Clipping:A called ball is dead if hit; an appeal to Chadwick; appeals of rule misinterpretations
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| Date | Saturday, June 25, 1870 |
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| Text | [Cincinnati vs. Atlantic 6/14/1870] Brainard sent a ball to Pearce, which was so low as almost to touch the home base, and, seeing that is was a ball to be called, Mills [umpire] called “one ball.” Just at the same moment Pearce hit at it in the hope of sending it safe back of third base, but he sent it instead to the in-field, and the ball was at once fielded to first, McDonald, who was a first, running to second, no effort being made to put him out, as two hands were already out. On judgment being asked, the umpire properly decided Pearce not out, as the ball having been called could not be hit at without being made dead if hit. But he also decided McDonald as being entitled to his base. Seeing this, Harry Wright called “time” and claimed that McDonald had no right to his base, on the ground that the hit called balls are dead, and that neither a player can be put out or a base be run or taken on such a ball. Ferguson claimed the McDonald had a right to take the base. As the umpire had not a copy of the rules by him—all those who are accustomed to act should have—the question was referred to the Chairman of the Committee of Rules who was seated at the reporters' stand, and he at once reversed the decision of the umpire, and stated that no base could be run or taken on a hit called ball, and McDonald was then sent back to first base in accordance with the rules. The crowd not being posted thought the dispute was about a foul ball, and some wanted to know why the umpire did not decide it. But in all cases when any rule of the game is plainly misinterpreted by the umpire, as in this instance, it is the duty of the captain to consult the rules, as was done in this case. In fact the captain of a nine ought never to be without a copy of the season's rules in his possession on a match day. |
| Source | New York Clipper |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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