Dummocks and Baseball

Legitimate blows given in certain games.

-G.F. Northall's Warwickshire Word-Book, 1896

Abner Doubleday, according to legend, on June 12, 1839 formalized his rules of baseball. At that time it was called "knickerbocker rules," since he developed them in Elihu Phinney's cow pasture near Cooperstown, New York.

The rules have definitely changed since then. At first the number of players was not specified, and there was no outfield wall to hit a home run over. The game was to go til the first team reached 21 runs no matter the number of innings. There was no overhand pitching either until 1884.
Here are some old terms that referred to baseball:

• can of corn- a high fly that's easily caught.
• ukulele hitter- a player who makes short hits
• sold out- bases full
• carry a safe- to run slowly

The actual baseball was also called a cantaloupe, potato, tomato, punkin, horsehide, pellet, pill, and an apple and onion.

I love baseball! I thought this was some interesting trivia! My church team is also on our way to Regionals this weekend so wish us luck!