Clipping:An argument for expanding the pitcher's box, lowering the delivery

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19C Clippings
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Date Wednesday, November 5, 1884
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At present the pitcher’s position is defined in a space 6x4 feet, fifty feet distant from the home plate, and there are few of the best pitchers who do not overstep the bound, accidentally or intentionally, Buffington and Galvin being striking examples. The enlargement of the box would naturally give the pitcher more freedom of movement and naturally greater speed to the ball and possibly more accuracy. What the patrons of the game seem to protest the most strongly against is the absence of free batting and lively run-getting and the confinement of play to the battery. While the rules touching the scoring of batting are to be construed as favoring the batsman, yet the enthusiasm and interest awakened by a game in which hard hitting and active base-running predominate are contagious, and the players as well as the spectators enter into the spirit of the contest with energy and zeal. This can be effect somewhat by an amendment of the rule prohibiting the pitcher from throwing the ball above the shoulder, and if necessary a return to the old form of delivery below the waist. Expert batsmen have come to gauge curves, shorts and drops with comparative ease, and the most successful pitcher is he who has worked the weaknesses of batsmen, and has a watchful and united band of associates to support him. Any legislation that will promote lively batting and frequent running of the bases will receive the unanimous endorsement of the public.

Source Sporting Life
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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