Clipping:A proposed rule amendment on runners advancing on bases on balls
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| Date | Sunday, November 8, 1868 |
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| Text | [A correspondent writes:] As the rule now reads, not only is the striker permitted to take his base on ‘called balls’, but also a base is given to every man on bases. I think the rule should be so amended as that no one but the striker should take his base; and, in case there is a player on first base, then, and only then, should the man on base be permitted to take a base. In other words, the bases should only be given to those players who are obliged to vacate their base by reason oft he base being given to the striker by ‘called ball’. Then the only case in which a run could be scored on account of ‘called balls’, would be when there were three men on bases. I may be met, however, by the objection that inasmuch as it was the fault of the pitcher in not delivering the ball so that it could be struck, the base is given the same as if the ball was struck so as to give the striker his first base. In answer to this, I would reply that the evident intention of the rule was merely to give the striker his base, and any other player his, only when he was forced off by reason of the striker taking his base on ‘called ball’. It is manifestly unjust to permit a player to take third-base when there is no one on first-base, or to allow a player on third-base to score a run when there is no one on second-base. It is a sufficient punishment to a pitcher to give the striker his base on ‘called balls’ without adding the additional penalty of allowing a player to score his run on a supposed hit, which, had the ball been hit, would possibly have put the striker out, or at least, prevent the player from scoring. I think if the delegates to the convention will consider this rule, they will make a move to have it modified. “HARVARD.” |
| Source | New York Sunday Mercury |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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