A Summary of 1864 Rules
View the complete rules adopted by the National Association of Base-Ball Players in Dec 1863

The ball is slightly larger than a modern base ball. The center is made of rubber. It is hand-made. Bats are made of wood, and may be of any length. The bases are 90 feet apart. Home base is a flat circular white plate. The pitching distance is 45 feet, marked by two 12 foot lines, 3 feet apart, which the pitcher must stay between while delivering the ball. Pitching is underhand. All runners advance on a baulk. Three balls constitute a walk. Balls are called after a warning is given to the pitcher for not delivering fair balls. All runners advance one base on a walk. Three strikes constitute an out. Strikes are called on good pitches after a warning is given to the striker. A foul ball is not counted as a strike. Not all pitches need be called. The striker must stand on a 6 foot line drawn through the center of the home base. A fair or foul ball is determined by where the ball first touches the ground. The striker is out if the ball is caught on the fly or on the first bound. Runners may run at their own risk on a bound catch, but must tag up on a fly catch.

Photos by Brian Sullivan

A foul ball is considered a dead ball until it is returned in the hands of the pitcher. Runners must return to their bases on a foul ball, and may be put out, as in a force. The striker is not permitted to overrun first base, as he risks being put out. Each inning after the first, the striker following the player who made the last out will strike first. Bunting is permitted. Leading off bases is permitted. Stealing bases is permitted. Sliding is permitted. There is no infield fly rule. Choice of innings shall be determined by captains. There are no time-outs permitted between pitches. The striker is not awarded a base if hit by the pitch. If a pitched ball, not swung at, hits the bat, it is a dead ball. A runner hit by a batted ball is not out, unless the umpire deems it intentional. Possession of the ball after a catch, or after a tag, is not necessary. Rules Compilation by Ed Elmore and Jim Dragonetti