Baseball Rules Change Overtime

Baseball has come a long way since it came into existence more than 170 years ago. There have been lots of changes in the game rulebook over the years. Some rules have stood the test of time and find a place in the rulebook while most others have been lost in the history book.

Baseball rule changes overtime

1851-1860

The first rule was introduced in 1857 and traces its origin to the Knickerbockers Rules that were prevalent previously before 1850. The team that scored 21 aces was declared winner. Call strikes were also introduced around the same time. Batters were given out if ball was caught directly and on one bounce irrespective of being foul or fair.

1861-1870

Bat size was changed in 1863. Pitchers were not allowed to lift their feet while pitching. Both the feet needed to be grounded and the pitcher was not allowed to take step. Bases were not allowed on foul balls. Base runners now needed to touch each base and complete circuit. Henry Chadwick's scoring system and batting averages introduced. Pitcher box is now 6 feet square and a pitcher was allowed movement in the box. In 1867 batters were given the right to call high and low pitch balls.

1871-1880

In 1879 umpires were introduced. If a batted ball hit the base runner, the latter was declared out.

1881-1890

Restrictions on pitcher removed. Reserve players were allowed. Coaches were officially recognized. Batters were allowed to use bat with one portion flat. Calling of high and low pitch balls by batters was abolished in 1887.

1891-1900

Pitching distance increased to 60 feet 6 inches. Pitching box removed and the rubber base of 12 inches by 4 introduced.

1901-1910

Pitchers were not allowed to soil balls. Cork centre introduced. Height of mould restricted to 15 inches higher than the baselines.

1921-1930

250 feet agreed as minimum home run distance. Pitchers could use resin bag.

1931-1940

No fielder was allowed to stand in the line of the batter's vision to avoid any kind of distraction for the batsman (1931). Modifications made in the rules concerning batters contacting balls.

1951-1960

No equipment is allowed in the field if a player is not using it. Minimum boundary set at 325-400-325 feet for all new parks. No players were allowed to even wear gloves while fielding. This helped in cutting down distracting elements from the field for the batter.

1971-1980

Players were asked to wear protective helmets. Standardization of glove size and color was done in 1973.  Save rule modified. Balls used in a baseball match were covered with horse skin. With the shortage in the supply of horse skin balls started coming in cowhide variety.

Post 2000

There were no significant changes or entry into the rulebook after 1980. As the time progressed few changes were made. Expanded replay system to be implemented from the 2014 or 2015 season. The voting on the issue is expected to be done on Thursday.

Softball, a variant of baseball has also become quite popular in the recent years. You can get softball pants and baseball jerseys for your kid if he/she finds it difficult to handle baseballs. The rules are very much the same as the baseball.