Page:Spalding's Baseball Guide (1894).djvu/147

 ENTITLED TO BASES.

The Base Runner shall be entitled, without being put out, to take the Base in the following cases.

If, while he was Batsman, the Umpire called four Balls.

If the Umpire awards a succeeding batsman a base on four balls, or for being hit with a pitched ball, or in case of an illegal delivery—as in Rule 46, Sec. 5—and the Base Runner is thereby forced to vacate the base held by him.

If the Umpire calls a "balk."

If a ball, delivered by the Pitcher, pass the Catcher and touch the Umpire, or any fence or building within ninety feet of the Home Base.

If upon a fair hit the Ball strikes the person or clothing of the Umpire on fair ground.

If he be prevented from making a base by the obstruction of an adversary.

If the Fielder stop or catch a batted ball with his hat, or any part of his dress.

RETURNING TO BASES.

The Base Runner shall return to his Base, and shall be entitled to so return without being put out:

If the umpire declares a Foul Tip (as defined in 37) or any other Foul Hit not legally caught by a Fielder.

If the Umpire declares a Foul Strike.

If the Umpire declares a Dead Ball, unless it be also the fourth Unfair Ball and he be thereby forced to take the next base, as provided in Rule 48, Sec. 2.

If the person or clothing of the Umpire interferes with the Catcher or he is struck by a ball thrown by the Catcher to intercept a Base Runner.

The Base Runner shall return to his base, if, while attempting a strike, the ball touches any part of the Batsman's person.

WHEN BASE RUNNERS ARE OUT.

The Base Runner is out:

If, after three strikes have been declared against him while Batsman, and the Catcher fail to catch the third strike ball, he plainly attempts to hinder the Catcher from fielding the ball.

If, having made a Fair Hit while Batsman, such fair hit ball be momentarily held by a Fielder, before touching the ground, or any object other than a Fielder: Provided, it be not caught in a Fielder's hat or cap.