A SUMMARY OF 1891 RULES
- - The ball is the same size as a modern base ball. The center is made of rubber.
- Bats must be made of wood. The handle may be wound with twine or a granulated substance may be applied. It must be round, but may be flat on one side, and may not exceed 42 inches in length.
- The bases are 90 feet apart, and are 15 inch square white canvas bags, placed wholly in fair territory.
- Home base is a white rubber 12 inch square, placed completely in fair territory.
- The pitcher's box is 5 1/2 feet long by 4 feet wide, the front line being 50 feet from the home base.
- The pitcher must stand facing the batter, with both feet square on the ground, with one foot on the back line. He must hold the ball in front of his body, in sight of the umpire, and only take one step in his delivery. If the pitcher feigns a throw to a base, he must reset himself, again presenting the ball.
- A balk is called if the pitcher starts his motion but does not deliver the ball, or if he steps outside of his position during the delivery. One base is awarded to all runners, as well as to the batter.
- Base coaches are to be15 feet back from the foul lines.
- The batter's box is 6 feet long by 4 feet wide, 6 inches from the home base, and centered on the home base.
- There is one umpire who is positioned behind and to the side of the catcher.
- If the pitched ball hits the batter or the bat without the batter striking at it, it is a dead ball. A called ball is given to the batter.
- If the ball hits the umpire after passing the catcher, one base is awarded to all base runners.
- A fair ball must pass first or third base in fair territory. A fair or foul fly ball is determined by where it first touches the ground. A ground ball is determined fair or foul on where it ends up.
- The batter is out if he commits a foul strike, that is, if he steps out of the batter's box when hitting the ball.
- Four balls constitute a walk. Runners only advance one base if they are forced to do so.
- The strike zone is from the shoulders to the knees.
- Three strikes constitute a strikeout. If the third strike is not caught by the catcher, the batter must make a run to first base if it is unoccupied and less than 2 out.
- The striker is out if a batted ball is caught on the fly.
- The batter is permitted to overrun first base, as long as he remains in foul territory, or he risks being put out.
- A runner hit by a batted fair ball is out.
- Choice of innings is determined by the captain of the home team.
- A foul ball is not counted as a strike, unless it is deemed as intentional, except for on a bunt attempt.
- - The batter is awarded a base if hit by a pitched ball.
- Bunting is permitted.
- Leading off bases is permitted.
- Stealing bases is permitted.
- Sliding is permitted.
- Tagging up is permitted on caught fair and foul balls. Runners may be put out in returning to their bases as in a force.
- There is no infield fly rule.
- Foul balls and outs should be called immediately by the umpire.
- A block is called if the ball touches someone not in the game. The ball is dead until in the hands of the pitcher in his position. Runners may advance.