“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

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ACES Runs (21 aces = win before innings introduced in 1857) BALLIST Base ball player BEHIND The Catcher BLIND No scoring, a shut out, a “white wash” BOODLER An ungentlemenly maneuver during the game BOX The area a pitcher throws from, instead of a mound CRANK A base ball fan (women were called “crankettes”) FEEDER The pitcher, pre-1880s, when pitching underhanded FIRST BOUND A ball caught on one bounce was an out in pre-1870 era GINGER Enthusiastic play, show of hustle HANDS DOWN/DEAD An out; three hands down or three hands dead = an inning HIPPODROMING Cheating; also associated with players involved in gambling HURLER Proper name for a pitcher HUZZAH Later became "hurrah!"; the proper cheer for a good play LEG IT Run swiftly MUFF An error MUFFINS Enthusiastic but unskilled players SCOUTS Outfielders STRIKER TO THE LINE!! Batter Up! TALLY Score or run TENDER Base man, defensively (second tender = second baseman) TIMBER 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). ~~~ (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. ~~~ 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. ~~~ 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. ~~~ Any foul tip caught by the behind is an out, regardless of the count. ~~~ 7 balls = walk.  3 strikes = out. ~~~ 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. ~~~ There are no check swings.  Any shoulder movement or slight intent to swing can be called a strike. ~~~ 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.