Spirit of the Game

Etiquette and Points of Play.

Fielding

The game of 1860 is a gentleman’s game. During a game the players should seek to exhibit the utmost skill and also display good sportsmanship. One of the points of play involves the proper fielding of a fly ball. By the rules a fielder may catch the ball on one bound and still make an out. However, this practice is not to be encouraged. As Henry Chadwick points out: “We would not envy the position of the fielder who mars the beauty of a fine hit by waiting until the force of the ball is spent on the ground, and then catching it on the rebound- a feat a boy of ten years old would scarcely be proud of.“ In another passage on the same topic, Chadwick writes “Nothing disappoints the spectator, or dissatisfies the Batsman so much, as to see a fine hit to the long field caught on the bound in this simple , childish manner.” The cranks should let the fielder know both when they have made a good play on a tough ball as well as when they have opted for the easier play.

Pitching and Hitting

The rules of 1860 call for the pitcher, or hurler, to deliver the ball over the plate for the striker, or batter. While the hurler may change speeds and impart spin on the ball, their primary function is to allow the striker to hit the ball and trust in the skill of the fielders to make the play. Ideally in a game played by the rules of 1860, there will not be any called strikes. The umpire may call a strike if it is judged that the batter is standing at the plate and letting good pitches go by. This should not be necessary provided that the striker remembers their duty to strike at good pitches. Pitch outs on the part of the hurler, or the striker waiting for their team mate to steal second or third base are ungentlemanly plays. Chadwick addresses both of these situations in his comments on the rules: “We would remind him (the Pitcher) that in cases where a player has reached his first base after striking, it is the Pitcher’s duty to pitch the ball to the bat, and not to the catcher; and should the batsman refuse to strike at good balls repeatedly pitched at him, it will be the umpire’s duty to call one strike, etc., according to section 37 of the rules”. Should the cranks observe these behaviors they should let the player know it and encourage them to meet their gentlemanly duties.

Sportsmanship

The game is being played for recreation and simply for the love of it. It is common behavior for both sides to applaud a well struck or fielded ball, regardless of which team has made the play. On a close play which the umpire was unable to see, the umpire should be able to appeal to the players and they should give their honest answer of what happened even to the detriment of their team. As Chadwick points out in his description of the model player, “Regarding the game as a healthful exercise, and a manly and exciting recreation, he plays it solely for the pleasure it affords him, and if victory crowns his efforts in a contest, well and good, but should defeat ensue he is equally ready to applaud the success obtained by his opponents; and by such action he robs defeat of half its sting, and greatly adds to the pleasure the game has afforded both himself and his adversaries.“ We hope this same spirit carries over to the cranks.

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