1880s Base Ball Terminology


	"Baseball is the very symbol of the outward and visible expression of the drive and push of the raging, tearing, booming 19th Century." - MARK TWAIN


	1880s Base Ball Terminology & Basics


	ACES BALLIST BEHIND BLIND BOODLER BOX CRANK FEEDER FIRST BOUND GINGER HANDS DOWN/DEAD HIPPODROMING HURLER HUZZAH LEG IT MUFF MUFFINS SCOUTS STRIKER TO THE LINE TALLY TENDER TIMBER


	Runs (21 aces = win before innings introduced in 1857) Base ball player The catcher No scoring, a shut out, a "white wash" An ungentlemanly maneuver during the game The area a pitcher throws from, instead of a mound A base ball fan (women were called "crankettes") The pitcher, pre-1880s, when pitching underhanded A ball caught on one bounce was an out in pre-1870 era Enthusiastic play, show of hustle An out; three hands down or three hands dead = an inning Cheating; also associated with players involved in gambling Proper name for a pitcher Later became "hurrah!"; the proper cheer for a good play Run swiftly An error Enthusiastic but unskilled players Outfielders Batter Up! Score or run Base man, defensively (second tender = second baseman) The bat

Some of the basic rules to take note of when joining the cranks at an 1886 Vintage Base Ball Game:

The infield is 90 feet square (same as today). The pitcher's box is 6 feet by 4 feet, the start of which is only 50 feet from the center of home base (modern rules the distance is 60 feet, six inches).

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(One) umpire is the sole judge of play and is entitled to the respect of ballists and cranks. Any person insulting the umpire shall be promptly ejected.

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Fake throws and quick pitches are permitted. The hurler must start and finish each pitch while entirely in the box. If this rule is violated twice in one at-bat, the batter is awarded first base.

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Foul balls are not counted as strikes. A hit batsman is not awarded a base, just a ball. If the ball hits the batsman or bat, the ball is dead and called a ball.

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Any foul tip caught by the behind is an out, regardless of the count.

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7 balls = walk. 3 strikes = out.

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A dropped third strike is a live ball and in force situations the runners must advance (unless the catcher tags the batter). There is no infield fly rule.

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There are no check swings. Any shoulder movement or slight intent to swing can be called a strike.

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The strike zone will be determined after the umpire calls "striker to the line" and asks if the batter prefers a low ball (belt to knee) or high ball (belt to underarm) strike zone. The strike zone will remain until the at-bat is completed.