Clipping:Partial innings can now count

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19C Clippings
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Date Saturday, January 23, 1869
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One of the very few changes made in the playing rules of the game this season is that in which the rule governing games “played in the dark,” as it is called, is altered. Last year, when two clubs had a tie score, on an equal innings, and were obliged to cease play before the following innings were completed, the game was decided by the score of the last even innings played, and in the case of a tie score, on the 8th innings for instance, the game would be made a drawn one by being thrown back if anything occurred, such as rain or darkness, to prevent the full nine innings being played. In consequence of this rule, it became a “point” to play by clubs who disregarded fair and honorable play in their games, to throw the game into the dark; that is, to refuse to put out their opponents, so as to prevent the completion of a game in cases where their opponents had the lead in the score in the incompleted innings. This was done in the case of the Keystone and Cincinnati game last season, the keystones finding their opponents would win if the ninth innings were played to a close, made wild plays, and purposely delayed the game so much that it had to be decided by the score of the even innings played, which, of course, was in their favor. This year, however, no such mean game can be played, for the rule now gives the game to the nine having the most runs scored in the incompleted innings. For instance, suppose the Keystones and Cincinnati Clubs had each scored 20 at the close of their eighth innings, and the Keystone had been put out for a blank score in their ninth innings, and the Cincinnati had scored one run and no hands out in their ninth innings, and that rain or darkness then put a stop to play and obliged the umpire to call the game, according to the new rule the victory would remain with the Cincinnati Club, they having won by a score of 21 to 20, with three hands to lose–equivalent to so many wickets to fall in cricket. By this amendment the motive for unfair play is removed, and a blow given to the tricky conduct of those who try to play games into the dark. This is an excellent change, and one much needed.

Source New York Clipper
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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