* Author profile: Peter Morris

March 26, 2008

Another one on the author of But Didn’t We Have Fun?

A nice sidebar by the writer, Abe Lebovic, highlights the differences betweeen the game as played in the 19th century and now:

Then: Batters were out on caught flies and one-bouncers. Spectators applauded good play by either team and hissed at unsporting play. Umpires were distinguished community members with little knowledge of the game. They sat 20 feet from the action and made rulings only when a player shouted out, “Judgment!” There were no balls or strikes called, and a batter could see as many as 60 to 70 pitches before choosing to swing. Runners didn’t touch each base on an extra-base hit. Players used no gloves — and had twisted fingers to prove it.

Now: The “bound rule” is long gone; batters are out on flies only. Spectators boo opposing players for almost anything — even bad haircuts. Plate umpires call balls and strikes, while three field umpires monitor the action at three other positions in the diamond. Umpires have broad discretionary powers over each game. Pitchers are the first line of the defense, throwing balls and strikes
with the goal of getting the batter out. Runners can be called or tagged out for missing a base. Players use high-tech gloves tailored to each position.

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