BASE BALL.

The American National. Game of Base Ball.—We have been so inundated with communications in reference to the mode of playing the game of Base Ball, that although we gave direction in our last issue as to where the rules of the game could be purchased, we have concluded to give a diagram and the rules, in order that those who desire to form clubs may be prepared for action at the commencement of the next season.

The game of Base Ball is generally played by nine on each side. The names of the points and positions of the players can be seen on the diagram. In matches, an umpire is chosen on each side, and a referee to decide, when the umpires cannot agree. For the rules of the game, we have drawn largely on a pretty little edition of the By-laws, Rules, &c., of the “Putnam Club,” published by Baker & Godwin, over the Tribune building, which, with reference to the diagrams, will give a good idea of the game, as it is played at present. We have suggested, and shall continue to suggest some innovations on the old rules, which we think may add to the interest of the game—always subject, however, to the decision of a convention of the Base Ball Clubs, which we hope will convene before long, to regulate the details of this popular game.

The captain, umpires, and referee having been chosen, the captains shall have absolute direction of the games, and shall designate the position each player shall occupy in the field.

It shall be the duty of the umpires to see that the game is properly kept; they shall decide all disputes and differences relative to the game, from which decision there shall be no appeal, except to the referee.

The bat or club is of hickory or ash, about 3 feet long, tapering, and about 2½ to 3 inches in diameter at the lower end, and round; the ball varies from 5½ to 6 ounces in weight, and from 2¾ to 3¼ inches in diameter.

The bases shall be, from home to 2d base, 42 paces; from 1st to 3d base, 42 paces, equi-distant; and from home to pitcher, not less than 15 paces (see diagram).

The game to consist of 21 counts or aces; but, at the conclusion, an equal number of hands must be played—that is, the last to go in at the commencement of the game shall have the last innings, the total score to decide the game.

The ball must be pitched, not thrown or jerked, for the bat.

A ball knocked outside and behind the range of the first or third bases, shall be considered foul, and shall not count the striker an ace.

Three balls being struck at and missed, and the last one caught, is a hand out; if not caught, it is considered fair, and the striker bound to run to the 1st base.

A ball being struck at and tipped, and caught, either flying or on the first bound, is a hand out.

A player must make his first base after striking a fair ball; but should the ball be in the hands of an adversary on the first base before the striker reaches that base, it is a hand out.

A player shall be put out, if at any time when off a base he is touched by a ball in the hands of an adversary.

A player cannot be put out making one base, when a baulk is made by the pitcher.

Players must make the bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and the striker not put out, the first base must be vacated, as well as the next base of bases, if similarly occupied. Players, while running to 3d and 3d base, or home, may be put out under these circumstances, in the same manner as when running to the first base.

A ball knocked out of the field, or limit, but one base shall be made thereon by the striker.

A player who shall intentionally prevent an adversary from catching or getting a ball, is a hand out.

A player must must be allowed every opportunity to make his base, and in case of his being prevented by their occupation by an adversary, he shall be entitled to his base.

If two hands are out, a player running home at the time a ball is struck, cannot make an ace if the striker is caught out.

A player coming home from 3d base, is entitled to the mark, if home before another is run out.

Three hands out, all out.

Players must take their strikes in regular rotation; and, after the first inning is played, the turn commences at the player who stands next to the one on the list who lost the third hand.