Clipping:Comparing the New York and Massachusetts games

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Date Sunday, October 23, 1859
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...the game of base ball, as played under the rules adopted by the National Association, differ very materially from the Massachusetts game...but each difference is an undoubted improvement upon the old original, and was made for the purpose of adding greater interest to the game–and end which has been successfully accomplished. In the Massachusetts game, for instance, the rule is, that when one hand is put out, all are out; in it, also, the ball is thrown at the runners, instead of the base men; they play with a soft ball instead of a hard one; and the game is not limited to any particular number of innings, but is decided in favor of the side which first makes one hundred runs. Balls caught upon the bound do not count, in the Massachusetts game; they must, in all cases, be caught flying; and, instead of being pitched, the ball is thrown to the bat. Pitching the ball is undoubted a decided improvement, requiring far more skill and muscular force than throwing the ball. The fly rule is the only point of difference which is–in the estimation of many–in favor of the Massachusetts game. Otherwise, it is the plain old game of our schoolboy days, with few, if any, nice points to invest it with especial interest. The National Game, which is played in this vicinity, is more scientific, requires the exercise of judgment, and activity of the mind, as well as of the body.

Source New York Sunday Mercury
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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