The VBBF has adopted the most interesting
rules in use from 1860 to 1900.
All other regular baseball rules apply.

1. BALLS & STRIKES: 6 Balls = Walk. 3 Strikes = Out.

2. FOUL BALLS: Not counted as strikes. Any foul tip caught by catcher is an out, regardless of the number of strikes

3. FOUL BOUND RULE: Any foul ball caught on one bounce is an out. A fielder may not drop the ball to catch it on one bounce. Foul bounces must be caught within the designated area of play. Runners may advance.

4. FOUL FORCE RULE: On a foul ball that is not caught for an out, a runner (anticipating a hit) may be forced out if the ball is returned to the pitcher, and relayed from the pitcher's box to the base before the arriving runner. If a pitcher's throw is errant, runners can advance at will.

5. HIT BATSMAN: No base awarded. Counted as a ball. Dead ball. No base advance for runners.

6. LIMITED BALK: No balks on throws to any base. Fake throws to any base, while in or out of the pitchers box, are allowed. Pitchers may fake one or more throws to a base, then throw home. A balk only occurs when a pitcher starts to pitch, then throws to a base.

7. NO INFIELD FLY RULE: A fielder can purposely drop a pop fly to start a double play.

8. NO TIMEOUTS: Only a Club Captain and the umpire can call for a timeout. A batter who steps out of the box can be quick pitched. And a runner can be picked off.

9. NO INTENTIONAL WALK: Pitcher must pitch around the batter.

10. GENTLEMAN'S RULE: In the event the umpire has "missed" a play, due only to a blocked view, a Captain can request a "Gentleman's Ruling" to reverse the call. The umpire will then announce, "A Gentleman's Ruling has been requested." Only players involved in the play must truthfully relate what transpired and a call can be reversed. Also, either club Captain can challenge a rule interpretation by requesting a meeting with the umpire and both Captains, and a call can be reversed.

11. CRANK CALL: If the Gentleman's Ruling fails to resolve a difference of opinion about a play, the umpire may appeal to the fans, or "Cranks" as they're called in vintage base ball jargon.

1. BATTER'S CHOICE: Once the umpire announces "Striker to the line," and the batter steps into the box, the umpire will ask the batter for his "Desired strike zone preference." The batter can call for a low strike (belt to knee) or high strike (belt to armpits). The umpire will then announce to the pitcher "Striker has requested low (or high) strikes." Throughout the at bat, only low or high strikes will be called. If a batter does not make a request, both high and low strikes will be called. Note: The belt area is a strike for either zone.

2. PITCHER'S BOX: There is no mound or rubber. Pitchers throw from a box that measures 4' wide x 6' deep and is outlined in chalk. The front line of the box is 50' from home plate (if the field has a mound, the back of the pitchers box will have a slight slope). Important: the pitcher must begin and end inside of box on each pitch. If not, the umpire can call a no-pitch violation. If violation occurs twice in same at-bat, batter is awarded first base.

3: HOMEPLATE: Home plate is a 12"x12"x1/2" wood base, painted white, that sits loosely on the ground, with a corner point facing the pitcher's box. A modern home plate is permitted if a game is played on a modern field.

4: BASES: Bases are square bags filled with sand or sawdust that sit loosely at each location. No stationary bases unless field has stationary bases in place.

5. FIELD: Modern diamonds are acceptable. However, the ideal vintage field is all grass, which can sometimes be found in public parks. Such a field will likely require a simple backstop constructed of wood and heavy chicken wire. An outfield fence is not required, but a temporary snow fence can enclose the outfield, with distances of 275' to 300.'

6. UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT: Players must use VBBF sanctioned uniforms and equipment including baseballs, bats, gloves and catchers gear. Modern baseball shoes are permitted but must be all black with logos blacked out. Metal or rubber cleats are permitted.

7: CATCHERS GEAR: Catchers gear includes glove, mask and chest protector ­ but no shin guards. As a substitute for shin guards, catcher may wear soccer shin guards under uniform socks, or kneepads stacked from ankle to knee. Catcher's mitt must be VBBF. Catcher may also wear a half-finger glove on throwing hand.

8. BALLS: Game balls may be replaced only if lost or defective. Traditionally, one ball was used for an entire game. Note: This may not be possible in all locations and new balls may be needed to expedite play.

9. BASE COACH: Only one or no base coaches permitted. A coach may move from the first base box to the third base box, depending on the situation.

10. CAPTAIN: Each club needs a Captain who knows the vintage rules and is team spokesman and organizer. Captains may wear the letter "C" on uniform shoulder.

11. UMPIRE: One umpire only. Positioned behind the pitchers box or 15' behind, and at a 45-degree angle to, the batter. Umpire will move from side to side depending on whether the batter is a lefty or righty. Calls are made in a slightly raised voice with simple hand gestures. The umpire must wear period dress and may smoke a cigar. Note: Contact local Umpire's Association for candidates who might be willing to learn about vintage base ball.

12. HOME TEAM: Determined by the umpire, flipping a coin at home plate between the clubs Captains just prior to the game. This is done at all games, home and away.

13. PINCH RUNNERS: Pinch Runners are permitted only in case of injury. The Pinch Runner must be the last player to have made an out. Pinch Runners may not be used simply to replace a slow player. The runner being pinch run for may remain in game. Note: Pinch Runner rule not allowed in VBBF playoffs or World Series.

14. NOT PERMITTED: Exterior protective gear, including batting gloves, helmets, wrist bands, elbow pads, shin guards (except catcher), etc. Also, no uniform numbers, player names, sponsor logos, sunglasses, or jewelry.

15. CLUB ROSTERS: Limit of three (3) former minor leaguers, which includes independent and foreign leagues. May include one (1) former major league player (which counts against minor league limit), who has been retired for at least five years.

16. TOWN BALL: To replicate as much as possible the early town ball clubs, the greatest distance between any two players must be less than 40 miles. In rural areas, the distance between any two players must be less than 80 miles. Following the above guidelines, clubs may draw from multiple states.

17. HONOR SYSTEM: By joining the VBBF, clubs and players are pledged to adhere to Regulations 15 and 16 above.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Sportsmanship is paramount in vintage base ball. Arguing with the umpire, charging the pitcher, taunting, and fighting are not permitted. Clubs or players who breach this code risk being barred from the VBBF.

GENTLEMANLY PLAY: Respect must be shown for the game. There is no berating the umpire, the fans, or the opposing club. Celebrations are limited to handshakes. No posing at home plate, curtain calling, chest bumping, or high fives! Applauding an opposing player is proper. And the umpire must always be addressed as "Sir."

JARGON: To make the 19th Century game come alive, players should adopt the period base ball jargon:

HISTORY: Most clubs adopt the name and uniform style of an actual 19th or early 20th century club that played in their town or county. A little research at the local library or historical society office will turn up many details that can be incorporated by your club. Connecting with the history of the town will also build community support.

PLAYER NICKNAMES: Nicknames were an important part of 19th century base ball. Your players should all have nicknames with a period flavor. Examples: "Crazy Legs" for a fast runner; "Death to Flying Things," a nickname for Jack Chapman, famous for his one-handed outfield catches; "Short Order" for a player whose last name is Cook.

HIP! HIP! HUZZAH! At the end of each game the clubs gather on opposite sides of home plate, and the winning Captain makes a short speech congratulating the losing club on their fine play or effort. The winning club, with caps held aloft, cheers HIP, HIP HUZZAH! Then the losing Captain gives a similar speech, his club cheers HIP, HIP HUZZAH! And the players all shake hands.
Note: Extra "HIP, HIP HUZZAH!" cheers are often given for the umpire or the town where the game was played.

RUN EVERYTHING OUT: With gloves no bigger than a man's hand, there is no such thing as a routine play. A vintage game is a wonderful mix of routine plays gone awry and difficult plays executed perfectly. Nothing is taken for granted. Every play is an adventure.

SMALL BALL: All the elements that make baseball a great game are magnified in vintage base ball. The bunt, the steal, the hit and run, and the squeeze are frequent occurrences. With the slightly deader ball, batters must "hit 'em where they ain't." The smaller catcher's glove forces pitchers to use finesse instead of power. The outfielders need to use both hands. And for infielders, the game is catch and flip, rather than pump and gun.

QUICK PITCH: Because quick pitches are legal, the pitcher can pretend not to be ready, and then suddenly fire the ball to the plate. Multiple fake throws to a base can lull a batter into relaxing or stepping back from the plate, setting him up for a sneaky fastball. A pitcher can take a return throw from a fielder and suddenly spin and fire the ball to the plate.

HIDDEN BALL TRICK: Since there is no rule requiring the pitcher to have the ball in his hand while he's in the pitchers box, and no time outs between plays, there are many opportunities to successfully pull this off. Crafty infielders will also slip the ball into a back pocket while showing free hands, inviting the runner to lead off base.

 

Is any research needed to start a club?
Most vintage clubs model themselves after an actual 19th century professional or amateur club from their town or county. Research at your local library or historical society can provide ideas about club names, uniform styles, player nicknames, etc.

Town history may also give you ideas for club names. For example, a Westfield, Massachusetts club calls itself the Wheelmen, in honor of that town's 19th century manufacturing of the first bicycles.

Where do we find players?
Most vintage clubs will be conventional baseball and softball teams that convert to vintage base ball or just want to add vintage base ball to their summer play. Clubs can also be started from scratch by letting the local newspaper or television station know you are interested in starting a vintage club, and having them do a story about it. Word of mouth should also work, especially if you direct them to the VBBF web site.

How much will it cost to start a club?
A first year club will pay about $6,500 for uniforms, equipment, field rental, VBBF membership, umpires and misc. Based on the suggested roster of 18, the average cost per player comes to $360. A roster of 15 would average $435 per player. In subsequent years, clubs should budget about $1,500 ($100-$125 per player) mostly for equipment.

Can I get a sponsor?
A vintage base ball club is a unique sponsor opportunity as it embraces the roots of your community's baseball past while promoting sportsmanship and competitive gentlemanly play. Many clubs today get sponsorships through local museums, historical societies, or chamber of commerce. Local companies with roots dating back many generations are ideal candidates for sponsorship. A group of sponsors may want to combine for $1,000 each, for the good of the community.

Do we need insurance?
Town permits and insurance will likely be requested. VBBF club membership includes a standard, annual calendar year, $1 million town liability policy that covers multiple field locations.

How should I structure my club?
Vintage base ball clubs are like any other good baseball or softball teams. You should have 15-20 committed players, including three or four pitchers, three solid catchers, and a fast centerfielder. In other words, strong up the middle.

How old are vintage players?
Ideally your roster should be diversified. To replicate the early town ball clubs, you may want to have players in all age groups, from 16-year-old high school players, to 40-year-old coaches,

Can a vintage club have college players?
Active college players can participate in regular season games. However, playing in VBBF post-season tournaments is likely to affect a player's college eligibility under NCAA rules.

What control does the VBBF have over member clubs?
Very little. Clubs may play as many games as they choose to play, against whichever clubs they choose to play - VBBF or non-VBBF. However, during VBBF post-season tournaments, the VBBF will determine the number of games played and club match-ups.

Do we need a league to play in?
No. Most clubs will schedule single "challenge matches" with other VBBF member and nonmember vintage clubs. To cut down on travel, clubs may want to encourage the formation of other clubs in the same county. The VBBF web site will list clubs in your area (with contact information), and keep you up to date on new clubs.

What about vintage clubs that play by other rules?
There are approximately 225 vintage clubs in the country, playing under a variety of rules, based on which year a club chooses to focus on (1860s, 1870s, 1880s, etc.). This has caused confusion in the scheduling of games, which is why the VBBF has codified the most interesting rules in use from 1860 to 1900.

How often will we play?
That's completely up to your club. Some clubs will want to play no more than half a dozen games, especially if they're also playing regular baseball or softball games. Dedicated clubs may want to play as many as 15 to 20 games. There is no minimum requirement for VBBF clubs.

Where will we play?
Vintage baseball can be played on any conventional baseball field. (See Rules & Regulations for how to position the pitcher's box.) Vintage base ball can also be played in an open park (as was common in the 19th century) on an all grass field with no infield dirt. This may require building a simple wood-framed, wire backstop, but it might be worth it for that authentic look.

How long do vintage games last?
Most games last between 2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on whether the game is 7 or 9 innings. VBBF post-season games will be 9 innings.

How difficult is it to catch a ball with the small glove?
Very. That's why the game is so much fun to watch and play. The first rule of vintage base ball is that there is no such thing as a routine play. Infielders have to knock the ball down. Outfielders must use two hands. Unlike the modern game, the player (not the equipment) makes the play. A one-handed grab of a long fly ball is a thing of beauty.

How fast is vintage pitching?
The difficulty of catching a pitched ball with the relatively small catcher's mitt (slightly larger than a vintage fielder's glove) dictates that pitchers not throw too hard, which is historically correct. Vintage pitching is characterized by control, changing speeds, and moving the ball around. Also, without a mound or a rubber, pitchers will not be able to get as much on the ball. This saves wear and tear on the catcher. (See Rules & Regulations)

What about the vintage catcher?
In vintage base ball, the most challenging position on the field is catcher. Catchers position themselves in a modified half crouch, two to three feet beyond where a modern catcher plays. Pitches are caught in the mitt, with the throwing hand cupped behind the mitt.

Are there safety concerns with vintage base ball?
Vintage base ball is not known for injuries, beyond the usual sprains and pulls. This may be due to the game's most significant compensating factor: the small glove and lack of batting helmets are offset by the softer, deader ball. To reduce the chances of injury even further, the VBBF has developed a historically accurate padded fielder's glove and is working on a special batter's hat, with plastic insert shields.

Where do we find vintage umpires?
This should not be a problem. Only one umpire is used for a vintage game and the rules are fun and easy to learn. Contact your local umpire association. Most umpires will enjoy dressing in period garb and working games where they must always be addressed as "Sir." (See Rules & Regulations)

What does a Captain do?
The Captain is today's version of Manager and General Manager. Your Captain should be a player, or non-player, who has an appreciation and understanding of baseball history and vintage rules and strategies. The Captain will be your club spokesman and will lead the post-game tribute speech to the opposing team. (See Rules & Regulations)

What is competitive gentlemanly play?
It's an approach to base ball that values fair play over rough play, and sportsmanship over gamesmanship. The VBBF believes that is "The way the game was meant to be played."

 

 

 UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

The VBBF will offer one-stop shopping for authentic, historically correct uniforms and equipment at or below market prices. VBBF members can design their own uniforms, mixing and matching fabric colors, accents, and letter fonts. Scroll down to see the full line of uniforms and equipment.

By November 1, 2006, you will be able to click on the uniform style of your choice and download an order form to see what options are available in that style. You will also see the price structure for uniforms and equipment.

UNIFORMS

Authentic 19th Century replica uniforms come with metal buttons and sewn-on felt lettering. The only compromise - for easy wash and wear and durability - is a double-knit fabric that we've bulked up for that classic baggy look. Assorted colors and accents will allow clubs to create their own one-of-a-kind vintage look.

National Association Bib Front

American Association 3/4 Lace Front

American Association 3/4 Button Front

Players League Full Button

Turn of the Century Short Collar

19th Century Classic String Tied Knicker

Turn of the Century Placket

CAPS

These are the two classic, short visor caps worn by 19th century ball clubs. Made from wool blend fabric, and available in assorted colors and accents.

Pillbox		19th Century Classic
Two Stripes	One Stripe	Six Panel	Letter Front

GLOVES & BALL

Exclusive VBBF model fielder's glove and catcher's mitt duplicate equipment used in the 1880s. Made from 100% leather, with padded fingers and classic crescent-moon palm. Catcher's mitt has extra thick padding for hand safety.
Note: Fielder's gloves were used for all positions except catcher.
Exclusive VBBF lemon peel stitch, low compression "dead" ball.

Fielder's Glove	Official Ball	Catcher's Mitt

BATS

VBBF bats are modeled on those used in the late 1800s. Except where marked, bats will range in size and weight between - 33" and 35" / 32 - 35 oz. Bats shown below are for style only. Actual line available soon.

Ax Handle

Mushroom

Wagon Tongue

Butcher Boy

The Gladiator

Falls City Slugger

Flat Bat - 36" - 36 oz only

CATCHER'S GEAR

19th century catcher's gear was primitive and offered little protection. Accordingly, the VBBF is developing a line of gear that looks authentic, but protects the catcher. The pictures below capture the flavor.

Chest Protector	Mask	Shin Guards

Click here to see Vintage Base Ball Photos of recent events

 

 

 FEDERATION BENEFITS

Once this website is no longer under construction, your club is invited to join the Vintage Base Ball Federation. Review the benefits and obligations below, and if you are interested in joining the VBBF, CONTACT US now by completing the form at the bottom of the page.

Club Member Benefits:

1. Belong to an international family of clubs

2. Compete in tournaments and special events

3. Eligible to qualify for annual World Series

4. Below market prices for uniforms & equipment

5. Sell your club merchandise on VBBF website

6. Design your own uniforms on VBBF website

7. Post schedules and games results on VBBF website

8. Member forum and newsletter on VBBF website

9. Town Liability Insurance

 

Club Member Obligations:

1. $500 annual membership fee (includes insurance)

2. Purchase VBBF uniforms & equipment (note: existing
vintage clubs may use their current uniforms)

3. Adhere to VBBF Rules and Code of Conduct

This page should be completed by 11/06.
 

 

  CLUB CONTACTS

To facilitate the forming of clubs and scheduling of games, the CLUB CONTACTS networking board will allow you to communicate directly with clubs and players in your area. However, if you are planning to start a club, you should also CONTACT US below - ASAP.

CLUB CONTACTS

This document is a PDF document. If you can not open the document, download and install Adobe Acrobat and then try again.

 

 

If you are interested in starting a vintage baseball team or club, let us know by filling in the form below.