League Rules of Play
Most games in the ATVBBL use rules from 1860. Some of the differences between those rules and modern baseball include:
Underhand pitching.
If a ball is caught on one bounce, it's an out.
If a ball is caught off a foul tip, either on the fly or one bounce, it's an out.
If a ball is caught on one bounce, runners may advance at will without tagging up.
A ball is determined fair or foul based on where it first strikes the ground. It does not have to pass first or third base to be considered fair.
Fouls are not strikes.
No overrunning first base. If you overrun the base, you can be tagged out.
No stealing.
Balls and strikes were not usually called in 1860. The hurler's job is to pitch balls that the striker can hit. The defense is supposed to put out the striker, not the hurler.
The umpire's word is the law! Only the team captain is permitted to speak to the umpire, who is always addressed as "sir." Any arguing with the umpire, profane language, or ungentlemanly conduct is punishable by a 25 cent fine.
Detailed Rules
1860 Rules
We strive to stick as closely to the 1860 rules as possible. At times, the playing field or other conditions may force changes or compromises.
The 1860 rules in detail, as established by the National Association of Base-Ball Players on March 14, 1860 are listed below. Rule interpretations and modifications made by the ATVBBL are in italics.
Sec. 1.
The ball must weigh not less than five and three-fourths, nor more than six ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less than nine and three-fourths, nor more than ten inches in circumference. It must be composed of india-rubber and yarn, and covered with leather, and, in all match games, shall be furnished by the challenging club, and become the property of the winning club, as a trophy of victory.
As of the 2025/2026 season, the ATVBBL uses the 1870's white lemon peel ball as sold by K & P Weaver.
Sec. 2.
The bat must be round, and must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of wood, and may be of any length to suit the striker.
The intention of the rule is that bats be made entirely of wood. The ATVBBA strongly discourages the use of modern, thin handled bats, even if they meet the technical requirements of the rule. Also, all cupped or fungo bats are prohibited.
Sec. 3.
The bases must be four in number, placed at equal distances from each other, and securely fastened upon the four corners of a square, whose sides are respectively thirty yards. They must be so constructed as to be distinctly seen by the umpire, and must cover a space equal to one square foot of surface. The first, second, and third bases shall be canvas bags, painted white, and filled with sand or sawdust; the home base and pitcher’s point to be each marked by a flat circular iron plate, painted or enameled white.
The ATVBBL has set the ideal length between bases at 80 feet. This may be adjusted depending on which field we are playing on at the time. Some fields we play on may be little league or softball fields, which are set up for 65-75 foot base paths. In situations where placing first base 80 feet from home plate would put the base in the outfield, the base paths are shortened. On the rare occasion where a game is played on an actual professional field (such as Warren Ballpark in Bisbee), the full 90 foot base paths are used.
Since we usually play on city park baseball or softball fields, we do not use a "flat circular iron plate" to mark the pitcher's point and home plate. We simply use whatever markings already exist on that field.
There are many occasions where anchoring the base is not possible or practical. If the base moves from its position, the base, not the place, is the safe haven for the base-runner.
Sec. 4.
The base from which the ball is struck shall be designated Home Base, and must be directly opposite to the second base, the first base must always be that upon the right-hand, and the third base that upon the left-hand side of the striker, when occupying his position at the Home Base.
When facing the pitcher.
Sec. 5.
The pitcher’s position shall be designated by a line four yards in length, drawn at right angles to a line from home to the second base, having its center upon that line, at a fixed iron plate, placed at a point fifteen yards distant from home base. The pitcher must deliver the ball as near as possible over the center of the home base and for the striker.
We recommend measuring from the center of home base, assuming home base is centered on the line of the bases. The pitcher must deliver a hittable ball, a requirement with no penalty until 1863, when the calling of balls was introduced. “Hittable” is defined as one foot from the ground to head high, within legitimate reach of the bat. Speed of the pitch is not factor in the determination of a hittable ball.
Generally, a mark is made at a distance 45 feet from home plate and the pitcher delivers the ball from beyond it.
Sec. 6.
The ball must be pitched, not jerked or thrown to the bat; and whenever the pitcher draws back his hand, or moves with the apparent purpose or pretension to deliver the ball, he shall so deliver it, and he must have neither foot in advance of the line at the time of delivering the ball; and if he fails in either of these particulars, then it shall be declared a baulk.
Note [from Beadle’s 1860]: According to Section 6, the pitcher makes a baulk when he either jerks a ball to the bat, has either foot in advance of the line of his position, or moves his hand or arm with the apparent purpose of pitching, without actually delivering the ball.
Pitching is underhand, with the arm perpendicular to the ground, the motion likened to that of a clock pendulum. The “time of delivery” of the ball is defined by the NABBP as the moment the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Bias or spin may be applied to the pitched ball. The ball may be pitched at any speed.
Jerking is touching the body during the forward motion of the arm. Jerking is a baulk according to the note in Beadle’s; throwing is not specifically mentioned in this note. Whether throwing is called as a baulk, we leave to the discretion of the umpire. Failing to deliver the ball after the pitcher begins his regular motion(s), and stepping over the line are clearly baulks.
There is nothing in the rules requiring a pitcher to cross his legs, stand in any particular manner, or present the ball to the striker.
Sec. 7.
When a baulk is made by the pitcher, every player running the bases is entitled to one base, without being put out.
Sec. 8.
If the ball, from the stroke of the bat, is caught behind the range of home and the first base, or home and the third base, without having touched the ground or first touches the ground behind those bases, it shall be termed foul, and must be so declared by the umpire, unasked. If the ball first touches the ground, or is caught without having touched the ground, either upon, or in front of the range of those bases, it shall be considered fair.
The ATVBBL has determined that the ball may only contact ONE object other than a player to be considered a single bound. Example; if a ball bounces on the ground then contacts a fence before being caught that is considered TWO bounds.
If a ball comes to rest or is stuck (such as in a fence or tree) it will not be considered on the bound and, if fair, is a live ball.
Sec. 9.
A player making the home base, shall be entitled to score one run.
Sec. 10.
If three balls are struck at, and missed, and the last one is not caught, either flying or upon the first bound, it shall be considered fair, and the striker must attempt to make his run.
On a third strike swung at and missed, the striker MUST attempt to make his base. (NOTE: Rule 37 adds that this includes a called third strike.) This rule applies whether first base is occupied or not, and regardless of the number of outs at the time of the play.
The ATVBBL does not follow this rule because of the confusion it creates for the striker, fielders and arbitrator.
Sec. 11.
The striker is out if a foul ball is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound;
Sec. 12.
Or, if three balls are struck at and missed, and the last is caught, either before touching the ground or upon the first bound,
Sec. 13.
Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is caught either without having touched the ground, or upon the first bound;
As mentioned in Sec. 8, the "first bound" is the first time the ball touches the ground or any other non-player object (i.e. fence, tree, wall, etc.) If the ball bounds twice off of anything other than a player, it is not considered caught for an out. In order for a ball to be considered caught for an out it must either be caught in the air or after striking only 1 object which is not a player.
Base-runners are free to advance after the first bound, whether or not the ball is subsequently caught for an out.
Sec. 14.
Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball held by an adversary on the first base, before the striker touches that base.
Sec. 15.
Any player running the bases is out, if at any time he is touched by the ball while in play in the hands of an adversary, without some part of his person being on a base.
If the fielder has the ball in his hand, and is in control of the ball, once he touches the runner the out is recorded, and anything that happens after that does not affect the call. Control of the ball after the tag is not necessary, and won’t become so until 1877.
Sec. 16.
No ace nor base can be made upon a foul ball, nor when a fair ball has been caught without having touched the ground, and the ball shall, in the former instance, be considered dead, and not in play until it shall first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher; in either case the players running the bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base.
On a foul ball, the base runners must return to their base. They may be put out in returning after the pitcher has possession of the ball. The pitcher may be anywhere on the field. In 1860 rules there are no “free backs” to the base. On a fair ball, caught on the fly, base runners must return to their base and they may be put out in returning, directly (no pitcher needed). On a caught fair fly, the base runner may immediately advance after successfully returning to his base (“tagging up”)
Sec. 17.
The striker must stand on a line drawn through the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three feet either side thereof, and parallel to the line occupied by the pitcher. He shall be considered the striker until he has made the first base. Players must strike in regular rotation, and, after the first innings is played, the turn commences with the player who stands on the list next to the one who lost the third hand.
We rarely have a striker's line. Any position within the modern batter's box is okay.
The ATVBBL has adopted a rule that no striker shall be allowed to intentionally bunt the ball. If the arbitrator deems that a striker has bunted intentionally, the striker will be called out.
Once a striker has reached first, he is considered to be a player running the bases. This will impact rule 24.
The rule spells out the batting succession.
Sec. 18.
Players must make their bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying (or on the first bound), the first base must be vacated, as also the second and third bases, if they are occupied at the same time. Players may be put out on any base, under these circumstances, in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base.
Describes the force out. Chadwick’s description in the Beadle’s suggests the force stays in effect without regard to the order of putout.
In ATVBBL game play, if a runner behind a force play is put out, the force is not removed from the runner in front of him. For example, if there's a man on first, and a ground ball hit back to the pitcher, who then throws to first to put the batter out, there is still a force play at second. The runner can be put out if the ball is thrown to the second baseman and he just tags the base.
Sec. 19.
Players running the bases must, so far as possible, keep upon a direct line between the bases; and, should any player run three feet out of this line, for the purpose of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, he shall be declared out.
The runner can be more than 3 feet out of the line between the bases if his speed around the bases compels it, the rule only penalizes the intentional avoidance of a tag out. The case of a runner who unintentionally overruns first, and then heads for second to avoid a tag out is allowed in ATVBBL play.
Sec. 20.
Any player, who shall intentionally prevent an adversary from catching or fielding the ball, shall be declared out.
A runner who intends to interfere is declared out. A player who is accidentally hit by a batted ball is not out. It is up to the umpire to determine intent.
Sec. 21.
If the player is prevented from making a base, by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that base, and not put out.
Note: These two latter sections are, of course, intended solely for any willful and unnecessary obstruction. It is impossible that a player, while in the act of fielding a swiftly-sent ball, can always be on the look-out as to where his adversary is running; or that a player running the bases can always be equally careful in regard to his preventing an adversary from getting to his base. The umpire must alone decide this difficult question, and he should never hesitate to put a stop to any tendency to infringe the rules in this respect.
Blocking a runner off the base, (including setting up to take a throw in front of the base) is obstruction, and the runner is given the base. As with the previous rule, determining intent is the key to making the call, but the fielder has the responsibility to avoid obstruction if at all possible.
Sec. 22.
If an adversary stops a ball with his hat or cap, or takes it from the hands of a party not engaged in the game, no player can be put out unless the ball shall first have settled in the hands of the pitcher.
The pitcher may be anywhere on the field of play. Vintage ball games today rarely, if ever have spectators in fair territory in the field of play.
Sec. 23.
If a ball, from the stroke of a bat, is held under any other circumstances than as enumerated in Section 22, and without having touched the ground more than once, the striker is out.
A clarification of the rule 22 “no hat” rule. This to further describe the word “caught” – that a ball did not have to be caught in the hands – that it could be trapped between the arm and the body, for instance.
Sec. 24.
If two hands are already out, no player running home at the time a ball is struck, can make an ace if the striker is put out.
A run scoring on the 3rd out of an inning, is an issue of timing. The umpire must determine if the run scored before the 3rd out was made. The exception was the striker, if he is the third out, before reaching first, no run can score, without regard to the timing. The striker is no longer the striker after he has safely reached his first (rule 17). At that point he is a base runner, and the issue becomes a matter of timing.
Sec. 25.
An inning must be concluded at the time the third hand is put out.
The batter leading off the next inning is the batter after the player who made the third out, not necessarily the next in batting order. For example, if there's a man on first with two outs, and a ground ball is hit to short, who tosses it to the second baseman for the final out, then the player in the batting order who is immediately after the runner who was put out at second leads off the following inning.
Sec. 26.
The game shall consist of nine innings to each side, when, should the number of runs be equal, the play, shall be continued until a majority of runs, upon an equal number of innings, shall be declared, which shall conclude the game.
On days where a team plays multiple games, games will be seven innings long.
Sec. 27.
In playing all matches, nine players from each club shall constitute a full field, and they must have been regular members of the club they represent, and of no other club, for thirty days prior to the match. No change or substitution shall be made after the game has been commenced, unless for reason of illness or injury. Position of players and choice of innings shall be determined by captains previously appointed for that purpose by the respective clubs.
Substitutes must be in good standing with the league, in that they must have a signed waiver on file and be current on dues. Players who arrive late because of unforeseen circumstances will be allowed to replace a substitute.
A team must be able to field 8 men on the field in order to be an official game. If a team is unable to field 8 players within the 15 minute grace period allowed (section 35) by the league, a forfeit is declared.
Sec. 28.
The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting balls, bats, bases, and the pitcher’s and striker’s positions, are strictly observed. He shall keep record of the game, in a book prepared for the purpose; he shall be the judge of fair and unfair play, and shall determine all disputes and differences which may occur during the game; he shall take especial care to declare all foul balls and baulks, immediately upon their occurrence, unasked, and in a distinct and audible manner.
This section allows the umpire to decide issues not specifically covered in the rules. Foul balls and baulks are the calls the umpire is required to make unasked. Most other plays are not called by the umpire, unless judgment is asked.
Sec. 29.
In all matches the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the duties enumerated in Section 28, except recording the game, which shall be done by two scorers, one of whom shall be appointed by each of the contending clubs.
Sec. 30.
No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be, either directly or indirectly, interested in any bet upon the game. Neither umpire, scorer, nor player shall be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both parties (except for a violation of this law), except as provided in Section 27, and then the umpire may dismiss any transgressor.
Sec. 31.
The umpire of any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and if the game can not be concluded, it shall be determined by the last even innings, provided five innings have been played, and the party having the greatest number of runs shall be declared the winner.
Sec. 32.
Clubs may adopt such rules respecting balls knocked beyond or outside of bounds of the field, as the circumstances of the ground may demand; and these rules shall govern all matches played upon the ground, provided that they are distinctly made known to every player and umpire, previous to the commencement of the game.
Special ground rules should be agreed on prior to the match.
Sec. 33.
No person shall be permitted to approach or to speak with the umpire, scorers, or players, or in any manner to interrupt or interfere during the progress of the game, unless by special request of the umpire.
Sec. 34.
No person shall be permitted to act as umpire or scorer in any match, unless he shall be a member of a Base-Ball Club governed by these rules.
Prohibits “ceremonial” umpires, such as local politicians or other prominent citizens who may have little knowledge of the game. For our purposes, it is important that umpires be very familiar with the specific year’s rules and and playing customs.
Sec. 35.
Whenever a match shall have been determined upon two clubs, play shall be called at the exact hour appointed; and should either party fail to produce their players within fifteen minutes thereafter, the party so failing shall admit a defeat.
Sec. 36.
No person who shall be in arrears to any other club, or who shall at any time receive compensation for his services as player, shall be competent to play in any match.
Sec. 37.
Should a striker stand at the bat without striking at good balls repeatedly pitched to him, for the apparent purpose of delaying the game, or of giving advantage to a player, the umpire, after warning him, shall call one strike, and if he persists in such action, two and three strikes. When three strikes are called, he shall be subject to the same rules as he had struck at three fair balls.
The umpire shall warn the batter after two or more good pitches are ignored. Speed is not factor in the determination of a hittable pitch. After the warning, the umpire shall call strikes.
Conversely, the umpire shall warn the pitcher if 4 unhittable balls are consecutively delivered and commence calling balls and strikes.
Given the importance placed on this rule, vintage programs and umpires should be in the habit of calling strikes after the requisite warning.
League Specific Rules
Leading Off:
We will allow baserunners to lead off the base — up to 6 feet. Basically, a runner should take two regular steps with their left foot and then pivot their right foot toward home plate. That's about 6 feet for most adults. But there will be no pickoff throws, no stealing, no advancing on wild pitches/passed balls. Runners can only advance after the ball is struck by the bat. Leading off is an aesthetic change to make the game look more historically accurate on the field.
Try-out Players:
Teams are permitted to bring players to try-out for one weekend of regular season game play. Try-outs are prohibited during playoffs or tournament play. Teams must already have 9 paid league rostered players in the game (Excluding try-out player(s)). Captains must declare the try-out player(s) prior to game play and must obtain and maintain a signed waiver for ALL try-out players. All league fees must be paid and player must be added to league roster prior to any future game play.
Age Requirement:
Minimum age of player in the ATVBBL is 12 years old.
Courtesy Runners:
Courtesy runners will be allowed in case of a medical/injury reason only. The courtesy runner will be the person with the last recorded out.
Line-up:
All ballists must bat in the lineup, Defensive changes are not limited. Ballists unable to bat due to injury may be removed from the lineup without penalty. They may no longer play a defensive position.
Equipment and Uniforms
This is a No glove league. Exceptions allowed, will be limited to the First Maintainers and the Hurler, glove should be a slap down type or a farmer type looking glove. No batting gloves or modern type gloves will be allowed on the field of play. All other players must play bare handed, no exceptions. However, we do encourage that no player wear a glove as they did not have gloves during the 1860s. Gloves are subject to league approval.
Bats: The bat must be round, and must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of wood, and may be of any length to suit the striker. Logos must be sanded of or painted over. NO FUNGO BATS ALLOWED!
Baseballs: The ball must weigh not less than five and three-fourths, nor more than sixes ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less than nine and three-fourths, nor more than ten inches in circumference. It must be composed of indian-rubber and yarn, and covered with leather. An allotment of league approved game balls will be provided to your team captain at pre-season meeting.
UNIFORMS
All players must have the same vintage style uniform for your team. League minimum uniform is allowed as a substitution. New recruits must wear the league minimum while waiting on their team uniform.
League Minimum Uniform:
1. White or Colored long sleeve dress shirt or similar style of the same color and type (team choice)
2. Long Khaki style or dress pants of same color (team choice)
3. Vintage Style Hat (Hats can not contain any logos)
Absolutely NO shorts or jeans allowed. All uniforms shall be the same style for the entire team.
All cleats/turf shoes should be black in color. Any modern logos should be blacked out and not visible.
No steel spikes allowed, no exceptions, plastic spikes or turf shoes only.
Due to the damaging sunrays in Arizona, our league has adopted a revision to sunglasses. Sunglasses may be worn during game play only if the meet the following criteria:
ALL Prescription sunglasses will be allowed.
Non-prescription sunglasses:
1. No plastic or wrap around frames. All frames must be metal/wire.
2. No mirrored or reflective lenses allowed.
In general, if any piece of equipment gives a player an extra advantage, it is unwelcome in an ATVBBL match, even though it may conform to the rules laid out in 1860.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The following code of conduct applies to all players, representatives and volunteers associated with the ATVBBL.
* I will learn the rules of the game and follow them within the traditions and customs of 1860's base ball with the best of my ability.
* I will treat the arbitrators and volunteers with respect.
* I will bring problems or game play protests to the attention of my team captain for immediate resolutions.
* I will not criticize other teams or their players.
* I will not use unsportsmanlike conduct.
* I will uphold all the rules and regulations of the ATVBBL.
* I will not deliberately incite unsportsmanlike conduct.
* Foul language will not be tolerated.
* I will cleanup after myself and my team and respect all property of others and the facilities for which we play.
* I agree to adhere to the language uniform and equipment policy as written.
As in the true spirit of 1860's base ball, players and cranks (fans) may be fined 25 cents for spitting, scratching, swearing or acting unsportsmanlike. Incurred fines must be paid before game play resumes.
I understand that violation of the code of conduct may result in ejection from the game play at the discretion of the arbitrator and/or ATVBBL officer. I also understand that blatant disregard of the code of conduct or multiple violations may result in an official review by league officers and suspension or permanent removal as an ATVBBL participant. No refunds will be given for league dues.
Vintage Base Ball Terms
Positions:
Modern Term : Vintage Term
Pitcher : Hurler
Outfielder : Gardener
Baseman : Sack/Maintainer
Short Stop : Short Scout
Other Terms:
Modern Term/Vintage Term
Team : Club Nine
Runs : Aces
Out : Player Dead
Side Retired : 3 Hands Dead
Game : Match
Fans : Cranks
Foul Ball : Foul Tic
Batter : Striker