, to the League, at its annual meeting, which report shall, if accepted, be iilecl with the Secretary, together with all official papers, documents and property which may have come into their possession by virtue of their office.

Sec. 20. Any Director who shall disclose or publish any of the proceedings of the Board, except officially through the report of the Board, or when called upon by vote of the League, shall forfeit his office.

Sec. 21. In case of a vacancy in the Board bv reason of the death, resignation, absence, or disqualification of any Director, the club of which he was a luember at the time he was chosen shall designate his successor, and at once notify the Secretary. But if such vacancy is caused by the withdrawal, disbanding or disqualificaiion of a club represented on the Board, the Board may fill the vacancy by election in the same manner as pro- vided for the election ot Directors in Section 15.

Sec. 22. The Board shall elect a gentleman of intelligence, honesty and good repute, who is versed in base ball matters, but who is not in any manner connected with the press, and who is not a member of any professional base ball club, either in or out of the League, to be the Secretary of the Board and of the League.

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 13

Sec. 23. The Secretary shall be the Treasurer of the League, and as such shall be the custodian of all funds of the League, receive all dues, fees and assessments, make such payments as shall be ordered by the Board, or by the vote of the League, and render annually a report of his accounts, and shall give such bond with approved sureties as the Board may require.

Sec. 24. The Secretary shall have the custody and care of the official records and papers of the League; shall keep a true record of all meetings of the Lsague and ihe Board, shall issue all official notices and attend to the necessary correspondence; he shall prepare and furnish such reports as may be called for by the Board, and shall be entitled to such books, stationery, blanks and materials as the actual duties of his office may require.

Sec. 25. The Secretary shall keep a record of all infractions of the rules and regulations of the League that may come to his notice, and shall (except iu cases covered by Sections 11 and 13) make a report on the same to the President, who shall present it to the Board at its next meeting.

Sec. 26. The Secretary shall receive such salary as the Board, by vote, shall determine, and shall be reimbursed for all traveling expenses actually incurred by him in the service of the League; and the Board may exact from him such guaran- tees for the faithful performance of his duties as they may deem for the interest and safety of the League. At the expira- tion of his term of office, he shall account for and deliver up to the Board all the property and papers which may have come into his hands by virtue of his office,

LEAGUE clubs, UMPIRES, MANAGERS AND PLAYERS.

Sec. 27. Each club belonging to this League shall have the right to regulate its own affairs, to make its own contracts, to establish its own rules, and to discipline, punish, suspend, or expel its own manager, players or other employes, and these powers shall not be limited to case^ of dishonest play or open insubordination, but shall include all questions of carelessness, indiffisrence, or other conduct of the player that may be regarded by the club as prejudicial to its interests: Provided, That all club regulations must be made subordinate to and in conformity with the general re :>;ulations established by this League, and no club shall prescribe any rule or regulation in conflict with any provision of this Constitution, or the Playing Rules. (See also League contract.)

Sec. 28. Every club member of this League shall have ex- clusive control of the city in which it is located, and of the ter- ritory surrounding such city, to the extent of four miles in

14 LEAGUE CONSTITU riOX.

every direction from its corporate limits, and no visiting Lea ue club shall, under any circumsiances—except w th the consent of the local League club, until all League championship games on that ground shall have been finished, be allowed to play any club in such territory other than the League club tlierein located, nor shall a visiting League club play any gatr.e in April with any non-League club within the corporate limits of the city in which the League club is located, without the con- sent ofthe local League club.

Sec. 29. An agreement may be made between a club and a manager or player for services by the manager or player, and compensation therefor by the club, by telegram or other writing, and notice of such agreement may be sent by telegraph to the Secretary of the League, specifying the term of service agreed upon, and the Secretary shall, immediately upon the receipt of such notice notify all League clubs and all Associa- tions, parties to the "National Agreement of Professional Base Ball Associations," that the said club has contracted with the said player for the period specified, and the contract thus made and promulgated shall be valid and binding upon all. Provided^ That within thirty days from the date of making such agree- ment, the club and the player shall further evidence such agree- ment by the execution of a contract in the form prescribed by the League (see League contract), and the Secretary of the League shall, upon application, furnish each League club a suitable supply of the printed forms of contract adopted by the League, and in the event that the said player shall refuse, within the said thirty days, to sign the said formal League contract, the said club shall notify the Secretary, who shall at once place the name of said player on the "Black List," and the player shall thereupon become disqualified, and the Secre- tary shall issue notice of such disqualification as provided in Section 13 of this Constitution,

No player, not under one of the two forms of contract speci- fied in this Section, shall be eligible to play in a League game, except that in case a player shall meet with an accident, or be expelled by his club, any player who is not otherwise disquali- fied, under the provisions of this Constitution, may take the placeof such expelled or injured player; but such player shall not be eligible to play for more than five championship games in the nine of such club, without the contract and notice thereof required by this Section , or Section 30.

Sec. 30. It shall be the further duty of a club within ten days after it shall have entered into a formal League contract with a manager or player, to transmit said contract to the Sec- retary of the League. If the Secretary shall find the contract to be in the form adopted by the League, he shall indorse upon

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 15

it his certificate to that effect, together with the date of its receipt bj him , and at once return it to the contracting club. The Secretary shall also enter upon his records the names of the contracting club, and manager or player, and immediately notify all other League clubs of such contract, unless the notice specified in Section 29 has already been issued. In no case shall the Secretary give such certificate, or give notice of such contract, unless it comply, in all respects, with the form of contract adopted by the League, and no such contract shall be regarded as valid or binding until it bears the Secretary's cer- tificate as herein provided.

Sec. 31. Any player while under contract with a League club, who shall, without the consent of such club, agree to enter the service of any other club after the expiration of such con- tract, shall be liable to expulsion by said League club. When- ever a club releases a manager or player without notice, or gives him ten days' notice of release in accordance with para- graphs 15 or 20 of the League contract, and whenever it sus- pends or expels a manager or player, that club shall at once notify the S cretary, stating in case of release, the date when the same takes effect, and in case of suspension or expulsion, the cause thereof, and the Secretary shall at once notify all other clubs of the League.

Sec 32. Releases of players from contract or reservation, and future contracts with such players, shall be regulated and governed by the National Asreement of professional base ball clubs and the League legislation made in pursuance thereof.

Sec. 33. A manager or player, whose contract has become void by reason of his club's disbanding, withdiawing from or losing its membership in the League, may engage for the re- mainder of the season with any other club immediately after the League Secretary's notice of such disbandment, withdrawal, or loss of membership.

Sec. 34. No manager or player who has been suspended or expelled from a League club, or suspended by the League un- der the provisions of Section 13 of this Constitution, shall, at any time thereafter, be allowed to play with or serve any League club (either the one expelling him or any other), unless the term of suspension by the club has expired, or upon his ap- peal to the Board, such suspension or expulsion shall have been set aside, or, in any case under Section 13 his name shall have been removed from the black list by unanimous vote of the League, as provided in said section.

Sec. 35. No club shall employ as umpire, manager, scorer, or player, any person who has wilfully violated any provision of this Constitution, or of the Playing Rules, or who has been

16 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

expelled from any club belonging to this League, or who shall be disqualified from playing with a club under any provision of this Constitution.

Sec. 36. No game of ball shall be played between a League club and any other club that has been expelled from member- sh'p in this League. No game of ball shall be played between a League club and any other club employing or presenting in its nine a player expelled or under suspension from the League, or otherwise rendered ineligible by the National Agreement or the legislation made in pursuance thereof.

Sec. 37. Any manager or player \vho may consider himself aggrieved or injured by any act of his club, or of any officer, agent or employe thereof, shall make his complaint thereof to the President of the club when the club "nine" is at home. Any manager or player, under contract with a League club, who shall, without the written consent of such club, leave its service, or who shall be proven guilty of offering, agreeing, con- spiring, or attempting to lose any game of ball, or of being in- terested in any pool or wager thereon, shall be at once expelled by such club

Sec. 38. Any manager or player under contract with a League club, whose name shall be placed upon the black list provided for in Section 13 of this Constitution, in the manner therein provided, shall, immediately upon receipt by such club of the Secretary's notice of such action, be discharged by such club from its service. (See paragraphs 4, 7 and 12 of the League contract.)

Sec. 39. Any person under contract with -a League club, who shall be guilty of drunkenness, gambling in any form, in- subordination, or of any dishonorable or disreputable conduct (except the oftences requiring expulsion, specified in Section

37) may be suspended by such club for the remaind< r of the playing season, or for the remainder of that and all of the en- suing playing season, at the option of such club. In case the club fails to take cognizance of such offences, the President of the League shall have power to inflict a fine not exceeding $200 (see T[ 6, League Con't). And during the period of said suspension, such person shall be disqualified from playing in or against or serving any League club: Provided^ That the club having made the suspension shall not have power to rescind it, or to curtail its duration.

Sec. 40, Any person who shall be proven guilty of offering, agreeing, conspiring or attempting to cause any ajame of ball to result otherwise than on its merits under the Playing Rules, or who, while acting as umpire, shall violate any provision of the Constitution, or of the Playing Rules adopted hereunder,

I>EAGUE CONSTfTUTION. 17

may be forever disqualified by the President of the League from acting as unjpire of any game of ball participated in by a League club.

DISPUTES AND COMPLAINTS.

Section 41. The Board of Directors shall be the sole tri- bunal to determine disputes between clubs; the facts to be sub- mitted, and the dispute adjudicated under such regulations as the Board shall prescribe in each case. The finding of the Board shall be final, and under no circumstances shall be re- considered, re-opened, or inquired into, either by the League or any subsequent Board.

Sec. 42. The Board shall at once consider any complaint preferred by a club against a manager or pla3'er of another club (prior to the expiration of the championship season) for con- duct in violation of any provision of this Constitution, or pre- judicial to the good repute of the game of base ball, and shall have power to require the club to which such manager or player may belong, to discipline him, and, upon repetition of such oftejise, to expel him: Provided^ That such complaint be preferred in writing, giving such particulars as may enable the Board to ascertain all the facts, and be transmitted to the Secretary, by Avhom it shall at once be referred to the Board,

Sec. 43. In case a player under reserve for the ensuing season by any League cIuId, shall prefer a complaint, in writ- ing, to the Secretary of the League, against said club, alleging:

1. That such club is in arrears to him on account of his con- tract for the current season, or

2. That he has offered to enter into contract with such club for the ensuing season at a compensation of one thousand dol- lars for seven months' service, but that the said club has de- clined either to enter into such contract, or to release him from reservation, the Secretary shall at once transmit to the said club a copy of such complaint and require an answer thereto. On leceipt of such answer, or, if one week shall have elapsed without the receipt of an answer, the Secretary shall refer the papers in the case to the Chairman of the Board. The Board shall thereupon try the case under such regulations as they may prescribe, and should they find the player's complaints sustained by the facis they shall release the player from reser- vation and instruct the Secretary of the League to issue notice of such release, in like manner as if the player had been vol- untarily released by the club. The Board shall also, should they find the club in arrears to the player, require the club, un- der penalty of forfeiture of its membership, to pay to the play- er, within ten days, the full amount ascertained to be due him.

Sec. 4^. In case a player under contract with a League club

18 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

shall prefer a complaint, in writing, to the Secretary of the League, against such club, alleging that such club is in arrears to him on account of such contract, the Secretary shall act in the matter as provided in the preceding Section, and should the Board find the player's complaint sustained, they shall re- quire the club, under penalty of forfeiture of its membership, to pay to the player, within ten days, the full amount ascer- tained to be due him : Provided^ That should the player re- fuse to serve the club pending action by the Board on his com- plaint, he will thereby forfeit the benefits of the award, and, in such case, the Board shall revoke his award.

Sec. 45. The Board shall also be the sole tribunal for the hearing of an appeal made by any person who shall have been expelled or suspended by his club. The matter shall be pro- ceeded with in the tollowing manner: Such person shall, within thirty days after the date of the expulsion or suspension file with the Secretary a written statement of his defense accompanied by a request that an appeal be allowed him. The Secretary shall notify the club of the request for an appeal, accompanying such notice with a copy of the appeal, and, at the next annual meeting, the club, by its duly authorized repre- sentative, and the appellant in person, by attorney, or by written statement, shall appear before the Board with their testimony. The Board shall impartially hear the matter and render their decision, which shall be final a.nd forever binding on both club and player.

Sec. 46. No director shall sit in the trial of a cause in which his club is interested.

Sec. 47. Any expenses of trials or arbitrations shall be borne equally by the parties to the controversy.

Sec. 48. In all disputes, complaints or questions arising under *'The National Agreement of Professional B. B. Associations," between this League and any other association of clubs, party to such agreement, or between any club of this League and any club of any other association, parly to such agreement, the adjudication thereof shall be left entirely to the joint

Board of Arbitration provided for by such agreement, and this League will comply with, and be bound by the award, find- ings, or verdict of such Board in any such case, so long as this League continues a party to such "National Agreement."

Sec. 49. The League, at its annual meeting, shall adopt a code of Playing Rules, which shall continue in force subject only to such alterations or amendments as may be made at subsequent annual meetings of the League.

championship.

Section 50. The Championship of the United States^ Q&iah-

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 19

lished by this League, shall be contended for yearly by the clubs composing this League.

Sec. 51, The championship season may extend from the ist day of May to (and including) the 10th day of October, and no game shall count in the championship series unless played during the championship season: Provided, That if the ist day of May occurs on Sunday, the championship season shall begin April 30; and if the lolh day of October occurs on Sunday, the cliampionship season shall end Oct. 11.

Sec. 52. Every game played between two clubs from the commencement of the championship season to the completion of the championship series between such clubs, shall be a game for the championship, and no League club shall lend or exchange players, to or with each other, for any game played during the championship season.

Sec. 53. Each club shall play eighteen championship games (and no more) with every other club: Provided^ however, that if any game be prevented by rain, or if a tie or drawn game be played, the visiting club shall play off such tie or drawn game or games prevented by rain, on the first succeeding day (not counting Sundays, days previously agreed upon for champion- ship games between said clubs,' or days when rain renders playing impossible) within the dates of the same schedule series between such clubs, if any remain open ; and if not, such game may be played off on any open date between any two series on the same grounds: Provided, That if such a game be due on the completion of the first schedule series between two clubs, and be not played off until the next schedule series be- tween such clubs on the same grounds, it shall be played off on the first open date of such series, if there be any.

Sec. 54. Each club shall have half of the championship series of games with every other club played on its own grounds ; and in all the details of such games that do not involve the rights of the visiting club under the Playing Rules, but

relate solelv to such games as attractive exhibitions to the patrons of the home club, and the visiting club shall furnish to a person designated by the home club the batting order of its nine by 10 o'clock on the morning of the day of each game. In case of the failure of any visiting club to furnish the batting

order of its nine as herein stipulated, it shall forfeit the sum of $10, which amount shall be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of the League upon the receipt of notice from him of the infliction of such fine, which notice shall be given by the Secretary upon receipt of complaint from the home club.

It shall be the duty of the home club to furnish the manager and captain of the' visiting club with a list of the batting

20 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

order before the commencement of the game. The visiting club shall have the right to practice its nine on the grounds of the home club between ii and 12 o'clock a. m., on each day of its visit during the championship season.

Sec. 55. All championship games shall be arranged for in writing, and so as to complete the championship series by the expiration of the championship season. Such written arrange- ment shall be made by such method as the League shall direct, before the beginning of the championship season, and shall consist of a schedule and agreement relating thereto, which agreement shall be signed by every League club, and the schedule and agreement filed with the Secretary of the League, and a copy thereof, bearing his certificate as to its correctness, furnished by the Secretary to every League club. The sched- ule shall provide for an equal number of return games, and specify the date of each game, and the dates of each series of games. No date in said schedule shall subsequenth' be changed, except (i) by written agreement of two clubs, from a date fixed by the schedule for a game between such clubs to another day between the first and last date of the same schedule series between such clubs; or (2) as provided in Section 55; or (3) by the written consent of all the League clubs.

Sec. 56. The price of admission to championship games shall be fifty cents for each adult person, and no money or tickets paid for admission shall be refunded in any case in which the game is interrupted by rain.

Sec. 57, In correspondence between clubs, all letters and telegrams concerning umpires, dates, and other matters per- taining to cham.pionship games, to a club at home, must be ad- dressed to, and answered by its President, or by an officer of such club designated by its President to act for him in such matters, the Secretary of the League to be notified of such des- ignation. If such communication be made by another club when at home, they must be addressed by, and answered to its President or his representative as above provided; and if the corresponding club be absent from home, they mi.st be ad- dressed by and answered to its manager.

Sec. 58. At the conclusion of each championship game, the Home club shall deliver to the manager of the visiting club (and shall transmit by mail to the visiting club a duplicate of the same) a statement of the receipts of said game, and shall pay to the authorized agent of such visiting club the sum of fifteen (15) cents for each and every person admitted to the grounds to witness such game, or any part thereof, or admitted to the grounds for any other purpose dui ing, or prior to such game, or the hour appointed therefor, excepting only players

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 21

of the contesting clubs, policemen in uniform, and necessary employes of the home club. The number ot persons admitted to the grounds shall be de-

termined by the nse of the necessary number of self-registering turnstiles, the ke^'S of which shall be delivered to the agent of the visiting club before the opening of the grounds for each game; and said agent of the visiting club shall have the right to affix a seal to the register, or box, of such turnstile, and the box of such tin-nstile shall not be removed until afier the close of the seventh inning; and in case a carriage gate is used, a ticket for each person admitted through such gate shall at once be delivered to the agent of the visiting club.

Sec. 59. No game shall be played between League clubs before the commencement of the championship series.

Sec. 60. No game shall be played between any League club and any non-League club, or picked nine, upon the grounds of any League club, from the commencement to the completion of ihe championship series upon such grounds, ex- cept that any extra players of the Home cinb may so play while the Home club is absent from the city. No ijame shall be ar- ranged or played between any League and non-League clubs, or picked nines, for or upon any "off days" of the champion- ship series, except as above provided, and upon the following express conditions:

1. If a League championship game be prevented by rain or unavoidable accident on the day (^not couming Sunday) preced- ing the day agreed upon for such non League or picked-nine irame, then the latter shall be declared off, so as to allow the League clubs to play the championship game on that day,

2. All such games shall be played under such rules, witji such ball and such umpire, as may hi mutually agreed upon by the League club and the non-League club.

3. The non-League club shall, unless otherwise agreed by letter, telegram or other writing, pay the League club imme- diately upon the termination of plav, witiiout reference to the number of innings played, the sum of one hundred dollars or one-half the gross receipts of such game, in case the gross re- ceipts shall exceed two hundred dollars; and it is to be dis- tinctly understood that the "gross receipts" include all revenue derived from the exhibition, whether taken at regular or car- riage gates, or for admission to grounds, grand stands, or to other special privileges of the grounds; also that the visiting club shall have sole control of all gates, and of all entrances to grand stands, or other special ground privileges for which extra fees are charged. And the non-League club shall pay the League club fifty dollars in every case where a League club

22 LEAGUE CONSTITUTION.

shall present its nine in the city or town of such non-League club, prepared to play at the time appointed for such game, and the game be prevented by rain, or by any cause other than the refusal by such League club to play such game. In the event of the refusal or failure of any non-League chibto pay the sum, or sums, due, as stipulated, the League club shall at once tele- graph such fact to the secretary of the League,who shall forth- with notify all other League clubs by telegraph; and no League club shall thereafter play such defaulting club until the full amount due be paid the League club, wtiich League club shall in case of sucli payment, notify the Secreta-y, and he the other league clubs, by telegraph.

4. In any case not covered by the first condition specified in this section, a League club having agreed to play a non- League club upon the grounds of the latter, and failing to pre- sent its nine in the city or town of such non-League club, pre- pared to play at the time appointed for such game, the League club shal pay the non- League club the sum of fifty dollars or such other sum as may have been mutually agreed upon, as the penalty of such default.

Sec. 61. A club shall be entitled to forfeited games—to count in its series as games won by a score of nine runs to none—in cases where the umpire in any championship game shall award the game to such club on account of the violation by the contesting club of any playing rule of this League; and, in the event of said forfeiture being caused by the withdrawal of the players during the progress of the game, then the club so withdrawing its players shall incur a penalty of three hundred dollars,, which shall be payable to the Secretary of the League within ten days thereafter.

Sec. 62. Drawn, tie, and postponed games shall not count in the series as games (but any games of not less than five in- nings shall be included in the averages), but must be played off if possible, as provided in Section 53. If they cannot be played

off as therein provided, they may subsequently be played off, if sufficient time exists before the close of the season.

Sec. 63. The club which shall have won the greatest per- centage of games in the championship series, shall be declared the champion club of the United States for the season in which such games were played. In the event that two or more clubs shall have won the same percentage of games, then the Board shall at once arrange a special series of three games between any two of such clubs, such games to be played in the month of"October, and the games so played shall be included in the championship record, and counted in determining the award of the championship. In such case only the provisigns of this

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION. 23

Constitution prohibiting the playing or recording as cham- pionship games, games played alter tlie expiration of the cham- pionship season, shall have no effect.

The emblem of the championship shall be a pennant (of the national colors), to cost not less than one hundred dollars ($100). It shall be inscribed with the motto, "Champion Base Ball Club of the United States," with the name of the club and the year in which the litle was won, and the champion club shall be entitled to fly the pennant until the close of the ensu- ing season.

Sec. 6|. The championship shall be decided in the follow- ing manner: Within twenty-four hours after every match game played for

the championship, the home club shall prepare and forward to the Secretary of the League a statement containing the full score of the game, according to the system specified in the "Playing Rules," the date, place where played, and names of the clubs and umpire: Provided, ihat no tie or drawn game shall be considered "a game'' for any purpose except the aver- ages; and provided further that in any case where the Secretary shall not receive the score of a championship game within five days after the playing of such game, the club whose duty it is to forward such score, shall pay to the League the sum of ten dollars as the penalty of such default. At the close of the season, the Secretary shall prepare a tab-

ular statement of the games won and lost by each club, accord- ing to the statements so sent him (which statements shall be the sole evidence in the matter), and submit the same, with the statements so sent him, to the Board, who shall make the award in writing, and report the same to the League at its an- nual meeting. In making the award the Board shall consider:

1. The tabular statement of the Secretarj'. 2. Forfeited games. 3. Games participated in by clubs which have withdrawn,

disbanded, or forfeited their membership without completing their championship series with all other League clubs; such games shall be counted to the following extent: The Board shall ascertain the least number of championship games played by such club with any club remaining in the League, and shall, from the first game participated in during the cham- pionship season, by such retired club, count in the series of each League club a similar number of games, and all other games participated in bv such retired club shall not be counted in the championship series : Provided, That if such retired club shall have failed to play at least one championship game with every League club, all games participated in by it shall be thrown out entirely.

24 LEAGUE CONS'l^ITUTION.

ANNUAL MEETING. Section 65. The annual meeting of the League shall be

held on the third Wednesday in November of each jear, at twelve o'clock noon, and at such place as shall have been deter- mined by vote at the previous annual meeting.

Sec. 66. At such meeting each club shall be represented, and shall be entitled to tw^o representatives, and to have, in addition thereto, any of its officers or ex-officers present at such meeting; but no club shall be permitted to send as a represen- tative any person under contract or engagement as a ball player, and belonging to the nine of such club in said capacity

;

they shall presfnt a certificate from the President or Secretary of their club, showing their authority to act; but no club shall have more than one vote.

Sec. 67. Special meetings may be called by the President of the League on his own option, or on the written call of four clubs.

Sec. 68. A representation of a majority of clubs shall con- stitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a less number may adjourn from time to time until a quorum is obtained.

Sec 69. The following shall be the order of business: 1. Reading minutes of last meeting.

2. Report of Board of Directors.

3. Reports of special committees.

4. Election of new members.

5. Amendment of Constitution. '6. Amendment of Playing Rules.

7. Election of officers.

8. Miscellaneous business.

9. Adjournment.

AMENDMENTS.

Section 70. (i.) The Constitution or Playing Rules of this League may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the League at any annual meeting, or by a unanimous vote at any other time.

(2). Any Section of this Constitution may be suspended or its provisions made non-applicable by unanimous vote at a League meeting.

INDEX TO PLAYING RULES. 25

ii^iDEx:

RULES AND REGULATIONS,

RULE.

The Ground,.., i The Infield 2 The Bases 3 The Foul Lines. ,. .. 4 The Pitcher's Lines 5 The Catcher's Lines , 6 The Captain 's Lines 7 The Players' Lines 8 The Players' Bench , 9 The Batsman's Lines 10 The Three Feet Lines 11 The Lines Must be Marked 12 The Ball 13

of what composed (i) 13 furnished by Home Club (2) 13 replaced if injured (3) 13

" " lost (4) 13

The Bat 14

FIELD RULES.

Open Betting and Pool Selling Prohibited 15 Sale of Liquor Prohibited 16

No Person Allowed on Field During Game 17 Players not to Sit with Spectators 18

Penalty for Insulting Umpire 19 Penalty for not Keeping Field Clear 20 Restriction as to Addressing Audience 21

26 INDEX TO PLAYING RULES.

THE PLAYERS AND THEIR POSITIONS. RULE.

Nine Players on each Side 22 Players' Positions 23

in the Field (i) 23 at the Bat (2) 23

Order of Batting (3) 23 Restriction as to Occupying Catcher's Lines (4) 23

DEFINITIONS.

A High Ball 24 A Low Ball, 25 A High or Low Ball 26 A Fair Ball 27 An Unfair Ball 28 A Balk 29 A Dead Ball 30 A Block 31 A Fair Hit ^2-34 A Foul Hit 33-3^ A Strike 35 A Foul Strike 36 "Play" 37 Time" 38 "Game"

39 An Inning 40 A Time at Bat 41 Legal or Legally ^2

THE GAME.

Number of Innings .

.

43 Drawn Game

44 Forfeited Game 41; "No Game" 46 Substitute, when Allowed.

4^ Choice of First Innings 4S When Umpire Must Call "Play" 49 Game Must Begin when " Play " is Called 49 When Umpire May Suspend Play 49

*' " " Terminate Game 49 Rain, effect of, in Terminating Game (4) 43

« " " " " 44 " " " " 46

** Definition of. .49 " Umpire's Duty in Case of. 49

Batsman Must Call for Ball He Wants 50

INDEX TO PLAYING RULES. 27

RULE. What Umpire Must Count and Call 50 When Batsman is Out 51

" " becomes Base-Runner 52 Base-Runner must touch Bases in Order 53 " " when entitled to hold Base 53 "

' " " take one Base 54 '• " " required to return to Base 55

No Substitute Allowed for Base-Runner 56 When Base-Runner is Out 57 When Umpire shall, without appeal, declare player "Out" 58 When Ball is not in Play until Returned to Pitcher 59 Block, effect of. 60 Run, when to be Scored 61 Fines on Pitcher 62

" « any Player .63 (4,) 68, 69 Player not to Address Umpire 63 " " " Audience 21 ** *' use Improper Language (4) 68 * to Obey Umpire's Orders (4) 68

THE UMPIRE.

Selection of Umpire 64 Disqualification of Umpire (3) 64 Removal of Umpire (4) 64 Duties as to Materials of Game (i) 65

" " Ground Rules (i) 65 " *' Reversal of Decision (2) 65

Changing Umpire during Game 66 Expulsion of Umpire 67 Umpire's Jurisdiction and Powers 68 Umpire to give Notice of Fine (5,) (6) 68

" » " Forfeited Game (6) 68 Special Penalties 69 Scoring Regulations 70

CONSTRUCTION AND AMENDMENTS. Construction of Rules ».. 71 Amendment of Rules 73

PLAYING RULES

—OF THE

—

NATIONAL LEAGUE ^-OF-

Professional Base Ball Clubs;

1886.

ADOPTED IN PURSUANCE OF SECTION 51 OF THE LEAGUE. CONSTITUTION.

CLASS I. THE MATERIALS OF THE GAME.

Rule i. The Ground must be an inclosed field, sufficient in size to enable each player to play in his position as required bj these P^ules.

Rule 2. The Injield must be a space of ground thirty yards square.

Rule 3. T/ie Bases must be (i) Four in number, and designated as First Base, Second

Base, Third Base and Home Base. (2) The Home Base must be of white rubber or white stone,

twelve inches square, so fixed in the ground as to be even with the surface, and so placed in the corner of the infield that two of its sides will form part of the boundaries of said infield.

28

PLAYING KULKb. 29

(3) The First, Second and Third Bases must be canvas bags, fifteen inches square, painted white, and filled with some soft material, and so placed that the center of each shall be upon a separate corner of the infield, the First Base at the right, the Second Base opposite, and the Third Base at the left of the Home Base.

(4) All the Bases must be securely fastened in their posi- tions, and so placed as to be distinctly seen by the Umpire.

Rule 4. The Foul Lines must be drawn in straight lines from the outer corner of the Home Base, through the center of the positions of First and Third Bases, to the boundaries of the Ground. Rule 5. The Pitcher's Lines must be straight lines forming

the boundaries of a space of ground, in the infield, seven feet long by four feet wide, distant fifty feet fi om„ the center of the Home Base, and so placed that the six feet lines would each be two feet distant from and parallel with a straight line passing through the center of the Home and Second Bases. Each cor- ner of this space must be marked by a flat iron plate or stone, six inches square, fixed in the ground, even with the surface.

Rule 6. The Catcher's Lines must be drawn from the outer corner of the Home Base, in continuation of the I' cul Lines, straight to the limits of the Ground back of the Home Base. Rule 7. The Captain''s Lines must be drawn from the

Catcher's Lines to the Limits of the Ground, fifteen feet from and parallel with the Foul lines.

Rule 8. The Players' Lines must be drawn from the Catch- er's Lines to the limits of the Ground, fifty feet from and par- allel with the Foul Lines. Rule 9. The Players' Benches must be furnished by the

home club, and placed upon a portion of the ground outside the Players' Lines. They must be twelve feet in lenglh, and immovably fastened to the ground. At the end of each bench must be immovably fixed a bat-rack, with fixtures for holding twenty bats; one such rack must be designated for the ex- clusive use of the Vi>iting Club, and the other for the exclusive use of the Home Club.

Rule 10. The Batsman' Lines must be straight lines form- ing the boundaries of a space on the right, and of a similar space on the left of the Home Base, six feet long by three feet wide extending three feet in front of and three feet behind the center ot the Home Base, and with its nearest line distant six inches from the Home Base. Rule ii. The Three Feet Lines must be drawn as follovtrs:

From a point on the Foul Line from Home Base to First Base, and equally distant from such bases, shall be drawn a line

;jO PLAYING RULES.

on Foul Ground, at a right angle to said Foul Line, and to a point three feet distant from it ; thence running parallel with said Foul Line, to a point three feet distant from the center of the First Base ; thence in a straight line to the center of the First Base, and thence upon the Foul Line to the point of beginning.

Rule 12. The lines designated in Rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 1 1 must be marked with chalk or other suitable material, so as to be distinctly seen by the Umpire. They must all be so marked their entire length, except the Captain's and Players' Lines, which must be so marked for a distance of at least thirty- five yards from the Catcher's Lines, or to the limits of the grounds.

Rule 13. The Ball. (i) Must not weigh less than five nor more than five and

cne-qiiarter ounces avoirdupois, and measure not less than nine nor more than nine and one-quarter inches in circumference. It must be composed of woolen yarn, and contain not more than one ounce of vulcanized rubber in mouiu imtM. Btid be covered with leather. It must be furnished by the Secretary of the League, whose seal shall be final evidence of the legality of the ball.

(2) In all games the ball or balls played with shall be fur- nished by the Home Club, and become the property of the win- ning club,

(3) Should the ball become out of shape, or cut or ripped so as to expose the yarn, or in any way so injured as to be unfit for fair use in the opinion of the Umpire, on being appealed to by either Captain, a new ball shall at once be called for by the Umpire.

(4) Should the ball be knocked outside of the inclosure or lost during the game, the umpire shall at once call for another ball.

Rule 14. The Bat. (i) Must be made wholly of wood, except that the handle

may be wound with twine, or a granulated sabstance applied, not to exceed eighteen inches from the end.

(2) It must be round, except that a portion of the surface may be flat on one side, must not exceed two anu one-half inches in diameter in the thickest part, and must «i«»e exceed forty-two inches in length.

CLASS II. field rules.

Rule 15. No Club shall allow open betting or pool selling upon its grounds, nor in any building owned or occupied by it

PLAYING KliLES. 81

Rule i6. No Club shall sell or allow to be sold upon its grounds, nor in any building owned or occupied by it, any spirituous, vinous or malt liquors.

Rule 17. No person shall be allowed upon any part of the field during the progress of the game, in addition to the nin'e players and managi r on each side and the umpire, except such ojji' ccrs of the law as may be present in u7iiform to preserve the peace. Rule i8. Players in uniform shall not be permitted to seat

themselves among the spectators. Rule 19. The umpire is the sole judge of play, and is

entitled to the respect of the spectators, and any person offer- ing any insult or indignity to him, must be promptly ejected from the grounds.

Rule 20. Every Club shall furnish sufficient police force upon its own grounds to preserve order, and in the event of a crowd entering the field during the progress of a game, and interfering with the play in any manner, the Visiting Club may refuse to play further uniil the field be cleared. If the ground be not cleared within fifteen minutes thereafter, the Visiting Club may claim, and shall be entitled to, the game by a score of nine runs to none (no matter what number of innings have been played).

Rule 21. No Umpire, Manager, Captain or Player shall address the audience during the progress of a game, except id case of necessary exolanation.

CLASS III.

THE PLAYERS AND THEIR POSITIONS.

Rule 22. The Players of each club, in a match game, shall be nine in number, one of whom shall be the Captain Rule 23. The Players^ Positions shall be (i) When in the field (designated " Fielders " in these

Rules) such as may be assigned them by their Captain, except that the Pitcher must take his position within the Pitcher s Lines, as defined in Rule 5.

(.2) When their side goes to the bat they must immediately seat themselves upon the Players' Bench, and remain there un- til the side is put out, except when batsman or base-runner. All bats not in use must be kept in the bat racks, and the two play- ers next succeeding the Batsman, in the order in which they are named on the Score, must be ready with bat in hand to promptly take position as batsman : Provided, That the Cap- tain, and one assistant only, may occupy the space between the Flayers' Lines and tKe Captain's Lines, to coach Base-Runners.

H2 PLAVliNG KULiib.

(3) The Batsmen must take their positions within the Bats- man's Lines, as defined in Rule 10, in the order in which t!iev are named on the Score, which must contain the battini^ order of both nines and must be followed, except in case of disabihtx of a player, in which case the sul)stitute must take the place oi the disabled player in the batting^ order.

(4) No player of the side at bat, except when Batsman, shal' occupy any portion of the space within the Catcher's Lines as defined in Rule 6.

CLASS IV.

DEFINITIONS,

Rule 24. A High Ball is a ball legally delivered by the Pitcher, over the Home Base, higher than the belt of the Bats- man, but not higher than his shoulder.

Rule 25. A Low Ball is a ball legally delivered by the Pitcher, over the Home Base, not higher than the Batsman's belt, nor lower than his knee,

Rule 26. A High or Lozv Ball is a ball legally delivered by the Pitcher, over the Home Base, not higher than the Bats- man's shoulder, nor lower than his knee.

Rule 27. A Fair Ball is a ball delivered by the Pitcher while standing wholly within the lines of his position, and facing the batsman, the ball, so delivered, to pass over the home base, and at the height called for by the batsman. Rule 28. An Unfair Ball is a ball delivered by the Pitcher

as in Rule 27, except that the ball does not pass over the Home Base, or does not pass over the Home Base at the height called for by the Batsman. Rule 29. A Balk is (i) If the Pitcher, when about to deliver the ball to the bat,

while standing within the lines of his position, make any one of the series of motions he habitually makes in so delivering the ball to the bat, without delivering it.

(2) If the ball be held by the Pitcher so long as to delay the game unnecessarily ; or,

(3) If delivered to the bat by the Pitcher when any part of his person is upon ground outside the lines of his position.

Rule 30. A Dead Ball is a ball delivered to the bat by the Pitcher, that touches the Batsman's bat, without being struck at, or any part of the Batsman's person while standing in his position, without being struck at, or any part of the Umpire's person, without first passing the Catcher.

FLAYING RULES. 88

Rule 31 . A Block is a batted or thrown ball that is stoppea or handled bj any person not engaged in the game. Rule ;^2. A Fair Hit is a ball batted bj the Batsman,

standing in his position, that first touches the ground, the First Base, the Third Base, the part of the person of a player, or any othef object that is in front of or on either of the Foui Lines, or [exceplion) batted directly to the ground by the Batsman, standing in his position, that (whether it first touches Foui or Fair Ground) bounds or rolls" within the Foul Lines, between Hone and First, or Home and Third Bases, without first touching the person of a player. Rule 33. A Foul Hit is a ball batted by the Batsman,

stanuing in his position, that first touches the ground, the part of the person ot a player, or any other object that is behind either of the Foul Lines, or that strikes the person of such Batsman, while standing in his position, or {exception') batted directly to the ground by the Batsman, standing in his positson,. that (whether it first touches Foul or Fair Ground) bounds or rolls outside the Foul Lines, between Home and First, or Home and Third Bases, without first touching the person of a player Rule 34. When a batted ball passes outside the g oundsv

the Umpire shall decide it fair stu^uld it disappear within, or foul should it disapper outside of the range of the foul lines, and Ru es 32 and 33 are 10 be construed accordingly. Rule 35. A Strike is (i) A ball struck at by the Batsman without its touching

his bat; or,

(2; A bail legaly delivered by the Pitcher at the height called for by the Batsman, and over the Home Base, but not struck at by the Batsman. Rule 36. A Foul Strike is a ball batted by the Batsman

when any part of his person is upon ground outside the lines of the Batsman's position. Rule 37. Play is the order of the Umpire to begin the

gam_e, or to resume play after its suspension. Rule 38. Time is the order of the Umpire to suspend play.

Such suspension must not extend beyond the day of the game. Rule 39. Game is the announcement by the Umpire that

the game is terminated. Rule 40. An Inning is the turn af bat of the nine players

representing a Club in a game, and is completed when three of such players have been put out as provided in these Rules. Rule 41. A time at bat is the term at bat of a batsman. It

begins when he takes his position, and continues until he is put out, or becomes a base runner. Rule 4.2. Legale or Legally^ signifies as required bj the**©

ruies.

84 PLAVIJVG RUi-ES.

CLASS V.

THE GAxME.

Rule 43. A Game shall consist ot nine innings to each con- testing nine, except that:

(i) If the side first at bat scores less runs in nine innings than the other side has scored in eight innings, the game shall then terminate.

(2) If the side last at bat in the ninth innings scores the winning run before the third man is out, the game shall then terminate,

(3) If the score be a tie at th end of nine innings to each side, pla}' shall only be continued until the side first at bat shall have scored one or more runs than the other side, in an equal number of innings; or until the other side shall score one more run than the side first at bat.

C4) If the Umpire calls "Game" on account of darkness or rain at any time after five innings have been completed by both sides, the score shall be that of the last equal innings played, unless the side second at bat shall have scored one or more runs than the side first at bat, in which case the score of the game shall be the total number of runs made. Rule 44. A Drawn Game shall be declared by the Umpire

when he terminates a game, on account of darkness or rain, after five equal innings have been played, if the score at the time is equal on the last even innings played ; but {exceptioii) if the side that went second to bat is then at the bat, and has scored the same number of runs as the other side, the Umpire shall declare the game drawn, without regard to the score of the last equal innings.

Rule 45. A Forfeited Game shall be declared by the Um- pire, in favor of the Club not in fault, in the following cases:

(i) If the nine of a club fail to appear upon the field, or, be- ing upon the Field, fail to begin the game within five minutes after the Umpire has called " Play " at the hour appointed for the beginning of the game.

(2) If, after the game has begun, one side refuses or fails to continue playing, unless such game has been suspended or terminated by the Umpire.

(3) If, after play has been suspended by the Umpire, one side fails to resume playing within fire minutes after the Um- pire has called " Play."

(4) If, in the opinion of the Umpire, any one of these Rules is willfully violated.

PLAYIT^G RULES. ;>5

Rule 46. ''No Game'" shall be declared by the Umpfx.^ ,^ he shall terminate play, on account of rain or darkness, before five innings on each side are completed.

Rule 47. A Substitute shall not be allowed to take the place of any player in a game, unless such player be disabled in the game then being played, by reason of illness or injury. Rule 48. The Choice of First Innings shall be determined

by the two Captains.

Rule 49. The Umpire must call "Play" at the hour ap- pointed for beginning a game. The game must begin when the Umpire calls "Play." When he calls "Time," play shall be suspended until he calls " Play " again, and during the in- terim no player shall be pvit out, base be run, or run be scored. The Umpire shall suspend play only for an accident to himself, or a player; (but in case of accident to a Fielder, Time shall not be called until the ball be returned to, and held by the Pitcher, standing in his position); or in case rain falls so heavily that the spectators are compelled, by the severity or the storm, to seek shelter, in which case he shall note the time of suspension, and, should such rain continue to fall thirty min- utes thereafter, he shall terminate the game. The Umpire shall also declare every " Dead-Ball," " Block," " Foul Hit," " Foul Strike," and " Balk."

Rule 50. The Batsman^ on taking his position^ must call for a "High Ball,'» a "Low Ball," or a " High or Low Ball," and the Umpire shall notify the Pitcher to deliver the ball as required; such call shall not be changed after the first ball de- livered. The Umpire shall count and call every " Unfair Ball " delivered by the Pitcher, and every " Dead JBall," if also an "Unfair Ball," as a "Ball;" and he shall also count and call every "Strike." Neither a "Ball" nor a "Strike" shall be called or counted until the ball has passed the Home Base. Rule 51. The Batsman is out:

(i) If he fails to take his position at the bat in his order of batting, unless the error be discovered, and the proper Bats- man takes his position before a fair hit has been made, and in such case the balls and strikes called will be counted in the time at bat of the proper Batsman.

(2) If he fails to take his position within one minute after the Umpire has called for the Batsman.

(3) If he makes a Foul Hit, and the ball be momentarily held by a fielder before touching the ground, provided it be not caught in a fielder's hat or cap, or touch some object other than the fielder before being caught.

(4) If he makes a Foul Strike.

36 PLAYING RULES,

(5) If he plainly attempts to hinder the Catcher from field- ing the ball, evidently without effort to make a fail hit. Rule 52, The Batsman becomes a Base Runner (i) Instantly after he makes a Fair Hit.

(2) Instantly after seven Balls have been called by the Umpire.

(3) Instantly after three Strikes have been declared by the Umpire. Rule 53. The Base-Runner must touch each Base in regular

order^ viz: First, Second, Third and Home Bases, and when obliged to return, must do so on the run, and must retouch the base or bases in reverse order. He shall only be considered as holding a base after touching it, and shall then be entitled to hold such base until he has legally touched the next base in order, or has been legally forced to vacate it for a succeeding Base Runner.

Rule 54. The Base Runner shall be entitled, ivithout being fut out, to take one Base^ provided he do so on the run, in the following cases:

(i) If, while he was Batsman, the Umpire called six Balls-

(2) If the Umpire awards a succeeding Batsman abase on six balls, and the Base Runner is thereby forced to vacate the base held by him.

(3) If the Umpire calls a Balk.

(4j If a ball delivered by the Pitcher pass the Catcher and touch any fence or building within ninety feet of the Home Base.

(5) If he be prevented from making a base by the obstruc- tion of an adversary.

(6) If the fielder stop or catch a batted ball with his hat or

any part of his dress.

Rule 55. The Base Rujiner shall return to his Base, and shall be entitled to so return without being put out, provided

he do so on the run.

(i) If the Umpire declares a Foul Hit, and the ball be not legally caught by a Fielder.

(2) If the Umpire declares a Foul Strike.

(3) If the Umpire declares a Dead Ball, unless it be also the sixth Unfair Ball, and he be thereby forced to take the next base, as provided in Rule 54 (2). Rule 56. The Base Runner shall not have a substitute run

for him.

Rule 57. The Base Runner is out

:

(i) If. after three strikes have been declared against him

PLAYING RULES. 37

while Batsman, and the Catcher fails to catch the third- strike ball, he plainly attempts to hinder the Catcher from fielding tne ball.

(2) If, having made a Fair Hit while Batsman, such fair-hit ball be momentarily held by a Fielder, before touching the ground or any object other than a Fielder: Provided^ It be not caught in the Fielder's hat or cap.

(3) If, when the Umpire has declared three Strikes on him while Batsman, the third strike ball be momentarily held by a Fielder before touching the ground: Provided^ It be not caught in a Fielder's hat or cap, or touch some object other than a Fielder before being caught.

(4) If, after three Strikes or a Fair Hit, he be touched with the ball in the hand of a Fielder before such Base Runner touches First Base.

(5) If, after three Strikes or a Fair Hit, the ball be securely held by a Fielder, while touching First Base with any part of his person, before such Base Runner touches First Base.

(6) If, in running the last half of the distance from Home Base to First Base, he runs outside the Three Feet Lines, as defined in Rule 11, except that he must do so if necessary to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, and in such case shall not be declared out.

(7) If, in running from First to Second Base, from Second to Third Base, or from Third to Home Base, he runs more than three feet from a direct line between such bases to avoid being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder; but in case a J'ielder be occupying the Base Runner's proper path, at- tempting to field a batted ball, then the Base Runner shall run out of the path and behind said Fielder, and shall not be de- clared out for so doing.

(8) If he fails to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, in the manner prescribed in (6; and (7) of this Rule, or if he, in any way, obstructs a Fielder attempting to field q batted ball : Provided, That if two or more Fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the Base Runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the Umpire shall determine which Fielder is entitled to the benefit of this Rule, and shall not de- cide the Base Runner out for coming in contact with any other Fielder.

(9) If, at any time while the ball is in play, he be touched by the ball in "the hand of a Fielder, unless some part of his person is touching a base he is entitled to occupy, provided the ball be held by the Fielder after touching him ; but {exception as to First Base), in running to First Base, he may overrun eaid base without being put out for being off said base, after

SH PLAYING RULES.

first touching it, provided he returns at once and retouches the base, after which he may be put out as at any other base. If, in overrunning First Base, he also attempts to run to Second Base, he shall forfeit such exemption from being put out.

(lo) If, when a Fair or Foul Hit ball is legally caught by a Fielder, such ball is legally held by a Fielder on the base oc- cupied by the Base Runner when such ball.was struck (or the Base Runner be touched with the ball in the hands of a Fielder), before he retouches said base after such Fair or Foul Hit ball was so caught. Provided, That the Base Runner shall not be out in such case, if, after the ball was legally caught as above, it be delivered to the bat by the Pitcher before the Fielder holds il on said base, or touches the Base Runner with it

(ii) If, when a Batsman becomes a Base Runner (except as provided in Rule ^4), the First Base, or the First and Second Bases, or the First, Second and Third Bases, be occupied, any Base Runner so occupying a base shall cease to be entitled to hold it, until any following Base Runner is put out, and may be put out at the next base o r by being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder in the same manner as in running to First Base, at any time before any following Base Runner is put out.

(12) If a Fair Hit ball strike him, he shall be declared out and in such case no base shall be run unless forced, and no rurt be scored.

(13) If when running to a base or forced to return to a base, he fail to touch the intervening base or bases, if any, in the order prescribed in Rule 53, he may be put out at the base he fails to touch, or by being touched by the ball in the hand of a Fielder, in the same manner as in running to First Base. Provided, That he shall not be declai-ed out unless the Captain. of the fielding sde claim such decision before the ball is deliv. ered to the bat by the Pitcher.

(14) If, 'when the Umpire calls "Play," after any sus- pension of a game, he fails Xo return to and touch the base 1 e occupied when " Time " was called before touching the next base.

Rule 58. The Umpire shall declare the Batsman or Base Runner out, without rvaiting for an appeal for such decision, \n all cases where such player is put out in accordance with these rules, except as provided in Rule t>7, (10), (13) and (14).

Rule 59. In case of a Foul Strike, Foul Hit not legally caught flying, Dead Ball, or Base Runner put out for be- ing struck by a fair-hit bally the ball shall not be considered ir»

play until it is held by the Pitcher standing in his position.

PLAYING RULES. 89

Rule 6o. IVkenever a Block occurs^ the Umpire shall de< clare it, and Base Runners may run the bases without being put out, until after the ball has been returned to and held by the Pitcher standing in his position.

Rule 6i. 07ie Run shall be scored every time a Base Run- ner, after having legally touched the first three bases, shall touch the Home Base before three men are put out. If the third man is forced out, or is put out before reaching First Base, a run shall not be scored.

R ULE 62 . // the Pitcher causes the ball to strike the Batsman^ and the Umpire be satisfied that he does it intentionally, he snail fine the Pitcher therefor in a sum not less than Ten Dol- lars, nor more than Fifty Dollars. (See League Contract paragraph 11).

Rule 63. No Player except the Captain or his assistafit shall address the Umpire concerning any point of play, and any vio- lation of this Rule shall subject the offender to a fine of five dollars by the Umpire.

CLASS VL

THE UMPIRE.

Rule 64. A staff of four League umpires shall be selected by the Secretary before the ist day of May.

(i) Applications for such positions will be received by the Secretary until the ist day of March.

(2) A written contract shall be made with each of the four umpires selected, stipulating for his service from May i to Oct. 15, at a salary of one thousand dollars for such perioo, payable in equal monthly payments, at the expiration of each monlh of service. He shall also be allowed and paid his actual expenses while absent from his borne in the service of the League.

(3) He shall be under the sole control and direction of th e Secretary, from whom he will receive all assignments to duty and aU instructions regarding the interpretation of the playing rules, and the Secretary shall see that he is proficient in the discharge of his duties, and that he shall appear in proper dress when acting as umpire.

(4) In the event of the failure of such umptre to umpire a game assigned to hiin, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to provide a substitute to uinpire such game, and, in such case, there shall be deducted from the next monthly paym.ent to the League Umpire the sum of twelve dollars for each game as-

40 PLAYING KULES.

signed to him, which, for any reason, he shall have failed to umpire.

(5) It shall be the duty of each League Club to accept as Urn- pire for any championship game such League Umpire or sub- stitute as the Secretary shall assign to such game, and only in the event of the failure of the League Umpire or substitute so assigned to appear at the hour appointed for the beginning of such game, shall the duty devolve upon the visiting club to designate an Umpire for such game.

(6) Any League Umpire shall be subject to removal by the Secretary at any time, and in the event of the resignation, re- moval or expulsion of any League Umpire the Seeretary shall have power to appoint a suitable person to fill the vacancy thus created.

Rule 65. 77/^? Umpire's Duties^ in addition to those speci- fied in the preceding Rules, are:

(i) Before the commencement of a Match Game, the Um- pire shall see that the rules governing all the materials of the game are strictly observed. He shall ask the Captain of the Home Club whether there are any special ground rules to be en- forced, and if there are, he shall see that they are duly en- forced, provided they do not conflict with any of these Rules. He shall also ascertain whether the fence directly in the rear of the Catcher's position is distant ninety feet from the Home Base. A fair batted ball that goes over the fence at a less distance than two hundred and ten feet from home base shall entitle the batsman to two bases, and a distinctive line shall be marked on the fence at this point. The Umpire shall not reverse his decision on any point of

play upon the testimony of any player engaged in the game, or upon the testimony of any bystander,

(2) It shall be the duty of the Umpire to decide whether the grounds are in proper condition, and the weather suitable for play. Rule 66. The Umpire shall not be changed during the prog-

ress of a Match Game, except for reason of illness or injury. Rule 67. Any League Umpire who shall in the judgment of

the President of the League be guilty of ungentlemanly conduct or of selling, or offering to sell, a game of which he is umpire, shall thereupon be removed from his official capacity and placed under the same disabilities intiicted upon expelled players by the Constitution of the League. (See also Constitution, Sec. 43). Rule 68. The Uttipires Jurisdictions and Powers^ in addi-

tion to those specified in the preceding Rules, are:

(1) The gentleman selected to fill the position of Umpire must keep constantly in mind the fact that upon his sound •ijscretion and promptness in conducting the game, compelling players to observe the spirit as weii as the letter of the Rules,

PLAYING RULES. 41

and enforcing each and every one of the Rules, largely de- pends the merit of the game as an exhibition, and the satisfac- tion of spectators therewith. He must make his decisions dis- tinct and clear, remembering that every spectator is anxious to hear such decision. He must keep the contesting nines play- ing constantly from the commencement of the game to its termination, allowing such delays only as are rendered unavoid- able by accident, injury or rain. He must, until the comple- tion of the game, require the plaj^eis of each side to promptly take their positions in the field as soon as the third hand is put out, and must require the first striker of the opposite side to be in his position at the bat as soon as the fielders are in their places.

(2) The players of the side '*at bat" must occupy the por- tion of the field allotted them, subject to the condition that they must speedily vacate any portion thereof that may be in the way of the ball, or any fielder attempting to catch or field it. The triangular space behind the Home Base is reserved for the exclusive use of the Umpire, Catcher and Batsman, and the Umpire must prohibit any player of the side " at bat " from crossing the same at any time while the ball is in the hands of the Pitcher or Catcher, or is passing between them, while standing in tlieir positions.

(3) Section 9 of the League Constitution makes the League Umpire a member of the League. During the progress of a game he is the sole representative of the League, to see that the game is played and determined solely on its merits, and these Rules invest him with ample powers to accomplish this purpose. In the performance of his duties he must remember that his sole allegiance is due to the League.

(4) The Umpire is master of the Field from the commence- ment to the termination of the game, and must compel the players to observe the provisions of all the Playing Rules, and he is hereby invested with authority to order any Player to do or omit to do any act, as he may deem it necessary to give force and eftect to any and all of such provisions, and power to in- flict upon any player disobeying any such order a fine of not less than five nor more than fifty dollars for each offense, and to impose a similar fine upon any player who shall use abusive, threatening or improper language to the Umpire, audience, or other player, and when the Uirpire shall have so punished the player, he shall not have the power to revoke or remit the penalty so inflicted. (See League Contract, paragraph n).

(5) The Umpire shall at once notify the Captain of the offending player's side of the infliction of any fine herein pro- vided for, and the club to which sucn player belongs shall, upon receipt of a notice of said fine from the Secretary of

42 PLAYING RULES.

the League, within ten days transmit the amount of such fine to the Secretary of tlie League.

(6). In case the Umpire imposes a fine on a player, or de- clares a game forfeited, he shall transmit a written notice thereof to the Secretary of the League within twenty-four hours thereafter; and if he shall fail to to do so, he shall forfeit his position as League Umpire, and shall forever thereafter be ineligible to umpire any League game. Rule 69. For the special benefit of the patrons of the

game, and because the offenses specified are under his imme- diate jurisdiction, and not subject to appeal by players, the attention of the Umpire is particularly directed to possible vio- lations of the purpose and spirit of the Rules, of the following cha acter:

1. Laziness or loafing of players in taking their places in the field, or those allotted them by the Rules when their side is at the bat, and especially any failure to keep the bats in the racks provided for them; to be ready (two men) to take posi- tion as Batsmen, and to remain upon the Players' Bench, except when otherwise required by the Rules.

2. Any attempt by players of the side at-bat, by calling to a fielder, other than the one designated by his Captain, to field a ball, or by any other equally disreputable means seeking to disconcert a fielder.

3. Indecent or improper language addressed by a player to the audience, the Umpire, or any player.

In any of these cases the Umpire should promptly fine the offending player.

4. The Rules make a marked distinction between hindrance of an adversary in fielding a batted or tlirown ball. This has been done to rid the game of the childish excuses and claims formerly made by a Fielder failing to liold a ball to put out a Base Runner, but there may be cases of a Base Runner so flagrantly violating the spirit of the Rules and of the Game in obstructing a Fielder from fielding a thrown ball that it would become the duty of the Umpire, not-only to declare the Base Runner "out" (and to compel any succeeding Base Runners to hold their bases), but also to impo-e a heavy fine upon him. For example: If the Base Runner plainlj^ strike the ball while passing him, to prevent its being caught by a Fielder; if he hold a fielder's arms so as to disable him from catching the ball, or if he knock the Fielder down for the same purpose.

5. In the case of a "Block," if the person not engaged in the game should retain possession of the ball, or throw or kick it beyond the reach of the Fielders the Umpire should call

PLAYING RULES. 48

** Time," and require each Base Runner to stop at the last base- touched by him, until the ball be returned to the Pitcher, stand* ing in his position,

6. The Umpire must call "Play" at the exact time adver- tised for beginning a game, and any player not then ready to take the position allotted him. must be oromptlv fined by the Umpire.

7. The Umpire is only allowed, by the Rules, to call " Time " in case of an accident to himself or a player, or in case of rain, as defined by the Rules. The practice of players suspending the game to discuss or contest a decision with' the Umpire, is a gross violation of the Rules, and the Umpire should promptly fine any player who interrupts the game in this manner.

CLASS VII.

Scoring.

Rule 70. In Order to Promote Uuiformity in Scoring Championship Games, the following instructions, suggestions- and definitions are made for the benefit of scorers of League clubs, and thej^ are required to make the scores mentioned in Section 67 of the League Constitution in accordance therewith

Batting.

(i) The first item in the tabulated score, after the player's name and position, shall be the number of times he has been at bat during the game. Any time or times where the player has been sent to base on called balls shall not be included in this column.

(2) In the second column should be set down the runs made by each player.

(3) In the third column should be placed the first base hits made by each player. A base hit should be scored in the following cases. When the ball from the bat strikes the ground between the

foul lines, and out of reach of the fielders. When a hit is partially or wholly stopped by a fielder in

motion, but such pla^'cr cannot recover himself in time to handle the ball before the striker reaches First Base. When the ball is hit so sharply to an infielder that he cannot

handle it in time to put out a man. In case of doubt over this class of hits, score a base hit and exempt fielder from the charge of an error. When a ball is hit so slowly toward a fielder that he cannot

handle it in time to put out a man.

44 PLAYING RULES.

(4) In the fourth column should be placed to the credit of each player the total bases made by him off his hits.

Fielding.

(5) The number of opponents put out by each player shall be set down in the fifth column. Where a striker is given out hy the Umpire for a foul strike, or because he struck out of his turn the put-out shall be scored to the Catcher.

(6). The number of times the player assists shall be set down in the sixth column. An assist should be given to each player who handles the ball in a run-out or other play of the kind.

An assist should be given to a player who makes a play in time to put a runner out, even if the player who should com- plete the play fails, through no fault of the player assisting. And generally an assist should be given to each player who

handles the ball from the time it leaves the bat until it reaches the player who makes the put-out, or in case of a thrown ball, to each player who throws or handles it cleanly, and in such a way that a put-out results or would result if no error were made by the receiver. An assist shall be given the pitcher when the batsman

falls to hit the ball on the third strike, and the same shall also be entered in the summary under the head of "struck out."

(7) An error should be given for each misplay which allows the striker or base-runner to make one or more bases, when perfect play would have insured his being put out. An error should be given to the pitcher when the batsman is

given first base on "called balls." In scoring errors oif batted balls, see (3) of this ruie.

Bases stolen by players shall appear to their credit in the summarj of the game.

CLASS VIII.

CONSTRUCTION AND AMENDMENTS.

Rule 71. No section of these Rules shall be construed as. iXjnflicting with or affecting any article of the Constitution of the League. Rule 72. No Amendment or change of any of these Rules

shall be made, except in the manner provided in the Constitu- tion of the League.

OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. 45

Special League Meeting held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, April i8, 1885.

Meeting called to order at 10:40 a, m. Present,

A. H. SoDEN, representing the Boston B. B. Ass'n. J. E. Allen,

" Providence " " John B. Day, " New York '' Club. John I. Rogers, " Philadelphia" "

J. W. Spalding, " Chicago " " N. E. Young, " Buffalo, Detroit and

St Louis. The following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the provisions of the Resolution known as

the Day Resolution, adopted March 4, 1884, shall not apply to Hugh Daily, E. M. Gross, Fred Dunlap and George Shaffer, and the penalties thereby imposed are hereby mitigated and changed into pecuniary fines of $500 each, providmg that this does not operate or go into effect until said fines be paid into the League Treasury, or satisfactory security entered for the payment thereof

The following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted: Whereas, John W. Glasscock, Chas. Sweeny, Chas. F.

Briody, James McCormick and Fred. L. Shaw who have become disqualified to play base ball in this League are each sincerely regretful of the action which led to such disqualifica- tion, and are desirous of making amends, and of becoming again eligible to membership. Therefore,

Resolved, ist, That each of the said players be required to pay a fine of $1,000 into the League Treasury as a punishment for his offense.

Resolved, 2d, That upon payment of said fine to the Treas- urer of the League by any one of said players, or upon the giving by any one of said placers of a guarantee for the payment of said fine in installments or otherwise during the playing season of 1885, the disqualification of said player shall be and is hereby revoked.

Resolved^ 3d,' That the Secretary of the League is hereby directed to promulgate, without delay, notices of the removal of the disqualification of the said players who have paid the fine or furnished the guarantee herein required. We, the undersigned, having voted against the above resolu-

tions, and protested against their adoption, but not wishing to thwart the will of all the other League Clubs, constituting three-fourths of the League membership, hereby assent to the same. (Signed) J. Edward Allen,

' John I. Rogers.

46 SPECIAL MEETING

The report of the Arbitration Committee was received and -adopted.

The following agreement was unanimously assented to. That the new pitching rule should be given one month's

trial, and if at the expiration of that time it was found to be working a positive injury to any one club, it should be changed back to the rule of 1884.

On motion, adjourned. N. E. Young,

Pres. and Scc'y.

Special League Meeting held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, Saturday, Oct. 17, 1885. Present:

A. G Spalding, representing the Chicago Ball Club Jno. B Day,

' " New York " A. J. Reach, } , Philadelphia " Jno. I. Rogers, ) F. K Stearns, " Buffalo B. B. Ass'n A. H. Soden, W. H. Conant, J. E.Allen, ) , Providence

Boston

Geo. J. West. J. A. Marsh

"

\ , Detroit [no. B. Molony, *G. H. Schmelz, " St. Louis "

Meeting called to order at 1 1 :30 a. m. The joint Conference Comm.ittee, through Mr. A. H. Soden,

Chairman, submitted their report, and recommended the adop- tion of the following agreement, which, as amended, was unanimously agreed to as followa: (See National Agree- ment.) The League, by invitation, met t le American Association in

joint conference for the purpose of signing the said National Agreement. The following named gentlemen were elected to constitute

the League members of the Arbitration Committee for the balance of this business year, namely, John B. Day, John I. Rogers and N. E. Young. The following agreements were signed by all League clubs:

(See Special Agreements.) On motion, adjourned.

N. E. Young, Pres. and Scc'y.

OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. 47

Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Nation- al League of P. B. B. Clubs held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1S85.

Meeting called to order at 8 p. m.

Present: N. E. Young, Chairman, and Messrs. Day, Reach and

INIoLONY, Directors. The Secretary presented a tabular statement of champion-

ship games won and lost during the season of 1885. On motion, the following resolution was adopted

:

Resolved, That the Chicago Ball Club, of Chicago, 111., hav- ing won the greatest percentage of games in the championship series, is hereby awarded the League Championship of the United States for the year 1885. The report of the Treasurer was received and accepted. The Chairman presented a communication from Mr. Fred.

Pfeffer asking that a fine imposed by Mr. Bond, Umpire, be remitted.

On motion, the request of Mr. Pfeffer w^as denied. INIr. N. E. Young was re-elected Secretary. On inotion, adjourned.

(Signed) N. E. Young, Chairman. J NO. B. Day, i

'• "Jno. B. Molony, [• Directors.

" A. J. Reach, )

Annual Meeting of the National League of Profes- sional Base Ball Clurs held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1885.

Meeting called to order at 12 o'clock, noon.

Present:

John B. Day, representing the New York B. B. Club. A. G. Spalding, " Chicago " '-

A. J. Reach, " Phila. " "

John L Rogers, " " " "

F. K. Stearns, " Buffalo " Ass'n. A. H. SoDEN, " Boston " " W. H. Conant, " " u u

J. A. Marsh, " Detroit " "

John B. Molony, J. E. Allen,

" Providence " " Geo. J. West,

" " " " H.V.Lucas, " St. Louis G. H. Schmelz, *'

48 SPECIAL MEETING

On motion, the reading of minutes of last meeting was dis- pensed with.

The report of the Board of Directors was received and ac- cepted.

The report of the Arbitration Committee was received and accepted.

On motion the regular order of business was suspended for the purpose of considering miscellaneous business.

Mr. Molony moved that the four players, namely: Messrs. Rovve, Richardson, Brouthers and WlTiite be now declared eli- gible to sign contracts.

It was moved and seconded that the motion of Mr. Molony be laid on the table and the regular order of business resumed.

Carried.

The Constitution and Playing Rules were amended as fol- lows :

(See Constitution and Playing Rules.)

Mr. N. E. YoiTNG was re-elected President of the League.

The following named gentlemen wsre elected Directors: Jno. B, Molony, Henry V. Lucas, A. H. Soden and J. E.

Allen.

On motion a committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Spalding, Young and Day was appointed to consider all mat- ters of special interest to the League, with permission to report at any time.

Committee on Printing: Messrs. Rogers, Day and Spalding.

On motion adjourned to meet at 9:00 a. m. on the following day.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 1885. Meeting called to order at 10:00 a. m.

The following named gentlemen were elected members of the Schedule Committee, namely: Messrs. G. H. Schmelz,

J. A, Marsh and Harry Wright. Messrs. Day, Rogers and Young were elected members

of the Arbitration Committee.

The Spalding League Ball was adopted and the Secretary was avithorized to renew contract with Spalding Bros., of Chi- cago, 111., for three years from the date of the expiration of their present contract.

OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. 49

On motion the publication of the League Book was left in the hands of the Secretary.

The resignation of Mr. A. G. Mills as an honorary member was accepted.

The following resolutions were adopted

:

Resolved, That the next annual meeting of the League be held in Chicago.

Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns, it adjourn ta meet in New York City on the first Wednesday in March,. 1 886.

Resolved, Th^it upon the release of a player from contract with any League club in accordance with the fifih section of the National agreement:

ist. The services of such player shall be exclusively sub- ject to the League club that shall, within ten days from the date of said re ease, signify in writing to the Secretary of the League, its acceptance of said services.

2d. If more than one League club signify such acceptance with- in the said ten days, then the accepting club that shall file with the Secretary of the League the written assent of the released player, over fiis signature, to contract with such club, shall be exclusively entitled to his said services, provided in all cases said assent be signed subsequently to said release.

3d. If more than one League club signify such acceptance within the said ten days, and the written assent of the released player to contract with either be not filed with the Secretary of the League for thirty additional days thereafter, then the Sec- retary of the League shall decide by lot which of said clubs shalfbe exclusively entitled to said services.

4th. The signing of such written assent by any released player to more than one League club, or his refusal to execute a contract with a club in accoi dance with his lawful written assent thereto, or in accordance with his assignment under this resolution, within reasonable time thereafter, shall upon proof to the satisfaction of five League clubs, black-list such player as prescribed in Section 14, of the League constitution, provided, that in the event of a failure to black-list such player, or in the event of removal from the black list of su^h player, the services of such player shall be controlled by the club to which his assent in writing is first given.

The report of the Special Committee was received and adopted.

On motion, a committee of four, consisting of Messrs. A. H. SoDEx, A. G. Spalding, John B. Day and A. T. Reach,

50 SPECIAL MEETING

was appointed with full power and control over the franchises of Buffalo and Providence clubs, and to fill any vacancy that may occur prior to the Spring meeting, by reason of the with- drawal of either club. The Committee on Printing recommended that the contract

for printing posters be awarded to John B. Sage, of Buffalo, N. Y. On motion, adjourned.

N. E. Young, Pres. and Sec'y.

Reconvened Annual Meeting of the National League OF Professional Base Ball Clubs, held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, Wednesday, March 3, 1886.

Present,

A. G. Spalding, representing the Chicago Ball Club. Jno. B. Day, " New York " A. J. Reach and John I Rogers, " Philadelphia "

J. A. Marsh and Jno. B. Molony, " Detroit B. B. Ass'n.

A. H. Soden and W. H. CoNANT, " Boston "

H. V. Lucas and G. H. Schmelz, " St. Louis "

R. C. Hewett and M. B. Scanlon, " Washington "

D. E. RowE, " Kansas City "

Meeting called to order at 12 m.

On motion, the reading of the minutes of the previous meet- ing was dispensed with.

The Special Committee appointed at the annual meeting, consisting of Messrs. Soden, Day, Spalding and Reach, sub- mitted their report, and it was unanimously accepted. Under a suspension of the rules, the Washington National Base Ball Association, and the Kansas City Base Ball Association, were unanimously elected to League membership.

On motion the rules were suspended for the purpose of admit- ting Mr. D. E. Rowe (who is ineligible as a player under con- tract) to represent the Kansas City Base Ball Association.

Mr. John B. Day was elected a Director to fill a prospective vacancy. On motion the President was authorized to accept

OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. 51

the resignation of the Providence and Buffalo Clubs when ten- dered.

On motion Sections 58 and 60 were unanimously suspended for the purpose of making Special Agreements with the Phila- delphia and St. Louis clubs.

On motion the meeting proceeded to consider amendments to the Constitution and Playing Rules, pending the considera- tion of which, on motion adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. on the following day.

Thursday, March 4, 18S6, Meeting called to order at 10 a. m., and resumed tl\e consid-

eration of Amendments to the Constitution and Playing Rules which, as amended, were adopted as follows: (See Constitution and Playing Rules.)

The Committee appointed to jn'epare a Schedule for the sea- son of 1886, submitted their report and it was unanimously adopted.

No further business appearing, on motion adjourned.

N. E. YOUNG, Pres. a?id Sec^.

52 Spalding's official

OFFICERS AND PLAYERS.

The following is an official list of the officers of the National League of professional base ball clubs, and officers and players of clubs, members thereof, for the season of 1886, so far as com- pleted, to March 10, 1886:

N. E. YOUNG, Pres. and Sec, Box 536, Washington, D. C. DIRECTORS.

Henry V. Lucas, Jno. B. Maloney, A. H. Soden, and Jno. B. Day.

BOSTON BASE BALL ASSOCIATION, OF BOSTON, MASS.

A. H. Soden, President^ J. B. Billings, Treasurer, 116 Water Street. Box 7756.

Gunning, Thos. F. Tate, Edward C. Nash, Wm. Poorman, Thos. Johnston, R. F. Stemmyer, Wm. Sutton, E. B. Parsons, C. J. Burdock, J. J. Dealey, P. Radbourn, Chas. Daily, C. F. Hines, Paul A. Buffinton, C. G. Hornung, Jos.

CHICAGO BASE BALL, OF CHICAGO, ILL. A. G. Spalding, President, Jno. A. Brown, Secretary,

108 Madison St. i6j Loorais St.

Ryan, Jas. Dalrymple, A. Flint, F. S. Williamson, E. N. Pfeffer, Fred. Sunday, W. A. Burns, Thos. E. Gore, Geo. F. Kelly, M. J. Anson, A. C. Clarkson, Jno. G. Flynn, Jno. Moolic, Geo. H. McCormick, Jas.

DETROIT BASE BALL ASSOCIATION, OF DETROIT, MICH.

Jos. A. Marsh, President, Robt. H. Leadley, Secretary. g4 Gristvold St , Rootn 6. P. O. Box 122.

Donnelly, J. B. Twitchell, Lawr'nce. Getstein, C. H. Manning, J. H. Baldwin, C. B. Thompson, Sam'l L. Brouthers, D. Rowe, J. C. Richardson, H. White, Jas. L. Hall, Chas. L. McQuery, Wm. Crane, Sam'l N. Fitzsimmons, O. K. Bennett, C. W. Lawrence, H. J.

NEW YORK BALL CLUB, OF NEW YORK CITY. John B. Day, President, No. 121 Maiden Lane. Corcoran, S. J. Gerhardt, J. J. Conner, R. Richardson, Dan'l. O'Rourke, J. H. Ward, J. M.

i

Spalding's official 53

PHILADELPHIA BALL CLUB, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENN.

A. J. Reach, President^ Jno. I. Rogers, Secretary, 23 So. 8th St. 138 So. 6th St. Harry Wright, Manager., 1^41 N. szd St.

Fogarty, Jas. Andrews, G. E. Mulvej, Jos. Ganzell, C. W, Siegle, John. Bignall, Geo. Titcomb, Ledell. Guehrer, J. F. Irwin, A. A. Clements, John. Casey, Daniel M. Farrell, John. Ferguson, C. J. McGuire, Jas. Daily, E. M.

ST. LOUIS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, OF ST. LOUIS, MO.

Henry V. Lucas, President. G. H. Schmelz, Manager. 2527 Cass Ave.

Cahill, Jno. F. Quinn, Jos, Bauer, Albert. Seery,J,E. Dolan, Thos. Healy, John. Hovv'ard, Kent. Boyle, H. J. Mappes, Geo. Glasscock, J. W. Dunlap, Fred. McKinnon, A. Denny, Jer. Kirby, Jno. Myers, Geo. Graves, Frank.

WASHINGTON (NATIONAL) BASE BALL CLUB, OF WASHINGTON, D. C.

RoBT. C. Hewett, President^ Walter F. Hewett, Sec^. 1227 7th St. N. W.

Barr, R. ]M. Baker, Philip. Gladmon, J. H. Knowles, Jas. Crane, Ed. N. Hines, Michael.

KANSAS CITY BASE BALL ASSOCIATION, OF KANSAS CITY, MO.

Jos. J. Heim, President. Jas. Whitfield, Secretary.

54 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.

Record of Championship Games Played During the Season of 1885.

LEAGUE CIIAMPIONSUIP GAMES. 55

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

Date 18&5.

56 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

liEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. 57

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

58 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

Date

•"i!^ I

IMAGUB CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. 59

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

NAMES OF CONTESTANTS.

Boston vs. Chicago Philadelphia ve. Detroit. Boston vs. Chicai^o New York vs. St. Louis.

.

Boston vs. Buffalo Philadelphia vs. Detroit.

" vs. St. Louis. Boston vs. Buffalo Providence vs. Chicago.. New York vs. Detroit

Boston vs. Chicaeo Philadelphia vs. St. Louis, Providence vs . Buffalo—

" vp. Chit ago.., Boston vs . Buffalo

'* vs. Detroit Philadelphia vs. Chicago.. New Yorkve. Buffalo.. . Providence vs. St. Louis.,

Boston vs. Detroit New York vs. Buffalo Philadelphia vs. Chicago.

" vs. Buffalo . New York vs. Chicago... Boston vs. St. Louis Providence vs. Detroit

—

" 10 " 10

Boston vs. St. Louis " vs. Detroit

Philadelphia vs. Chicago. New York vs. Buffalo . .

.

Providence vs. St. Louis.

Boston vs. Detroit Philadelphia vs. Chicago.

" vs. Buffalo .. New York vs. Chicago Boston vs. St. Louis. Providence vs. Detroit..,

Winning Club

Chicago Philadelphia., Chicago , New York.. ., Buffalo , Philadelphia., St. Louis Buffalo Chicago , New York... Detroit.. .. Chicago St Louis Providence..

.

Chicago Boston

Chicago .. ., New York.. Providence.

,

Detroit New York .. Chicago Philadelphia. New York... Tie Providence . .

.

Boston.

Chicago New York. Providence.

Boston Chicago... Philadelphia. New York... Boston Providence..

.

Detroit— .

.

St. Louis Chicago St. Louis.

Runs Scored.

o f? -A

12 19 14 3 8 2

Boston vs. St. Louis New York vs. Chicago Boston vs. St. Louis ,,, ., ^ ^ ,, Philadelphia vs. Buffalo Philadelphia

.

" " Buffalo New York vs. Chicago I NevT York.

60 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GA.MES. 61

Record of Championship Games.—Continued

Date 1885.

G2 LEAGUE CUAMPIONSUIP GAMES.

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. 63

Record of Championship Games.—Continued.

64 LEAGUE CIlAMPlONSillP GAMES,

BATTING RECORD Of Players who have taken part in fifteen or more championship games.

SEASON OF 1885.

NAME.

Connor Brouihere Dorgan Rich irdson (ifore

Sutton Anson Ferguson. Ewiog Thompson Hanlon O'Ronrke

( Gillespie -; Lewis ( White Wood Rowe Kelly Dorgan Wise Glasscock Start Dalrymple M Query Burns

j HJoes I McKinnon

( Dunlap \ Bennett Mulvey And-^ews Scott Richardson.... Daily

{Manning Deasley Eslerbrook.. ..

JNaeh ( Sunday Lillie

Ringo Farrar

CLUB.

New York.... Buffalo New York Buffalo Chicago Boston Chicago Philadelphia. New York.... Detroit

New York

St. Louis Buffalo Detroit Buffalo Chicago Detroit Bot-ton St. Louis Providence... Chicago Detroit Chicago Providence... St. Louis

Detroit. "".'.

Philadelphia.

Detroit New York Providence.

.

Philadelphia. New York

Boston (hicago Buffalo Detroit Philadelphia.

13

BATTING RECORD.

Batting Record.—Continued. 65

66 BATTING RECORD.

Batting Record.—Continued.

1

LEAGUE FIELDING AVERAGES. 67

FIELDING AVERAGES Of Players who have taken part in fifteen or more championship eames.

SEASON OF 1885.

FIRST BASEMEN. 1

08 LEAGUE FIELDING AVERAGES—CONTINUED. SHORT STOPS.

NAME.

Glasscock , Bassett , Force Ward Bastian Sutton Phillips Irwin Wise. Radford Burns Q,ue.-t

Rowe Hackett, W. H Stearns Halpin , Manning

Knight Lewis Richardson... Gillespie Fogarty O'Rouike Boyle Andrews Hornung Shaffer Rowe Dorgan Richardson... Manning Manning.... Whitney Thompson Wood Carroll Go e Dalrymple Quinn Crowley Seery Kelly Poorman McCarthy Hines Hanlon Lillie

CLUB.

St. Louis Providence Buffalo New York Philadelphia Boston. Detroit Providence Boston Providence Chicago Detroit Buffalo Boston Buffalo Detroit Boston and Detroit .

.

FIELDERS Providence St. Louis New York

Philadelphia New York St. LoBis Philadelphia Boston St, Louis

NewYork Buffalo Boston and Detroit.

.

Philadelphia Boston Detroit

Providence Chicago

St. Louis Buffalo St. Louis Chicago Boston

Providence Detroit Buffalo

LEAGUE FIELDING AVERAGES CONTINUED. G9

Fielders' Averages—Continued.

NAME.

Dorgau .

.

Bennett.. Radford

.

Johnston Purcell. .

.

Sweeney

.

Sunday.. Myers

—

Whitely.. Buffinton

CLUB.

Detroit

Providence Boston

St. Louis.., Chicago*.,, Buffalo.... Boston

70 LEAGUE PITCHERS RECORD.

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•saouBqo iB^oi.

BATTING AND FIELDING.

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74 THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT.

Note,—The following matter is published by order of the Board of Arbitration, created by, and acting under the National Agreement of Pro- fessional Base Ball Clubs, consisting of delegates representing the Na- tional League, and the American Association of Base Ball Clubs.

They include the National Agreement as adopted at a Joint Convention of the said National League and American Association, held in the city of New York, on the 17th day of October, a. d. 1SS5; the Articles of Qualified Admission to the National Agreement, and Regulations of the Board of Arbitration.

N. E. YOUNG, C. H. BYRNE, Secretary. Chairman.

Feb. 15, 1SS6.

THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT OF PROFES- SIONAL BASE BALL ASSOCIATIONS.

THIS AGREEMENT, made between the Association known and designated as the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, of the one part, and the Association known and designated as the American Asso- ciation of Base Ba.l Clubs, of the other part, witnesselh, that.

First—This document shall be entitled the National Agreement, and shall supersede and be a substitute for all other agreements, similarly or otherwise designated, heretofore subsisting between the parties hereto.

Second—Ko contract shall be made for the services of any player by any Club member of either party hereto for a longer period than seven months, beginning April first, and terminating October thirty-first, and no such contract for services to be rendered after the expiration of the current year shall be inade prior to the twentieth day of October of such year, nor shall any negotiation be entered into by or between any Club or agent thereof, and any player, for services to be rendered in an ensuing year, prior to the said twentieth of October.

Every contract shall be forwarded within ten days after its execution, to the Secretary of the Association of which the contracting Club is a mem- ber, for registry and approval, who shall forthwith notify the Secretary of the other Association party hereto, and the other Club members of his Association.

Third—When a player under contract by any club member of any party hereto, is expelled, blacklisted, or suspended, in accordance with its" rules, by such party hereto, notice of such disqualification shall be served upon the Secretary of the other Association party hereto, bj^ the Secretary of the Association from whose Club such player shall have been thus disqua.ified; and the Secretary of such other Association shall forthwith serve notice of such disqualification upon the Club members of such other Association, and from the receipt of such notice, all Club members of the parties hereto, shall be debarred from employing or playing with, or against, such disqualified player, until the period of disqualification shall have termin- ated or the disqualification be revoked by the Associat on from which such player was disqualified, and due notice of such revocation served upon the Secretary of the other Association, and by him upon his respective Clubs.

Fourth—Immediately upon the execution of this agreement, the Secre- tary of each Association party hereto, shall transmit to the Secretary of the other Association party hereto, a complete list of all players then under contract, and all ^vho Avere, on lAugust 24, 1SS5, under contract with the several Club members, and shall annually, on the loth day of October, send a similar list of players then under contract with the several Club members of such Association, and such players, together with all others hereafter to

THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT. iO

be lawfully contracted with by such Club members, are and shall be ineligi- ble to contract with any Club 'member of the Association party hereto, ex- cept as hereinafter prescribed. Provided, Tnac the number of players so rendered ineligible shall not, at the time of sending any such list, exceed twelve for each of said Club members.

Fifth—Upon the release of the player from contract with any Club member of either Association party hereto, the services of such player shall at once be subject to the acceptance of the other Clubs ot such Association, expressed in writing to the Secretary thereof, for a period of ten days after notice of said release, and thereafter if said services be not so accepted, said player may negotiate and contract with any other Club. The Secretary of such Association shall send notice to the Secretary of the other Association of said player's release on the date thereof, and of said acceptance of his services at'or before the expiration of the ten days aforesaid.

Sixth—No Club not a member of either Association party hereto, on the date of the execution of this agreement, shall be entitled to member- ship in either Association party hereto, from any city or town in which, on that date, anv Club member of either Association party hereto was located, Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit any Club member of either Association party hereto, from resigning its mem- bership in such Association, and being admitted to membership in the other Association, with all rights and privileges conferred by this agree- ment.

Seventh—'iso game shall be played between any Club member of either Association party hereto, and any other Club ihat presents in its nine any player rendered 'ineligible by this agreement. Provided, That in case the Club employing such ineligible player shall discharge him from its service, Clubs of the Associations, parties hereto, may thereafter play against such Club.

Eio^hth—l>io Club shall pay to any of its players for one season's servi- ces a salary in excess of two thousand dollars, nor shall any Club employ- ing a player for any portion of the season pay said player for his services at a rate in excess of said maximum salary, nor advance payment for such services prior to the first dav of April in any year, except a sum of money in the month of March sufficient to pay for the transportation of such j)layer from his domicile to the city where such Club is located. Provided, That any player to whom the provisions of this agreement applies who-e services" are required bv any Club member of the Associations parties hereto shall be entitled to receive for said services at least one thousand dollars.

uYinth—A Board of Arbitration, consisting of three duly accredited representatives from each of the Associations parties hereto, shall convene as soon as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, at a place mutuallv to be arranged, and shall organize by the election of a Chairman, Secretary, and such other officers and committees as to them shall seem meet and proper. They may make, and from time to time revoke, alter and repeal all necessary rules and regulations not inconsistent with this Agree- ment or with the Constitution of either Association, for their meetings, procedure and the general transac ion of their business. Their member- ship of said Board shall be determ nable at the pleasure of their respective appointing Associations upon dulv certified notice thereof. A quorum shall consist of'at least two representatives from each Association, and all ques- tions shall be voted upon separately by the respective delegations, and no such changes or additions shall be made unless concurred in by a majority of the delegates of each Association.

Tenth—In addition to all matters that may be specially referred to them by both of the Associations, parties hereto, the said Board shall have sole, exclusive and final jurisdiction of all disputes and complaints arising under, and all interpretations of this Agreement. They shall also, in the interests of harmonvand peace, arbitrate upon and decide all differences and disputes

76 THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT.

arising between the Associations upon parties hereto, and between a Club member of one and a Club member of the other Association party hereto. Provided that nothing- in this Agreement shall be construed as giving author- ity to said IJoard to pass upon, alter, amend or modify any section or any part of section of the Constitution of either Association party hereto.

In testimony whereof, the said Associations, parties hereto have, by their respective Presidents, affixed their signatures this seventeenth dav of October, a. d. 1SS5.

N. E. YOUNG, President of the National League of Professional B. B. Clubs.

II. D. Mcknight, President of tlie American Association of B. B, Clubs.

ARTICLES OF QUALIFIED ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL ASSOCIATIONS.

The parties of the first part being the parties to the National Agree- ment of Professional B.::se Bail Associations (.viz. : the National League of Professional B;ise Ball Cluhs, and the American Association of Base Ball Clubs), and the parties of the second part being such eligible professional or semi-professional Associations of Base Ball Clubs as shall duly author- ize their Presidents to sign this Agreement, and whose Presidents do sign this Agreement in jnirsutnce to said authority, do hereby agree, each with the other, in consideration of the mutual advantages and protections to be derived therefrom, as follows:

I. Each Association constituting one of the parties of the second part, when it shall have signed this agrt-ement, in pursuance to authority given its President in accordance with the provisions herein, shall be, and each of them is, l.ereby given and afforded the following protection and quali- fied admission to the National Agreement of Professional Base Ball Asso- ciations, and this in lien of all previous contracts made by the parties to the National Agreement of Professional Base Ball Associations, with the said parties of the second part^ or any of them.

II. On or before the first day of January of each A^ear the Secretary of each Association which is a party of the second part shall forward to the Secretary of each Association party of the first part, the names of any and all players then under contract who have signed such contracts on or after the first day of November then next preceding, with any of the Clubs, mem- bers of the said Associations, p irties o the second part, and from and after the receipt of such notice, and of notice of all subsequent contracts from said Secretaries, any and all players so reported as being under contract with any of the Clubs, members of the Associations, parties of the second part, shall be ineligible lo contract with either of the parties to the National Agreement until the 20th day of October then next ensuing.

III. Any player who has entered into a contract to play with any Ckib, member of any Association, parties of the second ])art, and who shall be blacklisted by such Club or Association, for breach of contract, or breach of anv of the rules of such Association, shall be ineligible to sign or play with any of the Clubs, members of either of the Associa- tions, parties to the National Agreement, until suph disability shall have been removed, and he shall have been reinstated by the Association which blacklisted him.

IV. Any player under contract or reservation, or who shall be ex- pelled, blacklisted or suspended by either of the parties to the National Agreement, shall be ineligible to sign or play with any of the Clubs, mem- bers of the Associations, parties of^'lhe second part herein, and any Club who shall knowingly play any such player, either in their Club, or who shall play against any other Ckib who" has such a player in their nine,

THE NATIONAL AGRPJKMENT. 77

shall be dismissed from membership bv the Association of which it is a member, or said Association shall forfeit all rights under this Agree- ment.

V. Before any Club member of any Association, a party of the second part, shall contract with a player for an ensuing season, the party of the second part of which such Ckib is or may be a 'member, shall enact laws or regulations debarring such Club from "entering into such contract with such player while under arrears to hi?n on account of his contract for the current season, also debarring such Club from expelling, or otherwise attempting to disqualify a player for refusing to contract with it. Each Association, party of the second part, shall also, at its next legislative meeting, enact laws providing for the expulsion of any Club member for refusal to pay arrears of salary to a player when thereto required by the Board of Directors of said Association, party of the second part, or said Association, shall forfeit all right under this agreement.

VI. In lieu of active membership in the Board of Arbitration it is expressly sti.,ulated that in any case coming before said Boar J involving the forfeiture of any rights or privileges of 'iiny Association party of the second part, or any Club member thereof, the Secretary of the said Board shall notify such Association in writing, and on demand of saifl parly of the second part, said Board shall grant it a hearing on the trial of the case, and no adverse verdict shall be rendered by said Board against such Asso- ciation party of the second part, nor against any Club member thereof, un- less such notice be furnished and such hearing, if thereupon demanded, granted.

VII. The Secretaries of the parties hereto shall from time to time furnish to each other the names of players blacklisted, expelled or sus- pended.

VIII. It is understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that any controversy between Associations, or I etween Clubs of different Associations parties to this agreement, as to any matter or matters herein mentioned, or mentioned in the National Agreement, shall be determined by the Board of Arbitration w ithout regard to any law or regulation of any party hereto, that may be in conflict therewith.

IX. Each Association, parties of the second part, shall pay to the Secretary of the Board of Arbitration as annual dues, the sum of $50, on or before the first day of April in each year during their qualified member- ship under (his agreement.

X. All contracts or agreements heretofore made between the parties hereto, are hereby declared null and void.

REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF ARBITRATION.

I. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairman and a Secretary who shall also be Treasurer, who shall be elected at the regular meeting of thj Board to be held in December each year. The term of each officer shall be one year, or until his successor shall have been elected and quali- fied, provided that any vacancy occurring by resignation or disqualifica- tion during the said term shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board, which vote may be taken by correspondence.

II. It shall be the duty of the Chairman of the Board of Arbitration to preside at all meetings, and he shall call special meetings when he may deem it necessary, or when thereto requested by half of the members thereof. All inquiries as to the interpretation of any provision of the National Agreement, or of any agreement supplementary thereto, should be addressed to, and answered by "the Chairman of the Board.

III. The Secretary shall have the custody of all official records and papers of the Board, shall keep a record of all its meetings, and shall issue all official notices. All applications for admission to the benefits of

78 THE NATIONAL AGnEE.MENT.

the National Agreement should be addressed to, and answered by the Secretary of the Board of Arbilraiion.

IV. The regular meeting- of the Board of Arbitration shall be held on tlie Tuesday previous to the second Wednesday in December of each year, at such place as the Chairman shall direct.

Adopted by unanimous vote of the Board of Arbitration, December S, iSSs.

THE BOARD OF ARBITRATION, lS86.

N. E. Young (National League), Chairman. P. O. Box 536, ^Vashington, D. C.

C. H. Byrne (Am'n Association), Sec. and Treas,, Fifth Av. and Fourth St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

John B. Day (National League), 121 Maiden Lane, New York City.

Wm. A. NiMiCK (Am'n Association), 22 Ross St., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Zach Phelps (Am'n Association), 341 Fifth St., Louisville, Ky.

John I. Rogers (National League), 13S South SixLh St., Philadelphia, Pa.

ASSOCIATIONS IDENTIFIED WITH THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT, FEB. 15, 1886.—THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF PROFES-

SIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS.

N. E. YOUNG, Pres. and Sec, P. O. Box 536, Washington, D. C. Boston, Boston, Mass.; Chicago, Chicago, 111.; Detroit, Detroit, Mich.;

New York, New York; Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. ; St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; Washington, Washington, D. C. ; Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.

THE AMl:RICAN ASSOCIAT.ON OF BASE BALL CLUBS.

H. D. Mcknight, Pres. and Sec, Lewis Block, Pittsburgh, Pa. Athletic, Philadelphia, Pa.; Baltimore, Baltimore, Md.; Brooklyn,

Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Cincinnati, Cincinnati, O. ; Louisville, Louisville, Ky.

;

Metropolitan, New York, N. Y.; Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.; St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.

THE EASTERN LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS.

GEO. M. BALLARD, Pres. and Sec, 753 Broad St., Newark, N. J. Newark, Newark, N. J,: Jersey City, Jersey Cit-y, N.J.; Waterbury,

Waterbury, Ct.; Hartford, HartEord, Ct.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE OF BASE BALL CLUBS.

A. PROUDFIT, Prei^ident, Macon, Ga, W. R. BROWN. Secretary, Atlanta, Ga.

Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga, : Augusta, Augusta, Ga. ; Charleston, Charles- ton, S. C. ; Chattaroog;i, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Macon, Macon, Ga. ; Nash- ville, Nashville, Tenn. ; Savannah, Sav nnah, Ga. ; Memphis, Memphis, Tenn.

THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT. 79

THE X. Y. STATE LEAGUE OF PEOFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS.

GEORGE G. CAMPBELL, President, Syracuse, N. Y. C. D. WHITE, Secr-^tary, Utica, N. Y.

Bing-hamton, Bing-hamton, N. Y.; Rochester, Rochester, N Y.

;

Utica, Utica, N. Y,; Syracuse, Sy acuse, N. Y. ; Osweg-o, Oswego, N. Y.

THE NEW ENGLAND LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS.

WM. H. MOODY, Pr^jr/(/^«A Haverhill, Mass. PARRY C. WIGGIN, Sec. and Treas., Lawrence, Mass.

Brockton, Brockton, Mass. ; Boston, Boston, Mass. ; Haverhill, Haver- hill, Mass.; Lawrence, Lawrence, Mass.; Newburyport, Newburyport, Mass.; Portland, Portland, Me.

No 1.-Spalding's Ofacial League Ball, as adopted by

the National League for iSS6; each ball wrapped in

dn foil, and put up in a sepanate Vox as represented

in the above illustration, and sealed i" ,=^c<^ordance

with the latest League regulations. _ Warranted o

last a full game without ripping or losing its elastic-

ityorshape. Mailed upon receipt of price »i 5°

To Clubs, Each. Per doz.

$iS 00

SPAIiDIl^G'S TRADE MARKED BATS. Probably no class of Sportsmen are more particulnr about their weapons

than a professional ball player is about his bat, for it is a recognized fact, that no player can excel as a batsman, unless he uses a first-class, well-pro- portioned, "thoroughly seasoned bat. A cheap, poor bat is worthless at any price. Recognizing that ball players would appreciate a good article, and would willingly stand the slight additional expense, about eight years ago we introduced "Spalding's Trade Marked Bats," and they proved so pop- ular, and were so far ahead of anything else ever put upon the market, that for a time it st-emed impossible tokeep iip with the demand. We have im- proved these bats from year to year, until now they are the hutJ>ar excel- lence, and are used by every prominent professional player in America.

No. 00 No. O. No. 1. No. 3. No. 4, No. AA.

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.

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For testimonials and indorsements, we refer to all professional ball players in America.

DEPOTS OF SUPPLIES

M) SPALDING'S MARK

-f^-^f^-

Bm Ball and Spoiitms Sood^ THAT our line of Sporting- Goods may be more tlioronghly represented,

and for the better accommodation of base ball players and sportsmen gener lly, who appreciate the superior merits of Spalding's Trade Marked Goods, we have established Depots of Supplies in the following- cities, where a full assortment of our Base Ball and General Sporting Goods can be found. In addition to a complete line of our Base Balls, Bats, and Miscellaneous Base Ball Supplies, a general line of our goods will be kept, including Lawn Tennis, Foot Ball Goods, Lacrosse, Cricket, Indian Clubs, Boxing Gloves and Gymnasium Goods, Fencing Goods, Worsted and Flannel Uniforms, Athletic Shoes, Ice and Roller Skates, and in several of these places a full stock of Bicycles, Fishing 1 ackle and Guns will be carried.

Individuals and dealers in these cities and vicinity, can get our goods through these Depots of Supplies on equally as good tei'ms as if ordered direct from our main houses in Chicago and New York.

We have just issued a very complete Catalogue of all kinds of Sporting Goods, containing over r,ooo illustrations, to which is added a comjilete code of sporting rules, governing no less than thirty different athletic sports and games, which will be mailed upon receipt of 25 cents.

Address orders for Catalogues or Goods to

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 705 MAD/SON STREET, 24 J BROADWAY,

CHICAGO. NEW YORK. OR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

474 CONGEESS ST., - - PORTIjAWD, MAINE. 113 & 115 A?VESTMINSTER ST., PROVIDENCE, R. I. 445 MAIN" ST., - - - SPRINGFIELD, MASS. 12 NORTH SIXTH ST., - PHILADELPHIA, PEN N.

819 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., - \VASHINGTON, D. C. 10 STATE ST., - - - - ROCHESTER, N. Y. 79 FIFTH AVE., - - - PITTSBURGH, PA.

259 SUPERIOR ST., - - CLEVELAND OHIO. 164 VINE ST., - - - - CINCINNATI, OHIO. 304 MARKET ST., - - - LOUISVILLE, KY

.

123 ^SV. FIFTH ST., - - KANSAS CITY, MO. 354 SIXTEENTH ST

,

- DENVER, COLORADO. 418 GENESSEE AVE., - EAST SAGINAAV, MICE:. 13 CANAL ST., - - GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

It will pay you to send 25 cents to any of the above places, and receive tfie most complete Sporiing Goods Catalotrue ever issued.

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