A SUMMARY OF 1898 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, 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 pitching distance is 60.5 feet, marked by a 24 inch by 6 inch piece of rubber.
- The pitcher must stand facing the batter, with both feet square on the ground, in front of the pitcher's plate, with one foot touching the rubber plate, 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 his foot is not touching the pitcher's plate, or if he steps outside of his position during the delivery, or if he makes any motion in delivery of the ball while not in his position. 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 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, it is a dead ball and one base is awarded to all base runners.
- A dead ball remains so until it is returned to the pitcher in his position and the umpire calls play.
- A fair ball must pass first or third base in fair territory. A ground ball is determined fair or foul on where it ends up if it doesn't pass the first or third base.
- 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, and momentarily held.
- The batter is permitted to overrun first base, as long as he does not turn to the left, 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,
- or on a bunt attempt, except a foul tip.
- 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.
- The batter is out if he hits a fly ball that can be handled by an infielder while first and second bases are occupied, or first, second and third with only one out.
- Foul balls and outs should be called immediately by the umpire.
- Possession of the ball is necessary after a tag out.
- 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.
- All fielders should be wearing fielding gloves.