The New York Game
This early version of baseball, which was quite similar to rounders, became known as the New York game to distinguish it from another version, the Massachusetts game.
The four bases were usually posts set in the ground, though shallow holes were used in less formal play, and the layout was asymmetrical. The batter, called the "striker," was stationed about 36 feet to the right of the fourth post; he had to run, at an angle, 45 feet to then first post, then 60 feet to second, 72 feet to third, and another 72 feet to fourth, or home.
There were usually eleven players per team, but the number could range from eight to fifteen, depending on how many happened to be available. The thrower had to toss the ball underhanded, and the batter had to try to make it to first base whenever he hit the ball, no matter where it went. In some variations, he had to run even if he swung and missed or if he failed to swing at a good pitch. Because the entire field was in play, there were two catchers stationed well behind the hitter.
The ball used in the New York game was made of loose shavings of rubber, wrapped in yarn and covered with leather, usually horsehide. It was larger and considerably softer than the ball used in the Massachusetts game.
Generally, a team was given three outs per inning, and the game ended when one team had scored 100 runs. Sometimes, however, the "one out, all out" rule was used.
Later, the name was also applied to the version of baseball developed by the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club.