The true origin of baseball is still debated today, but it is generally believed to have evolved in North America from a European game called rounders which was brought over by settlers. The first official baseball rules were written in the mid-1800s and laid the groundwork for the rules of the game as it is played today.
Knickerbocker Rules
The first known published set of baseball rules appeared in 1848. Alexander Cartwright wrote the baseball rules in 1845 known as the Knickerbocker rules, which were named after the New York team for which they were created. Cartwright's 20 rules established the infield as 42 paces between home plate and second base and between first and third bases --- working out to roughly the same 90-foot distance between bases used today --- and distinguished between foul and fair balls. He also noted that an umpire was to be appointed, and that the umpire's word on game proceedings was final. The pitcher was required to throw the ball underhand, and while the word "inning" wasn't used, there were three outs in a side. A Knickerbocker rules game lasted until one team earned 21 runs, which were called "counts" or "aces."
First Baseball Convention
The Knickerbocker rules were adopted and modified by various teams, but it wasn't until 1857 that the teams organized as the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP). Sixteen baseball teams participated in the first baseball convention, and set out to create universal rules for the game. These included setting the distance between bases to 90 feet and stating that nine players should be on the field for a team at one time. The 1857 rules set a game's duration to nine innings, with a game becoming official after five full innings of play.
Balls and Strikes
Before 1858, a player could only strike out by swinging at and missing a ball. The NABBP adapted this rule so that an umpire could call a batter out on strikes. In 1863, the rules allowed for a base on balls after three "unfair" balls. In 1889, this became four balls before the batter could take a base.
Leagues
Several professional baseball leagues formed in the late 19th century. The current National League was formed in 1876, and it absorbed many smaller leagues over the years. The modern American League was founded in 1901. In 1903, Major League Baseball, which now governs all rules and regulations of the game, was formed.
References
- "Baseball's First Inning: A History of the National Pastime Through the Civil War"; William J. Ryczek; 2009
- 19th Century Baseball: Evolution of 19th Century Baseball Rules
- "Baseball Rules, Tips, Strategy and Safety"; Jason Porterfield; 2007
- Baseball Almanac: Baseball Rule Change Timeline
- Bloomberg Businessweek: Major League Baseball
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