The basic differences between the rules of 1861, 1864, and 1865 (as defined in the Beadle’s Dime Base-Ball Player guides) and those of the modern game are:

1861 1864 1865
Strikes are called after a warning to the batter for not swinging at a good pitch
(3 strikes = out)		 Strikes are called after a warning to the batter for not swinging at a good pitch
(3 strikes = out)		 Strikes are called after a warning to the batter for not swinging at a good pitch
(3 strikes = out)
Fouls are not strikes Fouls are not strikes Fouls are not strikes
Balls are not called Balls are called after a warning to the pitcher for poor pitches
(3 balls = walk)		 Balls are called after a warning to the pitcher for poor pitches
(3 balls = walk)
Force out play remains in affect regardless of the order that baserunners are put out Force out play is off if a trailing baserunner is put out Force out play is off if a trailing baserunner is put out
First bound outs First bound outs No first bound outs except on foul balls
Batter can be put out if they
overrun first base		 Batter can be put out if they
overrun first base		 Batter can be put out if they
overrun first base

Equipment

  • No gloves!
  • No catcher’s mask, chest protector, or shin guards.
  • Ball is 9.5 inches in circumference, 5.5 ounces in weight, and is made from a single piece of leather (a modern baseball is between 5 and 5.25 ounces, 9 to 9.25 inches in circumference and is made from two symmetrical pieces of leather)
  • Bat can be no more than 2.5″ in diameter but there is no restriction on the length or size of the handle (we avoid using modern bats that have a thin handle even though there is no rule against them because they weren’t in use back then)

Field

  • Home base is iron, circular, white, and between 9 inches and 13 inches in circumference
  • The batters line is a line drawn through the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three feet from either side thereof, and parallel with the line occupied by the pitcher
  • Pitcher’s “mound” is a line 45 feet from home plate, 12 feet wide
  • Bases are canvas squares
  • Foul lines from home to 1st base and home to 3rd base