The Batsman
-To become a good batsman, it is in Baseball as in Cricket. The player must have confidence, nerve, and decision. Of course a good eye is a sine quâ non. The batsman, to be a batsman, must keep in constant practice. When at the bat he must study points. He is not the good batsman who, putting every bit of brute strength into his hits, plays purely for applause from the spectators. Such a batsman is no use to his side. Every time he drives the ball away out into the distance he is giving away a chance for his side, for there are fielders waiting to catch the ball as it descends. The batsman who is of use to his side is the one who strives to place the ball. If he sees an opening between first and second base he will endeavour to hit the ball in that direction. Or he will strive to drop one just over second baseman's [BASEBALL head. At times he will sacrifice his own chance so that someone else on the side may obtain a run or even advance a base.
Batting in Baseball is different from batting in Cricket. To begin with, in England's national game a bat is used; in America's national pastime a club, by no means so broad as the cricket bat, is brought into requisition. In Cricket the ball is bowled and usually touches the ground before reaching the batsman. In Baseball the ball is pitched like full toss. However, cricketers as a rule will find that they will soon pick up the knack of using the club to advantage. a Immediately the batsman hits a fair ball, he endeavours to get to first base. If he gets there without being caught, or before the ball can be sent to first baseman in time to retire him, he at once begins scheming how he is to reach second base in safety.
He may get there on a safe hit made by the succeeding batsman, or he may steal second; that is, that either when the pitcher is off his guard or when he is actually delivering the ball, he makes a dash for second base and arrives there before he can be put out. When he succeeds in making the tour of the bases, the run is scored.
If you consult the diagram you will find I have treated of all the figures except the F. L. (Foul Line) and C. B. (Coacher's Box). I shall now proceed to describe them.