ROUNDERS, a ball game played in England and the United States, but not attaining to any popularity before 1800. It was the immediate ancestor of Baseball (q.v.). Up to 1889 no code of rules existed, but two governing bodies were formed, the National Rounders Association of Liverpool and Vicinity and the Scottish Rounders Association. These, with the later Gloucester Rounders Association, drew up the rules now recognized.
A hard ball similar to that used in baseball was adopted, and the rule by which a runner could be put out by hitting him with a thrown ball abandoned. The bat must not exceed 31in. in diameter nor 35in. in length. The game is similar to baseball, but there are several important differences, the most radical being that the ball may be hit in any direction, as at cricket. The original pentagon has been discarded in favour of an elongated diamond, the home base being at one end and 1st, and and 3rd bases at the other points, while the 4th base is situated on the line of 3rd base to wards home and 17yd. from the former, the sides of the diamond being 22yd. in length. The bowler stands in a space marked off in the centre of the diamond and tosses the ball to the batsman, who must hit at every "good" ball, i.e., one that is straight over the
home-base and between head and knee. Two bad balls score one for the batsman. If the latter hits the ball he must run to 1st base and then 2nd, and so on round to home again, resting at any base; but he may be put out if the batted ball be caught on the fly or first bounce or the backstop (wicket-keeper in cricket) catch a ball struck at but not hit, or the batsman be touched with a ball while running between bases. Ten players constitute a side and three innings apiece are played, every player batting once in each innings. Each base made counts one. The backstop is placed directly behind the batsman, and behind the backstop are placed 1st cover (right), longstop (middle), and 4th cover (left). The 1st, and and 3rd basemen are stationed at the bases, while behind them in the field are placed the and cover (right), centre cover and 3rd cover (left). The bases are designated by light wooden posts. An umpire presides over the game.