Laws of Base Ball
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Laws of Base Ball
1. The Ball must weigh not less than five ounces and three quarters, nor more than six ounces and one quarter. It must measure not less than nine inches and three quarters, nor more than ten inches and one quarter in circumference.
2. The Bat must not exceed two inches and one half in the widest part; it may be of any length to suit the striker.
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3. The Bases must be four in number, placed, at equal distances from each other, upon the four corners of a square, whose sides are respectively Thirty yards. They must be so constructed as to be distinctly seen by the Umpire, and must cover a space equal to one square foot of surface.
4. The Base from which the ball is struck shall be designated the “Home” Base, and must be directly opposite to the second base. The first base must always be that upon the right hand, and the third base that upon the left hand side of the striker, when occupying his position at Home base.
Bottom
5. The Pitchers position shall be designated by a line, two yards in length, drawn at right angles to a line from home to the second base, and having its centre upon that line, at a point fifteen yards distant from the home base. The Pitcher must deliver the ball as near as possible over the centre of the home base, and must have one foot in advance of and one foot behind the line at the time of delivering the ball.
6. The ball must be pitched, not jerked or thrown, to the bat; and whenever the pitcher has advancesd either foot over the line with the ball in hand, it shall be considered a delivery, and if, from that position, he throws the ball to a base, it shall be termed a Baulk, and must be so declared by the umpire.
