Bonneyville Millers

Vintage Base Ball Club

To demonstrate and interpret nineteenth-century base ball.

To strive for historical authenticity in order to accurately portray the game as it was played.

To promote interest in vintage base ball and encourage the formation of new ball clubs throughout northern Indiana

Base Ball is a Gentleman’s Game:
* Matches are conducted according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, gentlemanly behavior, courtesy and respect for others.
* There is no swearing, spitting, scratching, consumption of alcohol, chewing of tobacco or wagering.
* Gentlemen shall forbear from commenting on umpire’s judgement.

The Umpire:
* Calls foul tics immediately.
* May ask players and cranks for assistance in making calls.
* Does not call balls, and may call strikes, if deemed necessary.
* Levies fines, on the spot, for ungentlemanly conduct.

In Hurling:
* The ball must be hurled underhanded, not jerked or thrown.
* The ball must be delivered as near as possible over the center of home plate.

A Striker is Out When:
* A batted ball is caught on the fly or on one bound off the ground.
* After three swinging or called strikes. Foul tics are not strikes.

Other Differences:
* Players do not wear gloves or other protective equipment.
* There is no sliding, leading off or stealing bases.
*Players crossing home plate safely must then proceed to the tallykeeper’s table, place one hand on the table, raise
   the other hand and ask the tallykeeper to please tally his ace for his team. He is then instructed to strike the tally bell.
   Only then does his ace count.
* A runner may not advance if the striker’s ball is caught on the fly. He will be instructed to return to his base and may
   not be put out.
* A runner may advance at his own risk if the striker’s ball is caught on one bound, fair or foul.