What was baseball and its rules like during the pre modern era?

Joe: What was baseball and its rules like during the pre modern era?
Whenever i ask a question about baseball , people always separate the modern era and the pre modern era. Why? What are the pros and cons to the pre modern era and the rules of the game at the time?

Do you think the games rules are better now or before? and why?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Utter Chaos
Before 1900 the rules changed quite a bit. Here are just a few of the rules that were in place at one time.

The pitching mound was closer.
At various times it took 5, 6, and 7 balls for a walk.
The batter could request where he wanted the pitch.
You could throw the ball at a runner to get him out.
If a fielder caught the ball on a bounce the batter was out.

Answer by Mossimo
I think it was better in the pre-modern ERA. Back then, the strike zone was a lot bigger (shoulders to shins) so the game went along quicker, and didn’t take 4 hours to play like today’s game

Today, it’s become so much more about the pitcher. If you have a good starting pitcher, you’ll likely win the game. In my opinion, it’s gone from becoming a team sport to an individual sport

Answer by yr2square
Before Babe Ruth came along, and they introduced the”live” ball, baseball fans would say things like, he’s our best player, last season he almost hit a homerun.

Answer by David
it wasn’t as complicated as it was today