PNWVBL RULES
In 1886, players didn't have the luxuries of sunglasses, batting gloves, batting helmets or cups. These were REAL men! The one exception we will have is that the catcher will wear a mask and chest protector from around the 1930's as the ones from 50 years previous are hard to find and can be quite expensive. Soccer-type shin guards are allowed for use by the catcher, but must be worn inside the pant/sock. All players will wear the gloves of 1886 , which are not much bigger than the hands. We will be using reproduction base balls that are white and figure-8 stitched. These balls do not have raised seams and can come in soft or firm. They are 9.25" round and 5.25 oz. in weight. Bats of the 19th Century were very large (ex. 40 in. 46oz.). Some were similar to today's except for a thicker handle while others had one, sloping knob. All bats will be within 19th Century guidelines (see bats) The uniforms that will be worn by the players are replicas of the 1880s style.
They consist of cap, baggy shirt with collars and string-tie, baggy pants that go to the knees, long stockings, and a leather belt. Cleats are generally worn with logo blacked out.
The Field
Base distances shall be 90'. The Pitching mound in 1886 did not exist and in place was a Pitchers Box, measuring 4' x 6'. The front line distance from home plate is 50'. Home plate was a 12in x 12in diamond. Bases are sawdust-filled canvas bags 2" x 15". It was typical in the day for the fields to have varying outfield fence distances or even no fences at all. Spectators were allowed to stay in the outfield and along the foul lines while watching the game.
Batting
The Batter will request to the umpire a high or low strike prior to entering the box and the desired strike zone will remain for the duration of the entire at-bat. The Pitcher will then be required to throw the pitch in the desired area for a strike call. A "Low" strike zone is from below the belt to the knee. A "High" strike zone is from above the belt to the shoulders.
Base on Balls : 7
Strike Out : 3
Hit Batsman : Dead ball. Counts as a strike if it is in the strike zone. A ball if it is not in the strike zone. Batter not awarded first base.
Foul Balls : Foul balls are not counted as strikes. Ball is dead.
Foul Tips : Any foul tip caught by the catcher, regardless of count, is an out.
Dropped Third Strikes : Any called or swung at third strike dropped by catcher is a live ball and in a force situation, ball is live and runners must advance accordingly or be subject to force out.
Pitching
Pitching line is 50' from home plate. Pitching box is 4'x 6'. Pitcher must begin delivery from anywhere in front of box line and is not required to remain within box after delivery. Unrestricted delivery and can include overhand, three-quarter, sidearm and underhand pitching. Breaking balls, changeups, and spitballs are permitted. No knuckle balls.
Running
Stealing and leading off is permitted. There is NO infield fly rule. Runners must still tag up on a caught fly ball.
The Umpire
The umpire is in full dress of the 1880's and has complete control of the game. 19th century baseball involved the use of one umpire per game. His positioning for calling a game was generally within 10' to 15' of home plate, just outside the home plate area, or several feet behind the catcher. Umpires maintained complete control over every aspect of the game. Umpires can be vocal in calling balls/strikes, out/safe, hand signal gestures were generally not used. No player shall argue or contest any call made, unless requested by the umpire. In the event of a call being questioned by the umpire, each club Captain will be summoned to offer input. Only the umpire may call a time out and it will be in effect only with the pitcher holding the ball within the pitchers box. The umpire may smoke a cigar if he chooses.
Base Coaching
Only one appointed team Captain or Assistant Coach may coach first or third base. Depending upon the Captain/Coach style of playing, batting, and while on base, this will result in unique base coaching strategies such as, movement between first and third base box, or even vacant coaching box.
The Game
In the early 1880's base ball was a gentleman's game and players did not spike their opponents or taunt the opposing team (this was to come a few years later as competition increased.) Instead they congratulated each other on a nice hit or good catch. They were expected to address the Umpire as Sir and give him the utmost respect.
The three rules that must not be broken are, 1) No cursing 2) No spitting 3) No betting. Fines of $5.00 will be invoked at umpire discretion.