$Unique_ID{BAS01281}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Appendix:  Rules and Scoring:  Part 4}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Bingham, Dennis
Heitz, Thomas R.}
$Subject{Rule Rules Score Scoring Change Changes}
$Log{}

Total Baseball:  Appendixes


Rules and Scoring:  Part 4

Dennis Bingham and Thomas R. Heitz


1960-62

     There were no changes to the playing rules in these years.

1963

Interference/Offensive     Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat
which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses any fielder
attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter-runner,
or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last
base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of
the interference.

Pitcher/Delivery  Wind-up Position     The pitcher shall stand facing the
batter, his entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching and not off the
end of the pitcher's plate, and the other foot free. From this position any
natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter
commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration. He shall not
raise either foot from the ground, except that in his actual delivery of the
ball to the batter, he may take one step backward, and one step forward with
his free foot.
     Note: When a pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his
body, with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching but not off
the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot free, he will be considered
in a Windup Position.
     If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, after
coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than
in an actual pitch, or in throwing to a base.

Pitcher/Warm-Up Pitches     When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning
of each inning, or when he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to
pitch not to exceed eight preparatory pitches to his catcher during which play
shall be suspended. A league by its own action may limit the number of
preparatory pitches to less than eight preparatory pitches. Such preparatory
pitches shall not consume more than one minute of time. If a sudden emergency
causes a pitcher to be summoned into the game without any opportunity to warm
up, the umpire-in-chief shall allow him as many pitches as the umpire deems
necessary.

Runner     A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he touches
it before he is out. He is then entitled to it until he is put out, or forced
to vacate it for another runner.
     Unless two are out, the status of a following runner is not affected by a
preceding runner's failure to touch or re-touch a base. If, upon appeal, the
preceding runner is the third out, no runners following him shall score. If
such third out is the result of a force play, neither preceding nor following
runners shall score.

Strike Zone     The strike zone is that space over home plate which is between
the top of the batter's shoulders and his knees when he assumes his natural
stance. The umpire shall determine the strike zone according to the batter's
usual stance when he swings at a pitch.

1964

Bat     No colored bat may be used in a professional game unless approved by
the rules committee.

Interference/Defensive     The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to
first base when the catcher or any fielder interferes with him. If a play
follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate
umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty and accept the play.
Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if
the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit
batsman, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the
play proceeds without reference to the interference.

Interference/Offensive     It is interference by a batter or a runner when a
batter-runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a
fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball, with the obvious intent to break
up a double play. The ball is dead. The umpire shall call the batter-runner
out for interference and also call out the next preceding runner for the
action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because
of such action by a runner.
     It is interference by a batter or a runner when, in the judgment of the
umpire, a baserunner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball
or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to
break up a double play. The ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner
out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action
of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such
action by a runner.

Pitcher/Delivery  The Set Position     Set Position shall be indicated by the
pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on, or in
front of, and in contact with, and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and
his other foot in front of the pitcher's plate, holding the ball in both hands
in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set Position he
may deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the
pitcher's plate with his pivot foot. Before assuming Set Position, the
pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary motion such as that known as
"the stretch."  But, if he so elects, he shall come to Set Position before
delivering the ball to the batter. After assuming Set Position any natural
motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to
the pitch without alteration or interruption.

Uniforms     Any part of an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform
solid color for all players on a team. Any player other than the pitcher may
have numbers, letters, insignia attached to the sleeve of an undershirt.

1965

Glove/Catcher     The catcher may wear a leather glove or mitt no more than 38
inches in circumference, nor more than 15 1/2 inches from top to bottom. Such
limits shall include all lacing and any leather band or facing attached to the
outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb section and the finger
section of the mitt shall not exceed six inches at the top of the mitt and
four inches at the base of the thumb crotch. The web shall measure not more
than seven inches across the top or more than six inches from its top to the
base of the thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing or lacing through
leather tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension of the
palm, connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it will not
exceed any of the above mentioned requirements. The glove may be of any
weight.

Interference/Offensive     It is interference by a batter or runner if a
batter-runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a
fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball.

Runner/Bases     Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when with the ball
in play, while advancing or returning to a base, he fails to touch each base
in order before he, or a missed base, is tagged. Approved Ruling: (1) No
runner may return to touch a missed base after a following runner has scored.
(2)  When the ball is dead, no runner may return to touch a missed base or one
he has left after he has advanced to and touched a base beyond the missed
base.

1966

     There were no changes to the playing rules this year.

1967

Catch     A catch is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his
hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not
use his cap, protector, pocket, or any other part of his uniform in getting
possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately
following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with a
wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops
the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a
member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another
defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball while
in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged
to have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder
shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the
ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.

Coach/Manager     See Pitcher/Visits.

Interference/Offensive     It is interference by a batter or runner when, in
the judgment of the umpire, a batter-runner willfully and deliberately
interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted
ball, with the obvious intent to break up a double play. The ball is dead.
The umpire shall call the batter-runner out for interference and shall also
call out the runner who had advanced closest to the home plate regardless
where the double play might have been possible. In no event shall bases be
run because of such interference.
     The players, coaches, or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any
space (including both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field
a batted or thrown ball. Penalty: Interference shall be called and the
batter or runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out.
     The batter becomes a runner when a fair ball, after having passed a
fielder other than the pitcher, or after having been touched by a fielder,
including the pitcher, shall touch an umpire or runner on fair territory.

Interference/Umpire     See above, Interference/Offensive.

Pitcher/Delivery     Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while standing
on the rubber.
     The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their
bases, without liability to be put out when a balk is committed.

Pitcher/Visits     A professional league shall adopt the following rule
pertaining to the visit of the manager or coach to the pitcher: (a) This rule
limits the number of trips a manager or coach may make to any one pitcher in
any one inning; (b) A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will
cause the pitcher's automatic removal; (c) The manager or coach is prohibited
from making a second visit to the mound while the same batter is at bat; but
(d) If a pinch-hitter is substituted for this batter, the manager or coach may
make a second visit to the mound, but must remove the pitcher.
     A manager or coach is considered to have concluded his visit to the mound
when he leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher's rubber.

Runner     A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he touches
it before he is out. He is then entitled to it until he is put out, or forced
to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base.

1968

Ball/Defaced     See Pitcher/Illegal Act.

Coach     See Interference/Offensive.

Interference/Offensive     The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base
or return to their bases without liability to be put out when a base coach
intentionally interferes with a thrown ball. Runners return to the base last
legally touched.

Pitcher/Illegal Act     The pitcher shall not (1) bring his pitching hand in
contact with his mouth or lips. Penalty: For violating this part of this
rule the umpire shall warn the pitcher and if this action is repeated the
umpire shall immediately disqualify the pitcher; (2) apply a foreign substance
of any kind to the ball; (3) expectorate on the ball, his pitching hand, or
his glove; (4) rub the ball on his glove, person, or clothing; (5) deface the
ball in any manner; (6) deliver what is called the "shine" ball, "spit" ball,
"mud" ball, or "emery" ball. The pitcher, of course, is allowed to rub the
ball between his bare hands. Penalty: For violation of any part of this rule
the umpire shall immediately disqualify the pitcher.

1969

Game     A game called at the end of a completed inning with the score tied
after nine innings shall be a suspended game.

Pitcher/Position     The pitcher's plate shall be 10 inches above the level of
home plate. The degree of slope from a point six inches in front of the
pitcher's plate to a point six feet toward home plate shall be one inch to one
foot, and such degree of slope shall be uniform.

Runner/Advancing     Any runner is out when he fails to re-touch his base
after a fair or foul ball is legally caught before he or his base is tagged by
a fielder. He shall not be called out for failure to re-touch his base after
the first following pitch, or any play or attempted play. This is an appeal
play.

Strike Zone     The strike zone is that space over home plate which is between
the batter's armpits and the top of his knees when he assumes his natural
stance. The umpire shall determine the strike zone according to the batter's
usual stance when he swings at a pitch.

1970

     There were no changes to the playing rules this year.

1971

Helmet     All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at bat.

1972

Appeal     An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or an attempted play.
     Successive appeals may not be made on a runner at the same base. If the
defensive team on its first appeal errs, a request for a second appeal on the
same runner at the same base shall not be allowed by the umpire.

Game/Suspended     A game may be suspended to be completed at a future date by
reason of light failure or malfunction of a mechanical field device, e.g.,
automatic tarpaulin or water-removal equipment.

1973

Designated Hitter     Any league may elect to use the Designated Hitter (DH)
rule as follows: (1) A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting
pitcher and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting
the status of the pitcher or pitcher in the game. A DH for the pitcher must
be selected prior to the game and must be included in the lineup cards
presented to the umpire-in-chief; (2) It is not mandatory that a club
designate a hitter for the pitcher, but failure to do so prior to the game
precludes the use of a DH for that game; (3) Pinch hitters for a DH may be
used. Any substitute hitter for a DH becomes the DH. A replaced DH shall not
re-enter the game in any capacity; (4) The DH may be used defensively,
continuing to bat in the same position in the batting order, but the pitcher
must then bat in the place of the substituted defensive player, unless more
than one substitution is made, and the manager then must designate their spots
in the batting order; (5) A runner may be substituted for the DH and the
runner assumes the role of DH; (6) A DH is "locked" into the batting order.
No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation of
the DH; (7) Once the game-pitcher is switched from the mound to a defensive
position this move shall terminate the DH role for the remainder of the game;
(8) Once the game-pitcher bats for the DH this move shall terminate the DH's
role for the remainder of the game. The game pitcher may only pinch-hit for
the DH; (9) Once a DH assumes a defensive position this move shall terminate
the DH role for the remainder of the game.
     Note: The DH rule was adopted only by the American League.

Game     In all protested games, the decision of the league president shall be
final.

1974

Ball/Defaced     See Pitcher/Illegal Act.

Helmet     All players are required to wear batting helmets with ear flaps.

Pitcher/Illegal Act     If, in his judgment, the umpire determines that a
foreign substance has been applied to the ball, he shall (a) call the pitch a
ball, warn the pitcher and have announced by the public address system the
reason for the action; (b) in the case of a second offense by the same pitcher
any time later in the game, the pitcher shall be disqualified from the game
and may additionally be subject to such action as may be imposed by the league
office; (c) if a play follows the violation called by the umpire, the manager
of the offensive team may advise the plate umpire that he elects to decline
the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at
the end of the play. However, if a batter reaches first base on a hit, an
error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and no other runner is
put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without
reference to the violation; (d) even though the offense elects to take the
play, the violation shall be recognized and the penalties in (a) and (b) will
still be in effect; (e) the umpire shall be the sole judge on whether any
portion of this rule has been violated.

1975

Ball     The ball can be covered with white cowhide as well as horsehide.

Bat
Cupped Bats     An indentation in the end of the bat up to one inch in
depth is permitted and may be no wider than two inches and no less than one
inch in diameter. The indentation must be curved with no foreign substance
added.

Bat/Illegal     A batter is out for illegal action when he hits a fair ball
with a filled, doctored, or flat-surfaced bat in which event he shall be
immediately ejected from the game and suspended by his league president for
three days.

Fielder/Drops Fly Ball     A batter is out when an infielder intentionally
drops a fair fly ball or line drive, with first, first and second, first and
third, or first, second, and third bases occupied before two are out. The
ball is dead and runner or runners shall return to their original base or
bases. Approved Ruling: In this situation, the batter is not out if the
infielder permits the ball to drop untouched to the ground, except when the
infield fly rule applies.

Game     A game may be suspended if local law prohibits the use of lights and
it is too dark to continue.

Infield Fly     See Fielder/Drops Fly Ball.

Pitcher/Illegal Act     The pitcher shall not have on his person, or in his
possession, any foreign substance. For such infraction of this section the
penalty shall be immediate ejection from the game.

Runner/Advancing     Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when after a
fly ball is caught, he fails to re-touch his original base before he or his
original base is tagged.

Runner/Awarded Bases     Each runner, including the batter-runner, may advance
one base if a ball, pitched to the batter, or thrown by the pitcher from his
position on the pitcher's plate to a base to catch a runner, goes into a stand
or a bench, or over or through a field fence or backstop. The ball is dead.
Approved Ruling: When a wild pitch or passed ball goes through or by the
catcher, or deflects off the catcher, and goes directly into the dugout,
stands, above the break, or any area where the ball is dead, the awarding of
bases shall be one base. One base shall also be awarded if the pitcher, while
in contact with the rubber, throws to a base, and the throw goes directly into
the stands or into any area where the ball is dead.
     If, however, the pitched or thrown ball goes through or by the catcher or
through the fielder, and remains on the playing field, and is subsequently
kicked or deflected into the dugout, stands or other area where the ball is
dead, the awarding of bases shall be two bases from position of runners at the
time of the pitch or throw.

1976

Bat     The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from the end, may be
covered or treated with any material (including pine tar) to improve the grip.
Any such material, including pine tar, which extends past the 18-inch
limitation, in the umpire's judgment, shall cause the bat to be removed from
the game. No such material shall improve the reaction or distance factor of
the bat.

Bat/Illegal     The batter is out for illegal action when he uses or attempts
to use a bat that, in the umpire's judgment, has been altered or tampered with
in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on
the baseball. This includes, bats that are filled, flat-surfaced, nailed,
hollowed, grooved, or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc. No
advancement on the bases will be allowed and any out or outs made during a
play shall stand. In addition to being called out, the player shall be
ejected from the game and may be subject to additional penalties as determined
by the league president.

Designated Hitter     A Designated Hitter (DH) may not pinch run.
     Once a pinch hitter bats for any player in the batting order and then
enters the game to pitch, this move shall terminate the DH role for the
remainder of the game.
     A substitute for the DH need not be announced until it is the DH's turn
to bat.

Player/Illegal Act     No manager, player, substitute, coach, trainer, or
batboy shall at any time, whether from the bench, the coach's box or on the
playing field, or elsewhere make intentional contact with the umpire in any
manner.

Umpire     See Player/Illegal Act.

Uniform/Shoes     No player shall attach anything to the heel or toe of his
shoe other than the ordinary shoe plate or toe plate. Shoes with pointed
spikes similar to golf or track shoes shall not be worn.

1977

     There were no changes to the playing rules this year.

1978

Designated Hitter     In the event of interleague competition between clubs of
leagues using the Designated Hitter rule and clubs of leagues not using the
Designated Hitter rule, the rule will be used as follows: (1) In exhibition
games, the rule will be used or not used as is the practice of the home team;
(2) In All-Star Games, the rule will only be used if both teams and both
leagues so agree; (3) In World Series play, the rule will be used every other
year. It will not be used in 1977, but will be used in 1978, etc.

Pitcher/Illegal Act     The pitcher shall not intentionally pitch at the
batter. If, in the umpire's judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire
shall warn the pitcher and his manager that another such pitch will mean
immediate expulsion of the pitcher. At the same time the umpire shall warn
the opposing manager that such an infraction by his pitcher shall result in
that pitcher's expulsion. If, in the umpire's judgment, there is another such
pitch during the game by any pitcher, the umpire shall eject the pitcher from
the game. If, in the umpire's judgment circumstances warrant, one or both
teams may be officially "warned" prior to the game or an actual violation
during the game in progress. League presidents may take additional action
under the rules.
     Note: To pitch at a batter's head is unsportsmanlike and highly
dangerous. It should be--and is--condemned by everybody. Umpires should act
without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.

1979

     There were no changes to the playing rules this year.

1980

Game     The rules of 1980 include several amendments to the rules governing
suspended games and protested games.

Substitute/Fielder     If no announcement of a substitution is made, the
substitute shall be considered as having entered the game when, if a fielder,
he reaches the position usually occupied by the fielder he has replaced and
play commences.

1981

Designated Hitter     The Designated Hitter (DH) named in the starting lineup
must come to bat at least one time, unless the opposing club changes pitchers.

1982

Pitcher     Under extreme weather conditions a pitcher may warm his throwing
hand by blowing on it provided both managers and umpires have agreed to this
before the game begins.

1983

Helmet     All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at bat.
All players in National Association Leagues shall wear a double ear-flap
helmet while at bat. All players entering the major leagues commencing with
the 1983 championship season and every succeeding season thereafter must wear
a single ear-flap helmet (or at the player's option, a double ear-flap
helmet), except those players who were in the major leagues during the 1982
season, and who, as recorded in that season, objected to wearing a single
ear-flap helmet. If the umpire observes any violation of these rules, he
shall direct the violation to be corrected. If the violation is not corrected
within a reasonable time, in the umpire's judgment, the umpire shall eject the
offender from the game.

1984

Bat     The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from its end, may be
covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip. Any
such material or substance, which extends past the 18-inch limitation, shall
cause the bat to be removed from the game.

1985

Uniform     No part of the uniform shall include patches or designs relating
to commercial advertisements.
     A league may provide that the uniforms of its member teams include the
names of its players on their backs. Any name other than the last name of the
player must be approved by the league president. If adopted, all uniforms for
a team must have the names of its players.

1986

Designated Hitter     The Designated Hitter (DH) rule will be used or not used
in World Series or exhibition games according to the practice of the home
team.

1987

     There were no changes to the playing rules this year.

1988

Bases     Home base shall be marked by a five-sided slab of whitened rubber.
It shall be a 17-inch square with two of the corners removed so that one edge
is 17 inches long, two adjacent sides are 8 1/2 inches and the remaining two
sides are 12 inches and set at an angle to make a point. It shall be set in
the ground with the point at the intersection of the lines extending from home
base to first base and to third base; with the 17-inch edge facing the
pitcher's plate, and the two 12-inch edges coinciding with the first and third
baselines. The top edges of home base shall be beveled and the base shall be
fixed in the ground level with the ground surface.

Helmet     All catchers shall wear a catcher's protective helmet, while
fielding their position.
     All bat/ballboys or girls shall wear a protective helmet while performing
their duties.

Pitcher/Delivery     The Set Position     Preparatory to coming to a set
position, the pitcher shall have one hand by his side.
     Set Position is assumed by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter
with his entire pivot foot on, and parallel to, the pitcher's plate, or in
front of, parallel to, and in contact with, the pitcher's plate. The
non-pivot foot must be on the ground in front of the pitcher's plate. The
pitcher must hold the ball in both hands in front of his body and come to a
single complete and discernible stop before throwing the ball. A complete
stop shall not be construed as occurring because of a change in direction of
the hands and arms.
     From such set position he must deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a
base, or step backward off the pitcher's plate with his pivot foot.
     Before assuming set position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural
preliminary motion such as that known as "the stretch."  But if he so elects,
he shall come to a set position before delivering the ball to the batter.
After assuming set position, any natural motion associated with his delivery
of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or
interruption.
     The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both hands
in front of his body and (b) come to a complete and discernible stop, with
both feet on the ground. This must be enforced. Umpires should watch this
closely, and should immediately call a "balk" for any violation.

Pitcher/Illegal Act     The pitcher shall not intentionally pitch at the
batter. If, in the umpire's judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may
elect either to: (1) expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from
the game, or; (2) may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that
another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or
a replacement) and the manager. If, in the umpire's judgment, and
circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially "warned" prior to the game
or at any time during the game. League presidents may take additional action
under the rules.

1989

Bat     The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 3/4 inches in
diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat
shall be one piece of solid wood.
     Note: No laminated or experimental bats shall be used in a professional
game (either championship or exhibition games) until the manufacturer has
secured approval from the Rules Committee of his design and methods of
manufacture.

Pitcher/Delivery
     The Set Position     Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when
he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of, and
in contact with, and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other
foot in front of the pitcher's plate, holding the ball in both hands in front
of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set Position he may
deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base, or step backward off the
pitcher's plate with his pivot foot. Before assuming Set Position, the
pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary motion such as that known as
"the stretch."  But if he so elects, he shall come to Set Position before
delivering the ball to the batter. After assuming Set Position, any natural
motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to
the pitch without alteration or interruption.
     Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand
on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined
above without interruption and in one continuous motion.
     The whole width of the foot in contact with the rubber must be on the
rubber. A pitcher cannot pitch from off the end of the rubber with just the
side of his foot touching the rubber.
     The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both hands
in front of his body and (b) come to a complete stop. This must be enforced.
Umpires should watch this closely. Pitchers are constantly attempting to
"beat the rule" in their efforts to hold runners on bases and in cases where
the pitcher fails to make a complete "stop" called for in the rules, the
umpire should immediately call a "balk."

1990-1993

     There were no changes to the playing rules in these seasons.


Index to Playing Rule Changes 1845-1993

Note: Dates shown following an entry refer to the year a rule change or
amendment was adopted. Rule changes and summaries of rules are to be found in
the chronology.

Alcoholic beverages prohibited 1881; 1882
Appeal play, fourth out on 1958
Appeal plays 1958; 1965; 1969; 1972; 1975
Balk (See also Pitcher, delivery by) 1845; 1857; 1863; 1867; 1868; 1872; 1873;
  1876; 1883; 1885; 1886; 1887; 1900; 1910; 1920; 1939; 1940; 1949; 1950;
  1954; 1955; 1957; 1963; 1988; 1989
Ball 1846-56; 1857; 1859; 1861; 1868; 1871; 1872; 1874; 1876; 1877; 1879;
  1882; 1883; 1887; 1890; 1904; 1911; 1914; 1920; 1955; 1975
Ball, furnishing of 1857; 1868; 1869; 1870; 1874; 1876; 1877; 1887; 1896;
  1904; 1920
Ball, intentional discoloring or defacing (See also Pitcher, freak deliveries
  by) 1890; 1897; 1907; 1908; 1920
Ball, replacing lost or damaged 1872; 1875; 1882; 1883; 1886; 1887; 1904;
  1907
Balls, pitched (See Strike Zone)
Base on balls 1863; 1869; 1870; 1874; 1875; 1879; 1880; 1881; 1884; 1886;
  1887; 1889; 1907; 1910; 1920; 1957
Base on balls, intentional 1920; 1955
Base (plate), Home 1845; 1857; 1868; 1872; 1874; 1875; 1877; 1885; 1887; 1900;
  1950; 1988
Bases 1845; 1856; 1866; 1868; 1877; 1887; 1950
Bases, position of, distance between 1845; 1857; 1874; 1875; 1877; 1887
Bat 1857; 1868; 1869; 1872; 1874; 1885; 1886; 1893; 1895; 1940; 1950; 1954;
  1964; 1975; 1976; 1984; 1989
Bat, colored, cupped, laminated 1954; 1964; 1975; 1989
Bat handle 1885; 1886; 1893; 1950; 1954; 1976; 1984
Batter, ball accidentally hits bat of 1874; 1920
Batter, ball hits bat a second time by 1940; 1950; 1954
Batter becomes baserunner 1845; 1857; 1863; 1869; 1870; 1874; 1875; 1879;
  1880; 1881; 1884; 1886; 1887; 1889; 1892; 1899; 1902; 1907; 1910; 1920;
  1931; 1940; 1950; 1955; 1957; 1964; 1967
Batter failing or refusing to bat (See also Batter out of batting order) 1869;
  1874; 1877; 1950
Batter hit by pitch (See Hit by Pitch)
Batter, intentional effort to hit foul ball by 1887; 1902
Batter is out 1845; 1857; 1868; 1869; 1874; 1876; 1877; 1879; 1882;
  1883; 1885; 1888; 1892; 1895; 1898; 1901; 1907; 1910; 1914; 1920; 1931;
  1950; 1954; 1957; 1975; 1976
Batter out of batter's box (See also Batter's Box) 1868; 1876; 1878; 1910;
  1955; 1957
Batter out of turn (See also Batting Order) 1874; 1883; 1895; 1898; 1957
Batter's Box 1857; 1867; 1868; 1870; 1871; 1872; 1874; 1875; 1876; 1877; 1878;
  1885; 1886; 1887; 1907; 1910; 1955; 1957
Batting Order 1845; 1857; 1874; 1878; 1879; 1883; 1893; 1895; 1898; 1910;
  1950; 1955
Bat, use of illegal 1975; 1976
Blocked ball (See Interference by spectators)
Bunt 1894; 1897; 1901; 1904; 1906; 1950; 1954
Captain (See Manager)
Catch, definition of legal 1845; 1857; 1868; 1869; 1874; 1879; 1883;
  1885; 1950; 1954; 1967
Catcher 1878; 1882; 1892; 1895; 1899; 1901; 1907; 1920; 1939; 1940; 1949;
  1950; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1963; 1964; 1965; 1967; 1975; 1988
Catcher's Box 1878; 1901
Catcher's interference (See Interference by catcher)
Catcher's mitt (See Glove, restrictions on)
Club, eligible 1867; 1869
Coaches, number of required 1957
Coach hit by thrown ball (See also Interference by coach) 1920
Coach, no fines for rule violations to be assessed to 1940
Coach required to be in uniform 1957
Coach, restrictions on 1872; 1874; 1887; 1892; 1904; 1914; 1920; 1940; 1949;
  1957; 1967
Coach's Box 1872; 1874; 1877; 1887
Coach's interference (See Interference by coach)
Coach, use of offensive language by 1887, 1892
Contract, player's 1872; 1874; 1876; 1877
Darkness (See Game, delayed or terminated)
Dead Ball 1857; 1867; 1868; 1871; 1874; 1876; 1909; 1910; 1920; 1931; 1940;
  1950; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1959; 1964; 1965; 1967; 1968; 1975
Death of player prevents game 1867; 1869; 1870; 1872
Defensive interference, definition of (See also Interference) 1964
Definitions of terms used in rules as special section 1950
Designated Hitter (DH) rule 1973; 1976; 1978; 1980; 1986
Dimensions of field (See Grounds, layout of)
Doubleheader 1920; 1940; 1950; 1957
Dugout, bench, player's area 1877; 1882; 1892; 1896; 1899; 1904; 1950
Emery Ball (See Pitcher, freak deliveries by)
Equipment, while at bat removal from field of 1954
Fair and Foul Balls 1845; 1857; 1861; 1867; 1870; 1876; 1877; 1884; 1887;
  1894; 1897; 1901; 1904; 1906; 1909; 1910; 1920; 1931; 1940
Fair territory, definition of 1950
Fences on grounds 1871; 1885; 1892; 1904; 1940; 1959
Fielder distracting batter 1954
Fielder, legal catch by (See Catch, definition of legal)
First baseman's mitt (See Glove, restrictions on)
Force out (See also Runner forced to vacate base) 1846-56; 1857; 1920; 1958;
  1963
Forfeited game 1857; 1868; 1869; 1870; 1872; 1874; 1881; 1890; 1892; 1906;
  1909; 1955
Foul fly 1845; 1876; 1879; 1883; 1885; 1940; 1949
Foul lines 1861; 1874; 1876; 1877; 1887; 1906; 1940; 1950
Foul tip 1889; 1895; 1897; 1899; 1950
Gambling 1857; 1874; 1877
Game, "called" (no game) 1857; 1868; 1871; 1892; 1920; 1931
Game, choice of innings 1845; 1877; 1878; 1885; 1887; 1896; 1906
Game, commencement of 1866; 1868; 1887; 1896; 1906; 1940; 1942; 1949; 1950
Game, complete (official) 1845;  1857; 1859; 1860; 1866; 1868; 1869;
  1871; 1876; 1892; 1907; 1920; 1931; 1957
Game, delayed or terminated (rain, darkness, locust, etc.) 1866; 1868; 1871;
  1872; 1875; 1876; 1877; 1887; 1892; 1899; 1906; 1907; 1950
Game, drawn (tie game) 1869; 1872; 1876; 1920; 1931; 1969
Game of baseball defined 1950
Game, preliminaries 1845; 1857; 1874; 1893; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1940; 1950;
  1955
Game, suspended 1907; 1931; 1954; 1957; 1969; 1972; 1975; 1980
Game winner defined 1845;  1857; 1869; 1876; 1892; 1899; 1907; 1920;
  1931; 1950; 1957
Glass buttons or polished metal not to be used on uniforms 1931
Gloves, restrictions on 1895; 1931; 1939; 1950; 1965
Gloves, while at bat removal from field of 1954
"Ground rule" double 1885; 1892; 1914; 1926; 1931
Ground rules 1858; 1874; 1876; 1904; 1909; 1910; 1940
Grounds, fitness of (See also League President, Manager or Umpire as judge of
  fitness of grounds) 1872; 1880; 1887; 1896; 1906; 1950; 1955
Groundskeeper/Grounds Crew 1906; 1950; 1957
Grounds, layout of 1845; 1857; 1861; 1870; 1871; 1875; 1874; 1877; 1878; 1880;
  1882; 1885; 1887; 1892; 1894; 1904; 1940; 1959
Helmet, bat/ballboys and girls 1988
Helmet, batter 1971; 1974; 1983
Helmet, catcher 1988
Hit by Pitch 1884; 1887; 1888; 1892; 1902; 1907; 1910; 1920; 1957
Home Base (plate) (See Base, Home)
Home run 1885; 1892; 1914; 1920; 1926; 1931; 1950; 1955
Illegally batted ball (See Batter out of batter's box)
Infield fly rule 1895; 1901; 1920; 1940; 1950; 1954; 1957; 1975
Inning, definition of 1845; 1857; 1950
Interference by batter 1845; 1846-56; 1857; 1872; 1877; 1882; 1892; 1907;
  1910; 1914; 1931; 1950; 1954; 1955; 1965; 1967
Interference by catcher 1899; 1907; 1920; 1940; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1964
Interference by coach 1904; 1914; 1920; 1931; 1967; 1968
Interference by fielder 1954; 1955; 1957; 1964
Interference by retired runner 1940; 1955
Interference by runner 1845; 1846-56; 1857; 1872; 1880; 1882; 1887; 1888;
  1910; 1920; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1954; 1955; 1963; 1964; 1965; 1967
Interference by spectators 1857; 1865; 1873; 1874; 1881; 1882; 1954; 1959
Interference by teammates 1867; 1904; 1931; 1940; 1950; 1955
Interference by umpire 1877; 1907; 1910; 1914; 1920; 1967
League President as judge of fitness of ground 1950
Malfunction of mechanical field devices 1972
Manager appealing for new ball 1875; 1882
Manager appealing to or addressing umpire (See Umpire, addressing the)
Manager as coach (See Coach, restrictions on)
Manager as judge of fitness of ground 1887
Manager may elect balk penalty or result of play 1954
Manager may elect freak delivery penalty or result of play 1974
Manager may elect interference penalty or result of play 1964
Manager's authority to call game a draw 1869
Manager's authority to position players 1846-56; 1857; 1858; 1871
Manager's choice of innings (See Game, choice of innings)
Manager's consent to replace umpire 1872; 1875
Manager selects opponent's substitute runner 1872; 1883; 1889
Mud Ball (See Pitcher, freak deliveries by)
Newsmen and photographers 1950; 1957
No changes in the playing rules 1862; 1864; 1905; 1912; 1913; 1915; 1916;
  1917; 1918; 1919; 1921; 1922; 1923; 1924; 1925; 1927; 1928; 1930; 1932;
  1933; 1934; 1935; 1936; 1937; 1938; 1941; 1943; 1944; 1945; 1946; 1947;
  1948; 1951; 1952; 1953; 1956; 1960; 1961; 1962; 1966; 1970; 1977; 1979;
  1987; 1990; 1991; 1992.
Objective of baseball club 1950
Obstruction 1857; 1868; 1876; 1897; 1931; 1950; 1957
Offensive interference, definition of (See also Interference) 1963
Pitcher allowed to warm up 1902; 1950; 1963
Pitcher attempting pickoff 1898; 1899; 1900; 1901; 1902; 1950; 1959; 1963;
  1975
Pitcher, delivery by 1845; 1857; 1863; 1867; 1868; 1869; 1871; 1872; 1874;
  1876; 1878; 1879; 1883; 1884; 1885; 1887; 1889; 1890; 1893; 1898; 1899;
  1900; 1901;1902; 1904; 1910; 1914; 1920; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1949; 1950; 1954;
  1955; 1957; 1963; 1964; 1968; 1988; 1989
Pitcher, disqualification of 1957; 1968; 1974; 1975; 1978; 1988
Pitcher, elevation of mound of 1903; 1950; 1969
Pitcher, failure to deliver pitch within 20 seconds by 1901; 1902; 1955;
  1957
Pitcher, freak delivery by 1920; 1921; 1957; 1968; 1974
Pitcher, illness or injury to 1954
Pitcher, improper substitution for 1957
Pitcher intentionally throwing at batter 1879; 1978; 1988
Pitcher must face first batter when announced 1909; 1954
Pitcher permitted to blow on throwing hand in cold weather 1982
Pitcher permitted to use rosin bag 1926
Pitcher prohibited from bringing pitching hand in contact with mouth or lips
  1968
Pitcher prohibited from possessing foreign substance 1975
Pitcher, removal from game of 1920
Pitcher, restrictions on visits by manager or coach to 1967
Pitcher's glove 1931; 1950
Pitchers of spitball certified and exempted from rule prohibiting freak
  deliveries for balance of career 1920; 1921
Pitcher's plate/box, distance from home base of 1858; 1863; 1881; 1890;
  1893
Pitcher's position, box, plate, rubber 1857; 1863; 1866; 1867; 1869; 1870;
  1872; 1874; 1881; 1886; 1887; 1893; 1895; 1903; 1910; 1914; 1939; 1950
Pitcher's uniform, restrictions on 1950; 1964
Pitcher to take signs from catcher while standing on rubber 1967
Pivot foot, definition of 1950
Player, eligible 1845; 1857; 1859; 1867; 1868; 1869; 1871; 1872; 1874;
  1876
Player, expulsion 1877
Players conspiring against club 1877
Players except catcher to be in fair territory when play begins 1957
Players' positions 1846-56; 1857; 1871; 1879; 1910; 1920; 1957
Players prohibited from fraternizing with opponents while in uniform 1950;
  1957
Players prohibited from mingling with spectators 1876; 1898; 1950; 1957
Players prohibited from using vulgar language 1896
Professional players 1867; 1869
Protested game 1973
Quick return pitch 1950; 1954
Rain (See Game, delayed or terminated)
Relief pitcher 1909, 1910, 1954, 1957
Runner acquires right to a base 1874; 1963; 1967
Runner advancing after caught fly ball 1857; 1859; 1863; 1871; 1876; 1920;
  1940; 1958
Runner attempting to steal a base 1940
Runner caught in rundown 1920; 1950; 1957
Runner failing to re-touch a base 1969; 1975
Runner failing to touch a base 1863; 1868; 1876; 1920; 1931; 1957; 1963;
  1965
Runner failing to touch home base 1950; 1958
Runner forced to vacate a base (See also Force out) 1857; 1869; 1870
Runner hit by batted ball 1877; 1880; 1888; 1890; 1909; 1910; 1920
Runner hit by batted ball not out if passes through fielder 1920
Runner hit by pitch in strike zone while attempting steal of home 1950
Runner is out 1845; 1846-56; 1857; 1876; 1877; 1880; 1890; 1904; 1907; 1909;
  1910; 1914; 1920; 1939; 1940; 1958; 1965; 1969; 1975
Runner knocks ball from fielder's hand 1871; 1877
Runner may advance without liability to be put out 1845; 1857; 1863; 1867;
  1868; 1871; 1872; 1873; 1876; 1881; 1882; 1883; 1885; 1886; 1887; 1897;
  1900; 1907; 1910; 1914; 1920; 1931; 1939; 1940; 1949; 1950; 1954; 1955;
  1957; 1959; 1963; 1967; 1968; 1975; 1988; 1989
Runner not affected by preceding runner's failure to touch a base 1963
Runner out of baseline 1857; 1876; 1931
Runner overruns first base 1871; 1872; 1874; 1876; 1883; 1887; 1940
Runner passing preceding runner 1897; 1904; 1907
Runner refusing to advance 1957
Runner returning to base 1857; 1858; 1859; 1860; 1874; 1876; 1880; 1883; 1887;
  1889; 1897; 1910; 1914; 1931
Runner running bases in reverse order 1861; 1920; 1950
Run scored 1857; 1867; 1868; 1969; 1974; 1876; 1880; 1890; 1897; 1920;
  1950
Security 1881; 1887
Set position, definition of 1950; 1964; 1988
Shine Ball (See Pitcher, freak deliveries by)
Shoes, player's 1887; 1899; 1976
Spectator interference (See Interference by spectators)
Spectators 1857; 1874; 1876; 1881; 1882; 1883; 1884; 1887; 1897; 1898; 1910;
  1914; 1931; 1940; 1949; 1950; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1959
Spectators hissing or booing the umpire 1882
Spectators overflowing playing field 1910
Spitball (See Pitcher, freak deliveries by)
Squeeze play, definition of 1954
Strikeout 1845; 1857; 1858; 1867; 1876; 1880; 1887; 1888; 1902
Strikes (See Strike zone)
Strike zone 1857;  1858; 1863; 1867; 1869; 1870; 1871; 1872; 1874; 1875; 1876;
  1877; 1879; 1880; 1881; 1887; 1888; 1894; 1895; 1899; 1901; 1902; 1904;
  1906; 1907; 1909; 1910; 1920; 1950; 1954; 1955; 1957; 1963; 1969
Substitution 1857; 1868; 1869; 1871; 1872; 1874; 1876; 1877; 1878; 1881; 1889;
  1890; 1891; 1893; 1897; 1899; 1909; 1910; 1920; 1931; 1950; 1957; 1976; 1980
Substitution for batter 1893; 1910; 1954; 1955
Substitution for designated hitter (See Designated Hitter rule)
Substitution for fielder 1980
Substitution for pitcher (See Relief Pitcher)
Substitution for runner 1869; 1871; 1872; 1874; 1878; 1881; 1889; 1910; 1931;
  1950; 1955; 1976
"Time" called during game (See also Dead Ball) 1868; 1882; 1887; 1920; 1950;
  1954; 1955
Touch, definition of 1957
Trainers 1940
Tripleheaders prohibited 1940
Triple play, definition of 1954
Umpire, accident to 1867; 1872; 1874; 1882; 1955
Umpire addressing spectators 1874; 1881; 1887; 1897; 1910
Umpire, addressing the 1857; 1874; 1876; 1880; 1882; 1887
Umpire, appealing to (See also Appeal plays) 1868; 1874; 1875; 1876; 1880;
  1882; 1887; 1897; 1907
Umpire, appealing to spectators for assistance by 1874; 1881
Umpire as judge of fitness of grounds 1872; 1887; 1896; 1906; 1950
Umpire as paid employee 1874; 1883; 1884
Umpire assessing fines 1879; 1880; 1887; 1895; 1896; 1910
Umpire, authority to accept or reject ground rules by 1874; 1909
Umpire, authority to disqualify and remove personnel from field 1867; 1882;
  1909; 1957
Umpire, calling foul balls by (See also Fair and Foul Balls) 1857; 1872
Umpire, calling pitch too early by 1874
Umpire consulting player before decision 1887
Umpire hit by batted ball 1907; 1910; 1920; 1967
Umpire hit by pitched or thrown ball 1877; 1910; 1914
Umpire, intentional contact prohibited with 1976
Umpire interference (See Interference by umpire)
Umpire, keeping score of game by 1845; 1857; 1865; 1867
Umpire, position of 1875; 1878; 1890
Umpire, replacing of 1867; 1872; 1874
Umpire reversing decision 1868; 1870; 1874; 1881; 1887; 1897
Umpire, selection of 1845; 1846-56; 1857; 1858
Umpires, procedure when decisions are in conflict by 1957
Umpires, system using two (Umpire-in-Chief) 1890; 1940; 1950; 1958
Umpire, uniform of 1885
Umpire, various responsibilities of 1845; 1857; 1858; 1861; 1867; 1868; 1869;
  1872; 1874; 1876; 1879
Wild pitch, definition of 1954
Windup position, definition of 1950; 1963
Winner of game (See Game winner defined)